Get inspired by the nice weather & the promise of summer. Prepare your home for spring using this checklist:
Roof - Inspect the roof for winter damage: leaks, missing or broken shingles or tiles. Inspect flashing, eaves, & soffits.
Gutters and downspouts - Clean out gutters; inspect and repair weaknesses; check for proper drainage.
Paint - What areas need painting? How about a new color trim?
Siding and trim - Inspect and clean siding. Check all wood surfaces for weathering & paint failure. Check for loose nails.
Exterior caulking - Inspect caulking and replace if deteriorating. Caulk any leaks or cracks in basement walls and seal.
Windows - Label and store removable storm windows and doors.
Security - Make sure all doors and windows close and lock properly.
Window and door screens - Wash windows, put up screens and patch any holes. Clean screening and repair or replace; repair any loose or damaged frames and repaint; replace broken, worn, or missing hardware; tighten and lubricate door hinges and closers.
Window sills, door sills, and thresholds - Fill cracks, caulk edges, repaint; replace if necessary.
Yard cleanup - Remove all debris from the yard. Clear away any remaining dead foliage & weeds from flowerbeds & lawn. Cut back & trim vegetation & overgrown bushes from structures. Begin spring landscaping projects.
Outdoor furniture - Inspect, clean and repair.
Check for termites and insects - Call exterminator if needed.
Open windows to ventilate.
Give entire house overall cleaning.
Deck and porches - Check decks, patios, porches, stairs, and railings for loose members and eterioration.
Drain waste and vent system - Flush out system.
Hot-water heating system - Lubricate circulating pump and motor.
Evaporative air conditioner - Clean unit; check belt tension and adjust; replace cracked or worn belt.
Heat pump - Lubricate blower motor.
Foundation - Check foundation walls, floors, concrete, and masonry for cracking, heaving, or deterioration.
Flashing - Check flashings around all surface projections and sidewalls.
Sprinkler - Check sprinkler system for leaky valves and exposed lines.
Water well - Have well water tested for safety.
-- Tips courtesy of Service Magic
