Top 10 Spring Maintenance Tasks

By Mike Holmes

I always talk about my 4 phases of homeownership: Buy It Right, Own It Right, Protect It Right and Sell It Right.

I started my Holmes Approved Homes program so that homeowners can Buy It Right, which means buy a home that was built right the first time. If you have recently bought a custom home from Omega Homes, congratulations! You have purchased a safe, healthy and durable home.

Protect It Right means keeping on top of your home maintenance tasks. Most homeowners think about the inside of their home and forget the outside, which is why I always say, “start from the outside in”.

With that in mind, these are the top 10 spring maintenance tips to get started with:

10) Clear Gutters & Downspouts
Remove leaf and debris build-up from your gutters. Reattach any gutters that have pulled away and check that water is draining properly. Downspouts need to expel water far enough away from the home’s foundation (at least three feet away) to prevent any damage. If needed, install gutter extensions.

9) Check Weatherstripping around Doors & Windows
Have you checked the caulking around your windows or doors lately? If there is a draft coming from windows or doors—repair, replace, or add weatherstripping.

8) Examine Exterior Siding
Examine exterior wood siding for signs of weathering. If there are any problem areas, sand the area immediately and apply a primer coat before painting.

7) Landscaping
It’s only natural to do some landscaping when the weather is warmer. Make sure to take the time to trim overgrown bushes and branches. Overgrowth can damage the home’s paint and can pose a safety hazard when close to the deck or BBQ area.

6) Inspect Door & Window Screens
Clean your window and door screens and check for holes. If holes are bigger than a quarter, patch the holes or replace the screen altogether to prevent pests from entering the home. You should also tighten or repair any loose or damaged frames, replace broken or missing hardware, and tighten or lubricate door hinges and closers.

5) Roof Inspection
It’s important to inspect your roof every year, especially the shingles. Look for bare patches and curled edges, which could indicate that the shingles may not have much life left or that the attic isn’t properly ventilated.

4) Deck Inspection
It’s crucial to have a properly installed deck. Is the deck safely and properly attached to your house? Is the ledger board securely bolted? Is moisture seeping in through your deck? If you’re unsure, it’s best to hire a professional to come inspect the deck and make repair recommendations.

3) Foundation
Heading inside the home, take a moment to inspect the foundation walls, floors, concrete, and masonry for cracking. If you spot a crack in the concrete floor, foundation or slab, try to insert a nickel. If it fits into the crack, you’ll need to call a professional immediately for repairs.

2) Check Your Water Level and Sump Pumps
I always tell people that your home’s number one enemy is water. Spring tends to bring a lot of water, and if your basement tends to flood, you should seriously consider getting a heavy-duty sump pump that can handle the flow.

1) General Cleaning
Finally, spring is a good time to tackle some general cleaning—inside and out. Clean up debris around the yard and vacuum upholstered furniture and draperies inside.

These 10 maintenance tasks are a good start to getting your home ready for the warmer weather. For a complete Spring Maintenance Checklist, visit my website.

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