Spring is an ideal time to inspect your home for any damage from our rough Wisconsin winter, and tackle those spring home projects that maintain the top condition of your home. These home spring projects, and inspections, can save you thousands of dollars in repairs in the long run, and keep you and your house safe from future damage:
Clean and maintain your AC and furnace. Your AC and furnace should be cleaned, lines inspected, and AC refrigerant level checked. If you don’t have the expertise, contact the pros to clean and maintain your AC and furnace, so your units are ready for use when you need it.
Inspect your roof. Wisconsin winters can be tough on your roof. Look for shingles that are warped, buckling, loose or damaged. Hire a roofing specialist to evaluate your roof, and repair damaged shingles—or replace the entire roof if needed.
Fill in leaks around windows and exterior door frames. If the gap around one of your windows is bigger than a nickel, fill the gaps with calk or hire a contractor to perform this spring home maintenance task. Use the same eye (or contractor) for exterior door frames. You should not be able to see light around exterior door frames, and the space should be filled in. If you find extensive leaks, and other signs of window disrepair, talk to your contractor about whether it’s time to replace the windows.
Inspect your fireplace and chimney. Now that you’re not using the fireplace, now is the time to inspect your fireplace and chimney. Do your research to find out what to look for, or hire a professional to clean and inspect your fireplace and chimney.
Prepare your lawn mower for summer. Now is the time to sharpen the blades, clean out last year’s lawn clippings (if you haven’t done already) and ready that lawn mower fuel tank for new gas.
Clean gutters and downspouts. Clear out the leaves, twigs, pine needles and other debris that fill your gutters and downspouts. If you don’t have the time, hire a handyman to tackle this spring maintenance project.
As you are doing your projects, or a contractor is doing the projects, inspect the exterior of your home. Look for damage to your siding, deck, porch or steps that could cause interior water damage or safety hazards from rotting or decay.
Contact a contractor if you don’t have the time, or the expertise, to do these spring home projects.
Not doing them can be a costly mistake—more than the cost of a contractor, or your time, in the life time of your home.