The blossoming redbuds and tulips popping up are a sure sign that spring has finally arrived in the region. And those flowers are a perfect reminder that now’s the time to plow through that spring maintenance checklist to keep your properties in top shape.
While last winter started off on the warm side, the snowstorm that dumped two feet of the white stuff, along with other cold snaps, may have done some damage.
Addressing problems now will prevent them from becoming bigger headaches in the future. And while you’re at it, completing a few preventive maintenance tasks inside and outside will help you preserve the value of your property, whether it is a rental or your personal home. Here’s a list of five things now to do to keep homes in top shape.
- Be a crack detective. The thaw-freeze cycle that has created all those potholes in local roads may have opened cracks or created depressions in driveways and patios, so take a good look around. You may be able to make some small fixes yourself, but most will require a professional assessment and repair.
- Reassess your roof. Check (from the ground) for missing, cracked, buckling, or otherwise damaged roof shingles. As last week’s weather showed, April showers are here, and the last thing you want is for that rain to drip into your home. Any possible roof damage should be checked out and fixed by a pro.
- Declutter your gutters: On a similar note, make sure that rain has a clear path through the gutters and downspouts and away from your property. Check for damage and remove any leaves, seeds, and gunk that have built up over the winter. If you don’t already have them, consider adding extenders to help move the water further away from your foundation.
- Give the HVAC some TLC. Don’t wait for the mercury to hit 90 to determine if your property’s air conditioner is functioning properly. Energy Star recommends having a pro perform a seasonal check-up, including checking and inspecting the condensate drain, cleaning the coils, and checking the refrigerant levels. And make sure that you or your tenants change the filter every month.
- Clean out the Dryer Vent. If you haven’t had the vent inspected and cleaned in the past year, make sure you hire someone to remove the lint buildup that’s a leading cause of household fires.
In addition, if you or your tenants didn’t check and replace batteries in smoke detectors when the time changed a few weeks ago, be sure to do it or send a reminder now.
A little investment of time and money on upkeep now will help keep you and residents of your properties safe, prevent maintenance emergencies and save you money in the long run. Happy Spring!
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