Every property has its own needs, but they all vary from season to season. How can any one person keep up with the seemingly endless laundry list of things to do? Maintenance is far easier if you keep ahead of the game.
These are the best home maintenance checklists for each season and why maintenance is a vital part of homeownership!
Why Maintenance Matters
Home maintenance gives you the opportunity to set yourself up for fewer surprises, better property health, and increasing value in your home. Although it can seem stressful to treat your home like a part-time job, it’s vital that you do so. Dedicating a couple of hours a week can ensure you don’t have to deal with any emergency costs or repairs.
Maintenance saves you from large overhauls and will make the work feel more rewarding and less stressful.
Spring
Spring is a busy season for remodeling and maintenance! If you want to make the most out of it, it’s vital that you pay attention to your home’s needs and take it one step at a time.
Some of the most important maintenance for the spring is doing simple inspections. Check for any new cracks that have formed from the freeze-melt cycle, look at your windows and doors for air leaks, and pay attention to the health of your roof and siding.
This is also a good time to assess the health of your lawn and start your garden.
Spring is also a great time to get ahead of the curve and have your air conditioner checked. Waiting until summer to do so could leave you in uncomfortable heat for longer than anyone wants to be.
Inspect any safety areas on the outside and inside of your home to protect from slipping in the spring showers. Water sealant can save anyone from a horrible fall on a backyard deck while ensuring the materials last longer.
Summer
Summer may be the time you want to sit back and relax, but it’s vital that you stop and get to work maintaining your home. In the summer, it’s a good time to get your insulation checked and consider whether areas like decks or patios need to be refinished.
Summer is also important for anyone who wants to make the most out of their entertainment space. While entertaining, consider whether details like lighting or decking clips could use an update. Think about what would work best for your property.
This season is also the best time to look at drainage in your yard, deep clean your home’s exterior, and pay attention to any cosmetic updates. You can make your dream home a reality during this time of the year.
Fall
Fall is beautiful! Everyone loves to watch the leaves change color, and the cooler temperature makes snuggling up on the couch with loved ones so much more exciting.
In the fall, you need to be prepared for winter as much as possible. This means clearing out your gutters as soon as they start to get clogged or even installing gutter guards if they’re large enough of an issue. You should also look into sealing and repairing any cracks in pavement or concrete since these will get worse once winter arrives.
Don’t forget: your next summer garden starts this fall! Consider what bulb plants you can put in, how you can add health to your soil, and whether you want to change the layout while you’re not actively growing anything.
Winter
Winter can be the most frustrating season for homeowners, but the good news is: if you did your work in the other seasons, there’s less to worry about now! Generally, it’s a good idea to look at your roof and see how snow is melting (if you live in a cold enough area). Snow only melting on the sides of your roof instead of the central areas could mean you need more insulation.
This is also a very obvious time to check for air leaks in your home. Although it’s vital that you try to get this fixed before winter hits, if you’re unsure if you have air leaks, they’ll be more obvious now. Light a candle or dangle a piece of string, and walk near any doors or windows while they’re closed. If the string sways or the candle flickers in one direction- you have a leaky window or doorway you need to repair or replace.
Important Tips
It’s vital that regardless of the time of year, you have the tools you need! Research screws vs. nails for deck updates, look into the right type of roofing for the environment you’re in and consider how you can keep moisture off of your property. The most important thing you can do year-round is keep an eye on your home and look for any changes or damage. Catching issues early can save you thousands in repairs.
Maintenance Never Stops!
Although you may hope for a break, maintenance is something that’s going to be needed every single season for as long as you own your home. Keep on top of these tasks, and work with professionals through Find the Home Pros; you’ll save yourself from a lot of stress and heartache in the long run.
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