Spring: Home Maintainence Check List

By Robert Robillard on Home Repairs And Remodeling


Image: http://oldwest.witchhunter.net/images/buildings/clapboard/old_West_buidling_clapboard_house_3.jpg

Home Maintainence Check List

As the weather warms, it’s time to start thinking about the exterior of your home. This Home Maintainence Check List will save you time and money.

Here’s a quick Home Maintainence Check List of twenty items to check to keep your house well maintained and fit!

1. Check for loose or leaky gutters.

2. Clean gutters and flush the downspouts.

3. Improper draining of gutter down spouts can lead to water in the basement or crawl space. Make sure downspouts drain away from the foundation and that the grade slopes away from the house.

4. Use a screwdriver to probe the wood trim around windows, doors, siding railings and deck boards.

5. From the ground, examine roof shingles to see if any were lost or damaged during winter. If your home has an older roof covering, you may want to start a budget for replacement which can cost as much as $ 6,000 to 10,000.

6. Flashing around plumbing vents, skylights and chimneys need to be checked and repaired by a qualified carpenter or roofer.

7. Examine the exterior of the chimney for signs of damage. Have the flue cleaned and inspected by a certified chimney sweep.

8. Check the chimney flue and cap for cracks or leaking. Install a roof cricket if needed to prevent a roof leak.

9. Inspect concrete steps, patios and slabs for signs of cracks or movement. Fill cracks with a concrete crack filler or silicone caulk.

10. Remove firewood stored near the home. Firewood should be stored at least 18″ inches off the ground at least 2 feet from the structure. Many times firewood can attract carpenter ants and termites which then can find their way into your home.

11. Check outside water faucets for freeze damage and leakage. It’s also a good time to replace rubber washers in your garden hose.

12. Have a qualified heating and cooling contractor clean the air conditioning coils, this is also an easy do-it-yourself project that involves a non-suds cleaner and a spray applicator. Change interior AC filters.

13. Change the oil, the spark plug, clean the air filter and sharpen the blade to your lawn mower.
Change batteries on smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. I suggest that you replace them if over 10 years old.

14. Check your fire extinguishers for a full charge. If you don’t have one purchase a multi-purpose extinguisher.

15. Make sure the sump pump is operating correctly

16. Prune all landscaping at least a foot away from the house to prevent rot.

17. Check the shutoff valve at each plumbing fixture to make sure they function

18. Clean clothes dryer exhaust duct, damper, and space under the dryer

19. Cleaning the evaporator coils on your refrigerator.

20. Evaluate and repair screens as needed.

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About the author

Robert Robillard

Carpenter / Remodeler / Editor

Rob Robillard is “The Concord Carpenter” Rob is a builder, general contractor, carpenter, woodworker, and editor of Concord Carpenter and ToolBoxBuzz As a General Contractor and carpenter, Rob owns and operates Concord Carpenter LLC. A full-service remodeling and construction company. Rob is a recognized leader in home building best practices and a source for how-to information for building professionals. On this website, Rob covers all aspects of home construction, building science, home improvement, woodworking, remodeling, and some of the best product and tool reviews. Rob is in charge of our Tool and Product Review series - Concord Carpenter Videos where we post all of our tool reviews and video tutorials. Rob approaches remodeling and building construction with a pragmatic and problem-solving approach. He enjoys using his knowledge and experience to help and educate building professionals as well as DIYers on best practices in the construction and remodeling industry. He's a strong advocate for "raising the bar" in the construction trades and promoting the trades to youth. #BeAMentor #Green2Great Craftsmanship, quality, and pride guide his journey on this channel The Concord Carpenter's motto: "Well done is better than well said!" : Read more about Rob

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