The weather has really started to warm up in Durham, NC over the past few weeks. If you’re thinking about getting ready for warmer weather, there’s likely a number of items on both the interior and exterior of your home that could use some attention. At Prince & Sons, we’ve put together a spring home maintenance checklist to use as you get your home ready for the warmer spring and summer months.
Clean gutters and remove any debris – Your gutters can become clogged with all sorts of debris after a long winter. Before we’re hit with April showers, it’s time to clean your gutters thoroughly.
Check downspouts – Check all of your downspouts and ensure they’re securely attached and pointing away from your foundation to prevent water issues.
Repair damaged siding and peeling paint – Spring is the perfect time to repair any rotten siding and tackle those exterior painting jobs that you may have been putting off for far too long.
Check your chimney – Warmer weather is also a great time to get your chimney inspected since most chimney sweeps won’t be as busy during warmer months. Make sure the chimney sweep checks the mortar joints between bricks and stones for deterioration as well.
Inspect your foundation – Check your foundation to identify any cracks or shifting. If you see signs of shifting it’s best to call a foundation contractor sooner rather than later.
Check your roof – Inspect your roof to identify any loose shingles and repair as necessary. If you’re not comfortable navigating your roof, call in a professional.
Check basement – If you have a basement it’s best to check to see if you’ve experienced any water intrusion over the winter. You can also examine the foundation walls for any voids or cracks.
Clean the dryer vent – Clean behind the washer and dryer and be sure to clean out the dryer vent ,which will reduce the chance of a fire.
Check washing machine and dishwasher hoses – Inspect dishwasher and washing machine hoses for any cracks or wetness.
Clean air filters and vents – Replace air and furnace filters if applicable. Not only will you have cleaner air circulating through your home, your HVAC system will also run more efficiently.
Vacuum refrigerator coils – Extend the life of your refrigerator by vacuuming the refrigerator coils.
Inspect caulking – Inspect caulk around windows and doors to make sure conditioned air isn’t escaping and water isn’t entering
Check window screens – Before you open up your windows to let some spring air in, it’s best to inspect your window screens and repair as necessary.
Inspect your attic – Check your attic to make sure you haven’t had any pesky critters that may have made a visit over the winter. Look for deteriorated insulation that has been relocated or scattered about. You can also check soffit vents to ensure they’re not damaged or blocked from pests or bats.
Test GFCI outlets – Test all GFCI outlets in your kitchen, bathrooms and any outside receptacles to ensure that they’re working correctly.
If you have any larger scale items on your spring todo list, such as a kitchen renovation, bath remodel or whole-home remodel, don’t hesitate to contact the licensed general contractors at Prince & Sons, Inc. We have decades of experience in handling all types of home renovations and are active members of our local Better Business Bureau and Home Builders Association and stand ready to assist you in any way possible.
Give us a call today at 919-383-0888 or reach out to us through our online contact form to learn more about our services.