Your house has weathered another long, cold, stormy winter. Now it’s time to create a list of springtime home maintenance to-dos. Tackling this homeowner responsibility can help minimize the risk that your home will need costly repairs.

HOW TO EVALUATE YOUR HOME’S CONDITION IN TWO STEPS

Step 1: Start With a Thorough Inspection. Take a walk around your entire property and use all your senses to identify signs of trouble.

The following is a list of 10 specific items to evaluate:

1. Chimney. Is there a white stain or dark brown tar on the brickwork that could indicate a blockage, or any spaces, cracking, or crumbling that may mean the chimney system has been exposed to moisture?

2. Gutters. Are twigs, pine cones, leaves, mud, grit from roof shingles, or other debris gathering in your gutters that could lead to a mucky buildup and possibly cause a roof leak?

3. Siding. Do you see buckling, warping, cracking, discoloration, or mold, or do you hear any panels rattling in the wind?

4. Windows. Do you see any gaps, cracks, or warping of the frames, condensation between panes, or water leaking into your home that might signal an improper or failed window seal?

5. Stairs and Railings. Do they feel unstable or appear to be rotting or splitting, or do you see any nails that have popped up and need to be hammered back down?

6. Doors. Does a door look off-kilter or feel wobbly, does it stick or squeak when opened and closed, do the screws and handles feel loose, or are there any other signs of misalignment?

7. Foundation. Are there cracks or gaps in the foundation, or does one side of your house look lower than the other, which could indicate your foundation is settling or sinking?

8. Deck. Does the deck feel soft or spongy, which could indicate rotting, or do you see any small holes that might be insect damage?

9. Patio. Do you notice any indications of sinking, such as cracked paving or pooling water, or any unevenness that could be a tripping hazard?

10. Trees and Bushes. Do any branches look dead, diseased, and likely to fall, or are tree roots growing close to your foundation, driveway, or underground sewer line and threatening to break through?

Step 2: Make a List of the Issues. Write down everything you observe about these areas of your property, as well as anything else you see, hear, smell, or feel as you inspect your home. Then, determine if these concerns require professional assistance or if the necessary repairs and maintenance are a safe DIY project.

DID YOU KNOW?

Performing regular home maintenance is worth it. By keeping up your property, you can increase the value of your home by as much as 1% each year.

DID YOU KNOW?

You can reduce the risk of gutter blockages by keeping trees trimmed back and away from your home’s rooftop and gutter system.

DID YOU KNOW?
HVAC systems typically give off warning signs before a breakdown,
including odd noises and strange odors. Call an experienced technician if you notice these symptoms.

**Content provided by: The Andover Companies