Spring is Here - [ MM ]
09:09 |
Spring
is here, and thoughts are turning to summer barbecues and outdoor entertaining.
But before hanging up the patio lanterns and dusting off the deck chairs, it’s
time to check your home’s condition – inside and out - to assess what seasonal maintenance
needs to be done.
Outdoor Maintenance is the Key
The
Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) recommends regular home maintenance
as the best way to protect your investment.
Even
if your schedule is tight, you can tackle a few tasks at a time, rather than
trying to take on an entire spring maintenance project.
The
first step is to develop a list of priorities and then decide which tasks you
can do yourself and those you need help with.
Try
to establish a routine with the smaller doable jobs. It will make the project
less daunting, and you can reward yourself after completing a task!
Have Your Home Inspected
Some
repairs may be obvious. But when it comes to determining the condition of your
home’s systems and its components under the surface, you may want to consider
contacting a home inspector or other professional.
Knowing
the condition of your home and keeping up with a regular seasonal maintenance
schedule can not only promote life expectancy of your home’s performance
systems but prevent costly problems later.
Besides,
making necessary repairs while keeping historical records – in the same way
that you treat your car – can demonstrate that you’ve had your home
professionally maintained, should you decide to sell it one day.
By
properly inspecting and maintaining your home, you’ll help to keep your home a
safe and healthy place to live and protect its value.
If
you aren’t equipped to perform some of these jobs, you may want to consider
hiring a qualified professional to take on those tasks, for your own safety and
convenience. Here are some seasonal maintenance tips to help get you started.
Spring Maintenance Checklist
ü After consulting
your hot water tank owner’s manual, carefully test the temperature and pressure
relief valve to ensure it is not stuck. Caution: This test may release hot
water that can cause burns.
ü Check and clean or
replace furnace air filters each month during the heating season. Ventilation
system, such as heat recovery ventilator, filters should be checked every two
months
ü Have fireplace or
wood stove and chimney cleaned and serviced as needed.
ü Shut down, drain
and clean furnace humidifier, and close the furnace humidifier damper on units
with central air conditioning.
ü Switch on power to
air conditioning and check system. Have it serviced every two or three years.
ü Clean or replace
air-conditioning filter, if applicable.
ü Check dehumidifier
and drain — clean if necessary.
ü Turn OFF gas
furnace and fireplace pilot lights where possible.
ü Have well water
tested for quality. It is recommended that you test for bacteria every six
months.
ü Check smoke, carbon
monoxide and security alarms, and replace batteries.
ü Clean windows,
screens and hardware, and replace storm windows with screens. Check screens
first and repair or replace if needed.
ü Open valve to
outside hose connection after all danger of frost has passed.
ü Examine the
foundation walls for cracks, leaks or signs of moisture, and repair as
required.
ü Ensure sump pump is
operating properly before the spring thaw sets in. Ensure discharge pipe is
connected and allows water to drain away from the foundation.
ü Re-level any
exterior steps or decks that moved as a result of frost or settling.
ü Check for and seal
off any holes in exterior cladding that could be an entry point for small
pests, such as bats and squirrels.
ü Check eaves troughs
and downspouts for loose joints and secure attachment to your home, clear any
obstructions, and ensure water flows away from your foundation.
ü Clear all drainage
ditches and culverts of debris.
ü Repair and paint
fences as necessary — allow wood fences to dry adequately before tackling this
task.
ü Undertake spring
landscape maintenance and, if necessary, fertilize young trees.
Source:
CMHC
For
advice on scheduled and preventative home maintenance, HomeForce can take the
surprises, stress, and uncertainty out of your spring maintenance project to
deliver peace of mind.