A few weeks ago, we shared with you Craig Russell’s check list for spring maintenance for the interior of your home. Although his list is not exhaustive, it is a thought starter and meant as a tool to help keep you on track for those home maintenance projects that will just get away from you over time. Now that you’ve had the time to tackle your list of interior maintenance, it’s time to head to the great outdoors. Don’t let the size of this list intimidate you. Instead, your first step is to merely take a nice, leisurely walk around the outside of your home, looking at the ground around your home, the structure itself, and then important elements like driveway, decks/patios and roof. Once you get into the habit of using this checklist, you’ll be come that much more familiar with your house. This way, when something is wrong, you’ll see it right away and can either take care of it or call in the appropriate professionals.

House

Start by looking directly at your house. A great first step is getting those gutters cleaned. You might want to consider gutter guards at some point, which will add another layer of protection in keeping water away from your house. Give your home a visual inspection, paying specific attention to your roof and foundation. You’re looking for loose shingles and gutters and unusual cracks. Finding these issues early can save you a big headache later. Windows and doors need to be assessed too, since theses are potential entry points for wind and water.

Yard

Next, look for branches or any type of plant/tree growth that is too close to your house too. As we get ready for mosquito season, look for any area of standing water as well. Pooling of water any where near your house can also suggest an issue with grading. If you haven’t yet, it’s time to turn on your outside water and inspect your outdoor faucets. If they weren’t winterized correctly, leaks could emerge now.

Structures & Driveways

Finally, take a look at any outdoor structures and your driveway. Check your deck, porch, and railings for water stains, warping and loose or rusty nails. Keeping up with these small repairs can save you a big project later. After repairs have been made, consider resealing any woodwork. Walk around your driveway and patio, looking for cracks that may have emerged over the winter.

Good habits when it comes to home maintenance will pay dividends in the end. These projects are much easier to keep up with when they are a part of your regular routine and often can stop small problems from developing into large ones.

Craig Russell, founder and CEO of The English Contractor, is a custom builder and bespoke remodeler. But he’s known to dole out one piece of financial advice from time to time. He’s no E.F. Hutton, but when Craig speaks, but sure to listen. Beyond the charming accent, he has some good advice to share. Namely, your home is likely your biggest financial investment. Not only because of that mortgage payment, but also because of the continued investment you might be making in your home with remodels, renovations, and repairs. Keeping up with home maintenance helps protect both your investment and the people who live inside it.

To make it easier for our followers, Craig’s compiled a checklist of seasonal maintenance items. This week, we’ll take you through spring time maintenance tips on the inside of your home.

“You don’t need to have an official day set aside for a home inspection,” Craig says. “This list can be a good reminder, though, as you walk around your house, of items that need your attention,” he explains.

Basement

It helps to think of your home in segments so it doesn’t feel too overwhelming. Starting in the basement, you’ll want to:

• Schedule maintenance for your HVAC systems before you make the switch over to air conditioning. Now is a good time to replace or clean your filters.

• Check on your sump pump and consider adding a battery back up.

• Check for insects, mice and other pests. Schedule an exterminator if necessary.

• Look for problem areas, particularly moisture or water.

Bedrooms/Living Areas

Next, it is time to tackle the bedrooms and main living areas of your home. If you didn’t manage a good purge and deep clean during quarantine, spring is the perfect time to get that done. In addition to a more meticulous clean, now is a great time to also:

• Dust and reverse your ceiling fans.

• Schedule a deep cleaning of your carpeting and/or area rugs.

• Check under your sinks for cracks or leaks. Check your washing machine tubings, too.

• Clean out your dryer vents.

Whole Home

Other items to check on during your spring interior walk through include:

• Windows and doors. Are you noticing drafts or moisture? It’s time to add caulk or weatherstripping. Or it may be time to replace them.

• Safety precautions. Are your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in good working order? If they are not hardwired, it is time to replace batteries. Don’t forget to have a fire extinguisher on hand as well.

• The attic. Check for ventilation and, like the basement, for pests.

A few short months ago, we shared tips on preparing your home for the cold, wind, snow and ice of the winter season. Now that temperatures have begun to warm, it is time for you to give your home another inspection. Take advantage of warmer weather to get outside and see home your home has fared. These are easy tips that you can do yourself to help take care of your largest investment—your home.

Take A Walk.

Before you stroll your neighborhood, take a walk around your own home. Keep an eye out for damage from ice and storms to see where winter has taken its toll. Your visual inspection should include:

• The roof: look for loose shingles and nail pops.

• The chimney: check the joints between the stones. Missing joints or vegetation growing between joints can signal that water is an issue.

• Exterior walls: Look for water stains near gutters. Check wood siding for any rotting or damaged areas.

• Foundation: Look for cracks and water damage.

• Windows: Check weather stripping and caulking to maintain a tight seal.

Are you noticing areas of concern? It might be time to call in your local roofer, mason or a foundation expert.

Spring Checklist.

Your spring checklist includes more than just cleaning. Before we transition into a sweltering summer, there are a few items you should check off your home care list:

• Schedule seasonal HVAC maintenance. Make sure your system is system is running efficiently and is ready to go for air conditioning season.

• Reseal exterior woodwork. Do you have a wood deck, fencing or outdoor structures like a pergola or trellis? They will last much longer if they are protected from the elements. Spring is a good time to touch up paint or stain and reseal. While you’re at it, you can check for any rotted or damaged wood that might need to be replaced.

• Clean gutters. Are you ready for April showers? Sure, they bring May flowers, but you want to make sure that water is able to run away from your house. Make sure your gutters are free from leaves and debris.

• Inspect your irrigation. Run through each zones manually to make sure none of the heads or lines have been damaged. Adjust heads that are spraying the house, sidewalks or porches to avoid damage and wasting water.

• Check your screens. If you like to open up the windows as the weather warms, you’ll want to make sure your screens are intact. You can call a professional to fix damaged screens or pick up a screen repair kit at your local hardware store.

• Check your alarms. If you didn’t check your fire and carbon monoxide alarms when our clocks sprung forward, take the time to do it now. Make sure they are working, connect to power and have batteries.

As a custom home builder and bespoke remodeler, we know the investment of time and money that goes into building your home. Your home is really no different than your body. It requires regular checkups and care to live a long and healthy life. With some regular maintenance and a bit of vigilance, you can ward off any major problems by taking care of smaller issues along the way.