Maintenance Ideas for Spring

By Frank G. Ross

 

The blooms on the trees are, to me, the first indication of spring.  With the change in seasons comes the inevitable ritual of Spring Cleaning.  This year let your ritual include a maintenance check of your home. The winter season can be harsh on homes and homeowners should expect to spend some time and money getting the home back into shape. 

 

If the task seems at first just a bit overwhelming, homeowners should be aware that help is available. Home inspectors, who are typically called in to report on the condition of homes for buyers, are uniquely suited to the task of assessing damage and prioritizing Spring maintenance tasks.  And those that follow a Code of Ethics will not engage in any repair work themselves, thus avoiding a conflict of interest.

 

For homeowners confused about where to start, add the following items to your list of places around the home to check for damage or wear:

 

Interior

Check ceiling and surfaces around windows for evidence of moisture.

Check caulking around showers, bathtubs, sinks, and toilet base.

Check ceiling areas beneath bathrooms for leakage.

Check all stairs and railings for any loose members.

Test all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

Know the location of all gas shut-off valves.

 

Electrical

Periodically check exposed wring and cable.  Replace as necessary.

Check all lamp cords, extension cords, and receptacles for wear.

Trip circuit breakers and ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) to insure proper function.

In newer homes, arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) should be tested as well. The AFCIs are breakers in the electrical panel with a test button on them and directions for testing.

 

Heating and Cooling Systems

Clean or change furnace filters every thirty days during times of use.

Lubricate fan and motor bearing (only where indicated), check fan belt tension and listen for unusual noises (usually only found in swamp coolers or very old furnaces such as oil fired furnaces).

Keep area around heating and cooling equipment clear.

Have system serviced annually prior to start of season.

 

Doors and Windows

Check for loose or missing glazing putty.

Check caulking for deterioration at the openings and joints between dissimilar materials.

Check weather stripping.

Check for broken glass and damaged or missing screens.

Check all window and door hardware.

 

Plumbing

Check all faucets, hose bibs, and supply valves for leakage.

Check for evidence of leads around and under sinks, showers, toilets, and tubs.

Check lawn sprinkler system for leaky valves and exposed lines.

Check the main water and shut-off valve for operation and leakage.

 

Foundation and Exterior

Check foundation walls and floors for cracking, heaving, spalling, deterioration, or efflorescence.

Check chimney for lose, deteriorated, or missing mortar or bricks.

Check grading for proper slope away from the foundation.

Check basement and crawlspace for moisture or leaks.

Check all wood surfaces for weathering and paint failure.

Check all decks, patios, porches, stairs, and railings for deterioration.

Cut back and trim all vegetation from structures.

 

Roof

Check for any missing, loose or damaged shingles or tiles.

Check for open seams, blisters, or bald areas on flat roofs.

Clean gutters, strainers, and downspouts.  Make sure downspouts divert water away from the foundation.

Check the attic for evidence of leaks.

Check flashing around all surface projections, sidewalls, and protrusions.

Trim back all tree limbs and vegetation away from the roof.

Check fascia and soffits for deterioration and damage.

 

Home maintenance is one of the Spring traditions that all homeowners should keep, and inspectors advise homeowners not to skip or put off important repairs.  Not only does regular upkeep on a home help the home retain its value, but it also makes it more pleasant to live in a home where all the systems are functioning as they should.

 

Frank Ross is a Certified Utah Home Inspector for Pillar to Post Professional Home Inspection and a full member of the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors.  Readers may contact Mr. Ross at (435) 867-6400 or frank.ross@pillartopost.com.  You can learn more about Pillar To Post Professional Home Inspection at www.pillarposthomeinspection.com