When springtime rolls around, almost everyone thinks of cleaning the inside of their home. That’s fine (we probably all need to do a little more of that) but there’s something even more important to keep in mind: home maintenance.
So when it’s time to set your clocks ahead for daylight-savings time and chance the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, give your home a checkup, too. Here are some suggestions from the Department of Housing and Urban Development:
Interior and Appliances
- Check the basement and/or crawlspace for any signs of standing water or dripping
- Pull your dryer out and clean the exhaust hose and vent (lint found here is a common cause of house fires)
- Vacuum refrigerator/freezer coils for efficiency
- Clean exhaust fan outlets and screens
- Check all air filters and replace, if necessary
Roof, Siding & Windows
- Check for damage to your roof and have a professional inspection, if necessary
- Go into the attic. If there is visible moisture or discoloration, your roof might be leaking
- Examine the paint on your siding and trim. If it is peeling, you might need new paint to protect against the effects of weather
- Check for leaks around window and door sills. Improving your seals can lower your energy bills
Yard and Exterior
- Check for signs of rodents and other pests
- Clean debris from gutters and downspouts, and make sure they are draining away from the home
- Trim overhanging tree branches and shrubs
Remember, winter weather can cause significant damage that is easy to spot, but it often results in wear and tear that homeowners can miss if they aren’t looking closely. It’s well worth it to spend a little time on home maintenance this spring, so that wear and tear doesn’t turn into something more serious. We have an experienced claims department who is there to help our clients. When an accident occurs, we see the claim through to conclusion and advocate on our client’s behalf. Our goal is to make the claim experiences easy and stress free during a time that we know is scary for your family.