Checklist: Get Your Home Ready for Spring

Tips from Real-Estate-Agents.com

reprinted courtesy of ServiceMagic.com

Get inspired by the nice weather and the promise of summer. Prepare your home for spring by using the following checklist:

• Roof - Inspect the roof for winter damage: leaks, missing or broken shingles or tiles. Inspect flashing, eaves, and soffits.
• Gutters and downspouts - Clean out gutters; inspect and repair weaknesses; check for proper drainage.
• Paint - What areas need painting? How about a new color trim?
• Siding and trim - Inspect and clean siding. Check all wood surfaces for weathering and paint failure. Check for loose nails.
• Exterior caulking - Inspect caulking and replace if deteriorating. Caulk any leaks or cracks in basement walls and seal.
• Windows - Label and store removable storm windows and doors.
• Security - Make sure all doors and windows close and lock properly.
• Window and door screens - Wash windows, put up screens and patch any holes. Clean screening and repair or replace; repair any loose or damaged frames and repaint; replace broken, worn, or missing hardware; tighten and lubricate door hinges and closers.
• Window sills, door sills, and thresholds - Fill cracks, caulk edges, repaint; replace if necessary.
• Yard cleanup - Remove all debris from the yard. Clear away any remaining dead foliage and weeds from flowerbeds and lawn. Cut back and trim vegetation and overgrown bushes from structures. Begin spring landscaping projects.
• Organize - Create storage for sporting goods, camping equipment, and garden tools in your garage.
• Outdoor furniture - Inspect, clean and repair.
• Check for termites and insects - Call exterminator if needed.
• Open windows to ventilate.
• Give entire house overall cleaning.
• Deck and porches - Check decks, patios, porches, stairs, and railings for loose members and deterioration.
• Drain waste and vent system - Flush out system.
• Hot-water heating system - Lubricate circulating pump and motor.
• Evaporative air conditioner - Clean unit; check belt tension and adjust; replace cracked or worn belt.
• Heat pump - Lubricate blower motor.
• Foundation - Check foundation walls, floors, concrete, and masonry for cracking, heaving, or deterioration.
• Flashing - Check flashings around all surface projections and sidewalls.
• Antenna - Check antenna and satellite dish supports.
• Sprinkler - Check sprinkler system for leaky valves and exposed lines.
• Water well - Have well water tested for safety.

-- Tips courtesy of Service Magic