Home Maintenance Tips for Spring

At timesaverconcierge.ca, we enjoy saving our clients time (thus the company name!). We also believe that many of the services we provide also save our clients money.

One area that benefits our clients most, in the long run, is conducting simple preventative maintenance tasks. Let’s face it, as a homeowner you want low maintenance. To achieve this, you need to be diligent and complete your to-do list each season to keep your home in the best shape possible.

These are just some of the reasons to do this maintenance:

  • Protection: Protect your house against weather and other threats.
  • Reduce long term costs: Maintenance costs are less when you do it regularly. “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”. 
  • Identify issues: Allows you to identify the problems before they become major repairs.
  • Fewer surprises: The result will be fewer unforeseen issues.
  • Time saving: The more frequently you do it, the less time it will take each season.

Interior Spring Home Maintenance Ideas

Even when spring arrives, it can sometimes be too cold to do maintenance outside. The good news is that you can start inside. Below is a checklist of interior maintenance tasks.

1) Check the smoke and carbon monoxide alarms

A change of season is the perfect time to check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, make sure they are working correctly and change the batteries if the are battery operated. You should also vacuum the exterior cover to ensure there are no impediments to smoke detection. Check your fire extinguishers to ensure no leaks and the pin is in place and the “needle is in the green”.

2) General Spring Cleaning

Spring cleaning is a common thing that many homeowners do as spring approaches. The warmer weather gives us a boost of energy to clean out the clutter, and get our space in order before the nice weather hits.

It’s a good time to deep clean spaces that are often neglected, such as:

  • Dust or vacuum chairs, window casings, cabinets, and ceiling fans
  • Wash or dry clean fabrics or drapes
  • Use a damp cloth to clean wood and blinds
  • Vacuum upholstered furniture and mattresses
  • Consider renting a carpet cleaner
  • Clean windows in preparation for the summer sunshine
  • Clean and inspect all exterior vents to ensure free from obstruction

Focusing on the deep clean will help remove dust, mites, and other allergens from your living space.

3) Check the Heating/Air Conditioning System

Spring is the perfect time to ensure your air conditioning is ready to go for the summer. Inspect all the connections, change the furnace filter, and hose off the evaporator fins. A full system service is also another option, although obviously more costly.

4) Head-up to the attic

It’s essential to check the attic to ensure no leaks have developed from melting snow. You will also want to ensure that no mice, insects, or other critters have nested over the winter. Check the insulation to ensure it is intact. Look for signs of damage from mould and water.

5) Inspect the basement

We all know that the basement is prone to issues, especially after the seasons change. Check for cracks in any exposed cement walls and look for signs of leaks.

While you are down there, it’s also a good idea to check your sump pump, washing machine hoses, inspect the basement windows for mould and leaks, and signs of pests. 

6) Look for leaks and signs of mould

Building on the previous point, looking for leaks and mould is important in all areas of your home. Take the time to inspect all windows, doors, bathrooms, and other places damage from water could occur. Address these issues immediately. 

7) Eliminate clutter

Things can add up quickly, especially after the holiday season. The arrival of spring is the perfect opportunity to clean out the garage, basement and other areas where things have been piling up. You can also donate unwanted items to local charities, sell them online, or give them away to family and friends. 

8) Check Appliances

Most modern appliances have filters that require changing. Dishwashers, washing machines included. Empty and clean filters. It is also a good idea to run the interior cleaning of these appliances as recommended by the manufacturer. Check clothes dryer vent to ensure it is clear. Vacuum the refrigerator coils. Vacuum and clean under and behind all appliances.

Exterior Spring Home Maintenance Tips

Kayaking on Beaver River

With another winter over, it’s time to check for damage or wear and tear from inclement weather.

Here is a checklist of exterior items to inspect:

1) Check out the roof

It is vital to ensure your roof is free of damage. Any issue with your roof, such as damage to shingles, flashing, or leaks, can quickly impact other areas. Look for missing, torn, or curling shingles and any shingles with missing granules. 

2) Clean out the gutters and downspouts

Over time, gutters and downspouts can get clogged, especially if you have many trees and vegetation in your neighbourhood. We all know that clogged gutters can cause water damage and prevent water from being directed away.

Remove any debris, patch holes in your gutter with exterior grade caulking, and check your downspouts to ensure they are properly directing it away from your structure.

3) Inspect the foundation from the outside

Your foundation is often the source of water issues in your basement. Do a walk around the exterior, check for cracks in the foundation, and inspect the exterior walls, siding, and brick for damage. If you identify issues, contact a foundation specialist to look.

4) Check seals around exterior windows and doors

The cold weather can cause cracks or harden the caulk around your windows and doors. Inspect the seals on all windows and doors and replace them as required. This will help prevent water from getting in and help reduce your energy bill. Replace any broken or damaged screens.

5) Fence and deck maintenance

Checking your fence and decking is important. Look for signs of damage, cracked or split boards, unstable areas and signs of pest damage. Look for holes under the deck and fence. Depending on the type of wood, you may also need to seal or stain your deck.

6) Look for issues with your driveway and walkways

It’s common to find cracks in walkways and driveways after the winter. How you repair these cracks will depend on the type of surface you have (brick, asphalt, concrete).

7) Check all outdoor lights

Check exterior lights and motion sensors to ensure they function properly and replace bulbs as necessary. You can also take this time to re-install solar lights in your walkways and gardens.

We hope this list is helpful. If you need help with your spring tasks, don’t hesitate to give us a call. 705-446-4143