As a homeowner, it’s important to know what’s going on in and around your home’s structure. Get to know your property’s vulnerable areas, and keep an eye out for issues that can develop into major problems down the line. Continue reading to review a basic spring inspection checklist to help you get started on managing your home’s quality and condition!
Caulking
Inspect your kitchen and bathroom caulking. Look around sinks, tubs, and showers to see if the caulk has worn down, or if it is still in decent condition. This also includes the windows in these areas and the rest of your home. Caulking is important in a plumbing sense, to prevent water from entering all the crevices and gaps beneath these areas. This causes mold and mildew growth, which overtime, can become a stinky, messy, and costly repair. As for windows, caulking is important for proper air sealing and energy efficiency. Poor window caulking can lead to air loss, higher utility bills, and reduces energy efficiency. Caulking is inexpensive and easy to do, only requiring a few simple tools and products.
Plumbing
On the topic of water leaks, another important aspect to inspect in your home is water leaks. This includes checking the plumbing pipes beneath sinks, plumbing fixtures, outdoor faucets, water heaters, and more. Look for any evidence of a leak in these areas, from a little bit of moisture, all the way to puddles and drips. Call a professional for plumbing repairs if you find any leaks. Stopping a leak before it can do major damage is priceless.
Exterior Siding and Paint
After the winter subsides, your home might reveal some winter weather wear and tear on its siding or paint. Look for peeling or faded paint, faded or warped siding, and any other surface damages. Correcting these damages may seem only aesthetic to you, but they are in-fact highly lucrative preventative maintenance tasks that pay for themselves in the long-run.
Patio and Deck
Again, winter weather can cause wear and tear to several outdoor areas to a home, and the patio and porch are no different. In the spring, inspect your patio and deck for fading, discoloration, warped or rotted boards, and other damage. This is the best time to give your patio or deck a refresher by re-staining and re-sealing it. Neglecting to maintain a patio or deck will end up costing homeowners hefty replacement and restoration bills.
Gutters
Always inspect your gutters after the winter season, and before the spring season. Clear out any obstructions like leaves, twigs, and dirt; and then check for any structural damage, gaping, cracks, and more. Preventing back-flow in your homes gutters can save you time, money, and stress by reducing the chances of future issues.