Saturday, March 9, 2013

Annual Spring Home Maintenance Checks (more than just checking the smoke detectors)



March is upon us and that means spring is rapidly approaching. Cabin fever has certainly set in around my house, so we are all looking forward the seasons changing. If you enjoy spring like I do then your thoughts are already probably starting to drift to those upcoming outdoor projects you have been planning over the winter. In order to save any sudden surprises, I like to take a few hours and go over my “Spring Home Checklist” to make sure my home is fit and ready for summer enjoyment.

The change to daylight savings time is a pretty good way to judge when to start looking at these things. Some of them, like a full inspection of the Air Conditioning system, are not necessarily a good idea to do until after the weather gets a bit warmer than it is now, but there is plenty to do between now and then.

Here are a few highlights from my annual checks:

Outside
·         Uncover A/C unit and test operation (wait until temperature has been above 50 degrees for 24 hours). Check that fins are clean and clear of debris.
·         Make sure gutters are clean, free of leaks and downspouts /drain extensions keep water draining away from house.
·         Check roof for leaks, missing shingles, condition of chimney and leaking flashing around vent stacks.
·         Windows and Doors - Check screens for holes. Check flashing and caulking for leaks.
·         Ensure dryer vent opens and closes with dryer operation. Clear the opening of lint and build-up.
·         Inspect driveway and walkways for loose bricks/blocks or heaved concrete and other trip hazards.
·         Inspect children’s play equipment for damaged or unsafe fixtures and conditions.
Inside
·         Clean stove hood, vent fan and filter.
·         Check / test / replace batteries in smoke detectors and Carbon Monoxide alarms. Make sure both are clean and free of dust.
·         Windows and doors open and close easily. Clean / lubricate locks and latches as required.
·         Check / Replace the furnace filter. Set the humidifier control to it’s “Summer” setting.
·         Check water heater for rust, signs of leaking and proper operation.
·         Manually cycle (trip) circuit breakers in breaker panel, testing for proper operation and reset.
·         Test and reset all GFCI outlets (generally in kitchen, bathrooms and exterior outlets).
·         Review family fire escape plan.

This is certainly not a comprehensive list; you may have additional things like a swimming pool or a hot-water heating system that has unique maintenance requirements. The best way to be sure you don’t miss anything is to have a professional home inspector look your property over every 2-3 years. They are trained to spot issues and will view your home objectively. I always recommend a client has this done prior to a purchase, and it can be a big money saver of the course of living in the home. Most home repairs are much less expensive to fix early on.

I hope this helps keep your home safe, healthy and efficient. If you have any additional suggestions or checks, leave me a comment below. You can always find me at my website JasonGault.com