5 ways to get your home ready for spring
Spring is just around the corner and that means it’s time for homeowners to put away the warm blankets, turn off the heat and open windows to let in the fresh spring air and much awaited sunshine. Spring is the time to plant flowers and vegetables in the garden and get ready for the warm months to come. However, that doesn’t mean this time of the year is all fresh cut flowers and warm breezes. Spring also brings a list of maintenance chores homeowners should complete. From inspecting the roof to checking the foundation, houses require top to bottom maintenance in between seasons.
Here are four things homeowners can do to get your home ready for spring:
Clean out the rain gutters
April showers bring May flowers. Springtime is the rainy season for many Canadian provinces and heavy rain can lead to leaks in the roof and walls. Water damage can be very costly for homeowners to repair and can have long lasting effects if mold builds up.
To avoid any potential disasters, it’s a good idea to get up on a ladder to clean out your rain gutters and eavestroughs. Clear leaves and other debris that may have accumulated during the winter months to ensure water can enter and run down to the ground.
Assess the foundation
Temperature changes cause concrete to expand and contract and this can cause cracks in your foundation. If foundation cracks (and cracks in the walls caused by an uneven foundation) are left untreated, it can lead to larger (more expensive) structural problems.
If you spot a crack during your inspection, it should be repaired immediately. However, before hiring a professional to repair the crack, it’s important to contact your home insurance provider to start a claim. In some cases, the agent will be able to recommend a licensed professional in your area.
Fix leaky windows
If you want to keep the cold air in and the hot air out, fixing leaky windows is a must when you get your home ready for spring. Global News advises homeowners to “Scrape off any old caulking and replace. Also, check any wood trim or sills for signs of decay and repair or replace as needed. As a bonus this will also help keep drafts out and your energy bills down.”
Check the air conditioning
If you have an air conditioning unit or central air, now is the time to give it a test run to ensure the vents and fans are clean, and that all functions are in proper working order. The last thing homeowners want is to find themselves with a broken air conditioning unit on a hot July afternoon. You can refer to the owner’s manual for proper AC maintenance or contact the provider/installer to come and perform an annual check up for your unit.
Bring out backyard accessories
A backyard can be an essential space for homeowners. Now is the perfect time to bring out (and inspect) all backyard accessories such as barbeques, patio furniture and outdoor lights. Taking care of this task sooner than later allows time for repairs and to budget expenses if items need to be replaced. It’s always better to spread out maintenance costs when you get your home ready for spring rather than shell out a big one-time lump sum.