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
