House Maintenance: Spring

Spring. The birds are chirping, the sun is shining, there are new buds on the trees, tulips start to make their appearance. This is when we start heading outside without having to bundle up and most of all it’s the promise that summer is just around the corner.

I love Spring. But with respect to the house, Spring is a time to take stock of the wear and tear put on it by winter and to get it back up to snuff for the warm summer months ahead.

I understand that not all of these suggestions will be applicable to everyone. It is a list that we use in our home to cover the basics come Spring and to help keep our house in tip top shape. This list is by no means exhaustive. If you have other ideas for Spring house maintenance please share in the comments.

Now get going Summer’s just around the corner!

1. Air conditioning system. Check and operate the air conditioning system. There’s nothing worse than being faced with a 30C day only to find out the AC isn’t working. Now is a good time to make sure the compressor is level and clear of debris.
2. Ventilation. Check the vents/registers and make sure there is nothing blocking them.
3. Humidifier. If you live in an environment that is particularly dry during the winter and use a humidifier now is a good time to make sure that it is now off to make way for the more humid summer months.
4. Faucets. We’re checking for leaks or broken pipes here. If you have a basement check there first and then check exterior ones. Make repairs as needed.
5. Garage doors. Yes these need regular maintenance too. Check the door, tighten bolts and lubricate the spring as per manufacturers instructions.
6. Gutters. Clear gutters of old leaves, twigs and other debris and ensure downspouts are directed away from the house.
7. Build up around the house. Check for backfill soil settling near the house and fill it up where needed.
8. Exterior caulking. Check exterior caulking and touch up where needed.
9. Paint and stain. Exterior paint tends to chip, peal and fade. Look for signs of wear and touch up where needed.
10. Tiles. Check tiles and grout and touch up/repair where there are cracks or pitting.
11. Windows. Ok a job we likely all hate but isn’t it worth it when it’s all done?  Now is time to wash the windows and screens and lubricate the tracks. Come on it’s Spring, let the sunshine in!
12. Walls. Inspect interior walls for shrinkage damage. Look for cracks in the drywall or plaster as well as gaps in the wood trim. Repair as needed.
13. Sump pits. Sump pits are very common in Canada and if you have one it’s a good time to test its’ operation and install the discharge hose outside (away from your house of course).
14. Lawn. With the promise of backyard BBQs and laying in the sun lawn care is number 14 on our list. Now is the time to seed areas that took a bit of a hit over winter and to fertilize the whole yard.
15. Interior caulking. Check backsplash caulking as well as shower and tub caulking and repair as needed.
16. Dryer vents. Inspect dryer vents for excess lint and debris. Lint traps should be emptied after each use of the dryer but a more thorough inspection, beyond the trap, is a good thing to do periodically.
17. Pipes. Check each sink and shower/tub drain for proper drainage. If they are plugged or particularly slow to drain now would be a good time to clean the pipes to remove hair and other debris. Try 50/50 mix of baking soda and vinegar and if that doesn’t work you will likely have to try a stronger commercial product.
18. Alarms. Test smoke, carbon monoxide and security alarms to make certain they work it’s a good idea to replace batteries even if they are still working.
19. Roof. Examine the roof looking for curling, worn or missing shingles (or tiles). Replace or repair as needed.
20. Decking. Make sure you are in good shape for all those backyard BBQs by securing any loose boards and replacing those that have rotted. Don’t forget the railings, give them a good shake and secure if loose. Apply a coat of sealant if you need to.

Photo courtesy of Lori Greig