Table of Content
So I added the following to my checklist. You can probably tackle all these items in one weekend. That leaves more than enough time to head out and enjoy all the gifts that autumn brings. They may burrow into your basement, so visit it with a good flashlight every once in a while. Many old homes struggle with keeping a comfortable temperature.
Before you use your fireplace, get the chimney swept by a professional, especially if you used it several times the year before. Creosote will build up inside your chimney over time, restricting the airflow and can become a fire hazard. A chimney sweep will remove all the ash and soot and keep your home safe. My strategy is to do as much maintenance in the spring as possible while the weather is still mild so that I can enjoy the hot summer weekends at the beach.
The Life of Your House
Turn on the shower and bath faucets and check for leaks around handles and valves. Are they easy to use, or harder to turn on and off? Check set screws around escutcheon plates. Flush the toilets to make sure they operate properly. Open their tanks and look for worn or missing parts.
Home maintenance during the fall season is focused on preparing the house for winter. With higher temperatures and low precipitation, summer affords comfortable working conditions to make intensive repairs that were not possible in prior seasons. Keep an eye on your electrical service drop and the line that leads from your home to the power pole (only if you have above-ground electric service). If large branches have fallen on or are hanging on the line, call the electric company for removal. From a safely secured ladder, check gutters and the lower roof for ice dams and eliminate as necessary.
Spring
Sometimes leaks in faucets are caused by hard water wearing out the washers. •Inspect the roof, chimney and siding for any winter damage. •Clean up fallen branches or leaves you missed in the fall. If you live in a warmer climate and have Bermuda, St. Augustine or some other warm-season grass, it may be time to fertilize your turf. •Reverse ceiling fans to a clockwise rotation. This can help move the cooler air off the floor of your home and push warmer air down.
Make sure you have gasoline and motor oil. Make sure your foliage gets plenty of water during hot summer days. Water early in the day, but not necessarily every day. Plants prefer a good soaking a few times a week rather than a light, daily drizzle. Close all windows and doors, and cover the ground and hedges with plastic sheeting.
Home Maintenance Checklist
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Look for leaks around toilets and sinks. Any sign of water where it shouldn't be is reason to investigate further. Even a tiny leak could cost hundreds of dollars each year, as illustrated by this chart from the City of New York. Some air filters are reusable, while others are disposable and must be replaced.
For quick cuts on wood, metal, PVC pipes, tree limbs, and more. •Pressure clean the house, driveway, and walkways. Critters can invade your space almost any time of year, but squirrels, raccoons, bats, and rats are most likely to show up in the spring. •Check the basement for dampness or leaks when there’s a thaw. As a SoFi member, you get access to exclusive benefits designed to help set you up for success with your money, community, and career. Improve energy efficiency this month so you can keep your home functioning in optimal condition—plus, maximizing your home’s energy output while minimizing your bills.
They will clean or replace the air filter, clean the indoor coil, clean the condensate pump, and give the entire system a thorough inspection. It typically costs around $100 to $150, so get it on the schedule each year and check that box. With the last of the winter snowstorms behind you, early spring is the time to store your snow blower for the summer.
To prevent efflorescence from returning, coat masonry surfaces with a penetrating sealer containing siloxane or silane. Between foot traffic, sun, rain, and snow, the transition strip at an entry door really takes a beating. Test the drainage of the sink and look for signs of leaks on the faucet. Check the action of the garage door and look for dents in the tracks or cracks in the door.
Fall is also a good time to plant trees and shrubs and reseed your lawn. Be sure to give new plants plenty of water before they go dormant, and by spring you may get a first bloom, depending on the variety. Plant bulbs such as tulips, daffodils and hyacinth anytime before the ground freezes.
Install a smoke detector on every floor of your home, including the basement. Easily navigate your home's seasonal upkeep with our home maintenance checklist and expert advice. Unfortunately, it is time to clear out your gutters and downspouts yet again.
Look for overall deterioration, rust, loose parts, and other signs of a failing system. Check registers and vents for loose or missing covers and screws. Make a solution of dishwashing soap and water, then brush it on ductwork joints-wherever there are leaks you'll see bubbles in the soap.
Exterior
If you notice in the winter that your skin and throat are dry, especially in the morning, that is because there is significantly less moisture in the air during winter months. A good humidifierwill add moisture back into the air and prevent you from drying up. I bought one last year and never sleep without it now.
•Focus on indoor tasks when you’re trapped by the weather. Clean the attic, caulk the tub, paint a room, and/or clean the fridge . Drain hoses and sprinkler systems if you live in a colder climate. And drain, clean and cover your swimming pool.
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