The snow is long gone, the sun is shining brighter, and the days are longer and warming up! Spring is a great time to schedule a thorough cleaning and check of your property. Regular maintenance ensures your home stays in top shape to protect your investment and increase your property value.

This time of year, it’s important to look at both the interior and exterior of your home to see what areas need some attention.  If you’re new to home ownership, don’t fret.  With these simple home maintenance tips from The David Bradica Team, you’ll have everything under control and look like a pro in no time.

Indoor Spring Maintenance

1. Check smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Change batteries, and check expiration dates on your fire extinguishers.
2. Start a deep spring cleaning! Purge and clean indoor areas that may not get as much use (like storage areas and the garage).
3. Check your attic. Look to make sure no water damage happened over the winter. And check for signs of mice or birds, damp areas or mould.
4. Inspect your furnace and water heater. Check to make sure everything is in working order and change your furnace filter.
5. Look for leaks. Your basement is the apparent culprit here – especially when the ground is thawing and we get heavy spring rainfall. Keep an eye out for damp spots, mould, or musty smells as that can be a sign of a leak
6. Clean your fireplace and chimney (if you have a wood-burning fireplace).
7. Clean interior window and sliding door tracks and check for signs of mould in window sills

Outdoor Spring Maintenance

1. Clean up your curb appeal. Power wash the exterior of the house, clean windows, and tidy up gardens. Clean up or remove any diseased trees or branches to avoid potentially falling and damaging people or property.
2. Check your A/C to ensure it’s in working order for the upcoming season. Change filter and inspect the unit. Service if necessary.
3. Inspect the exterior of your home. Look for cracks, missing bricks, loose siding, and general signs of wear.
4. Check out your roof. Winter storms, winds, and snow can take quite a toll on your roof. While there’s no need to climb right up there, you want to look for signs of wear in your shingles, holes, or cracks. Grab a pair of binoculars, or use a smartphone and zoom in. Call a roofer if you notice anything that needs closer inspection.
5. Clean gutters and downspouts. Clogged gutters and downspouts can cause messy overflows and rot wood trim. Properly installed downspouts divert water away from the house to ensure it doesn’t collect around your foundation. They should be clean and running free.
6. Check seals around windows and doors. Caulking around your windows can last 7-10 years, but it’s a good idea to take a quick look to see if its’ cracking or peeling.
7. Look for holes in screens. A breeze flowing in the house is lovely, but mosquitoes and flies getting in – not so much. It’s quick and easy to patch holes or add a new screen to an existing door.
8. Check your driveway. Freezing and thawing over the winter are rough on asphalt and concrete. Take a walk around, looking for damage to your driveway and walkways.
9. Test outdoor lights. The time for outdoor entertaining is nearing! Inspect and clean outdoor lights, and change bulbs as needed.
10. Keep an eye out for rotting wood. Look for rot in the wood and replace any sections that seem unsafe. Wood decks, fences and railings will last longer if stained and sealed every year or two.
11. Get ready for watering. Turn on outdoor faucets and hoses, sprinklers, and irrigation systems. Test to make sure everything is working and leak-free.
12. Inspect dryer vents and air ducts and get professionally cleaned if needed.
13. Check outdoor siding and trim – repair and repaint as needed.
14. Inspect your sump pump to ensure it’s free of debris and is running smoothly.

Staying on top of your spring home maintenance helps prevent more significant issues down the road. If there are any issues, you’ll catch them early!

Download our handy checklist to help you through the spring maintenance process.  And if you’re considering a move in the near future, reach out to our team and we can provide you with even more tips and tricks to get your house market ready.