The inspectors at Real Home Inspections Niagara have seen it all: Roofs so crumbly there were no shingles left; cracks in the driveway so deep you could call them pits; gardens with no plants - just weeds; fences with most boards missing and decks so rotted, you couldn’t host a barbecue and safely sit out.
The how and the why this happens isn’t the point here; the point is things don’t have to be this way.
With a little elbow grease every change of season on the part of the homeowners, a home will appear loved and well cared for, even if it’s going up for sale.
* Start with the big things first: Check roof, flashing, chimney and eavestroughs for damage caused by winter’s harsh weather. If it’s time to replace your roof or repair your chimney, now is the time to put out a call to local companies for a quote. If there’s damage, you will want your repairs made as quickly as possible.
* A deck and fence are good investments for your home, and can add resale value - but they need to be in good repair. Probe the wood structures on your property and ensure there is no rot. If it’s time to apply stain to protect wood surfaces, try to find a window of a couple of days of good weather to get this done.
* Tidy garden beds and lawns by raking and levelling soil. Now’s a good time to add fresh mulch to garden beds and seed and fertilize lawns. It’s also a good time for planning to add new plantings, and for researching the kinds of plants that will do well in your gardens.
* Fill low-lying areas in your lawns and reseed to avoid having places where water gathers on your lawns. This will keep insects like mosquitoes from breeding in your yard water. It may also help keep your basement area dry, since groundwater damage can allow leaks to penetrate your home’s foundation.
* With planting comes the need to water. Now is a good time to check outside faucets for damage from freezing temperatures, replace washers and test all hoses.
* Once things start growing, they’ll also need trimming. Make sure your lawn mower and trimmer and other gardening tools are in perfect working order, sharpening blades, changing string spools and stocking up on gas or oil.
* If your patio or driveway is composed of concrete slab, now’s a good time to inspect for cracks and apply filler, such as silicone caulking for concrete. If you have cracks to repair, you might also want to think about having your patio or driveway sealed to prevent further damage.
* If your home has a wood-burning fireplace, now’s the time to move firewood stored near the home to keep it from becoming a home to rodents and insects. As a rule of thumb, firewood should be stored at least 18 inches off the ground, and at least a few feet away from your home’s foundation.
* Spring is a good time to plan a service call for your AC unit, so your system will be operating at peak performance by the time soaring temperatures hit. Remember to change interior filters as required, especially if you have pets.
* Washing windows in spring can be considered part of home maintenance, and if you are selling your home this season, nothing says well-cared-for like clean windows sparkling in the sunshine.
As long as you have the equipment out anyhow, why not wash off the garage door and wash down the driveway, too? Once winter’s sand and dirt accumulations have been cleared away, other spring maintenance tasks won’t seem so onerous.
* Finally, adding some curb appeal in the form of clean patio furniture, a new mailbox, house numbers or carriage lights is a satisfying day project for any homeowner. Think about the impact your front door makes and perhaps opt for a new paint colour.
Perhaps it’s wise to clear up your porch first - once that’s complete, you’ll have a convenient place to rest while you’re working on the rest of your spring outdoor maintenance!
It’s a big list, but remember, you can do things over the course of several weekends. By the time good weather arrives, you’ll be ready for your much-needed staycation in the sun!
Are you in the process of buying a new home? Book a Real Home Inspection Niagara service by visiting our website at http://www.rhiniagara.com/book-an-inspection, or by calling 905-401-7586. Our office serves the Niagara region and surrounding areas, and is open 24 hours, seven days per week.
We were very impressed with how extensive the home inspection was and your wealth of knowledge. We also greatly appreciated the time you took to explain each and every question or concern we had throughout the entire process. Furthermore, the report went above and beyond our expectations!
