Being a homeowner has its perks – but owning your home also means that you must take the time to care for it. After all, is that what you do with the items that you value the most?
Regular home maintenance is important all throughout the year, but with spring upon us, there are certain maintenance tasks that are especially important to keep up with. This way you can avoid issues either before they happen or before they get out of hand (and more costly!). As with everything in life, putting in a little extra work upfront can enhance longevity – this applies to your home life too.
Keep in mind as you’re running through this checklist to look out for a cracked foundation or concrete, any settlement in the backyard, leaking throughout the home and signs of poor insulation.
Start outside
The weather is (typically) better in Calgary in the late spring, so why not start your spring home maintenance outside?
General cleanup
Rake up any remaining leaves that survived the winter, and lay down mulch in flower beds and beneath any hedges on your property. This will protect plants from drought and keep weeds away.
Consider hiring a lawn care service to maintain your property and mow your lawn, even if it means scheduling it for a little down the line when the grass actually starts to grow.
Go with the flow
Turn your outside faucets back on and check for any damage that may have occurred over the winter (which is unfortunately not uncommon as a result of the harsh Calgary cold).
While we’re on the topic of water, clean out your gutters! Gutters are a very important aspect of home maintenance as it protects your roof, siding and foundation. Clean ‘em out and check for damage while you’re doing so.
Tend to your trees
Check out the trees on your property. If you notice any signs of illness, have them inspected by a certified arborist. This helps both with safety and with making sure your trees don’t go past the point of no return.
Take a walk around your house
Walk around the outside of the house and ask yourself these questions:
- Are there any cracks in the foundation or concrete? Or water pooling?
- Could the driveaway use a little TLC?
- What about the roof? Any signs of loose or broken shingles?
- Does the chimney show signs of wear?
Then, turn your attention to your patio. Sweep it clean and look for signs of cracked wood and loose nails. Pull out any leaves or debris from between the boards and clean it thoroughly.
Head inside
Hot and cold
If you have central heat and air, take the time to schedule a checkup and servicing with your HVAC technician.
Plumbing & water protection
Check under sinks to make sure there are no signs of leaks from any pipes and faucets for drips. Then, pay attention to the ceilings especially for any water stains.
Don’t forget to check that your sump pump is draining properly.
Carbon monoxide and smoke detectors
Change batteries on your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors at least once a year to make sure you’re protected from those silent threats to your health.
Weatherproof windows and doors
Save yourself money in the long run by maximizing energy efficiency with properly sealed windows and doors. Check all caulk lines and weather stripping, and replace any screens that have seen better days.
While you’re taking care of your home this spring, make a mental note of what you’d like to do to upgrade your living space. Could you use a master and ensuite refresh? New insulation? A deck upgrade for your summer soirees?
For upgrades to your home, send us a message to see how we can help prepare your home for the new season and make it a summer sanctuary. https://cbrannonconstruction.com/contact-page/