For most people, a house is their biggest investment in a lifetime. Caring for a house and meeting its needs is just as important as sealing a deal to get it. Just like a car that needs regular oil changes, a house needs an upkeep schedule that keeps it from falling apart. At Larsa Development, we understand that to make things last, you have to show your property the attention and care it needs.
Most homeowners only realize the importance of home maintenance when a gutter overflows, the roof leaks, a toilet won’t flush, or the cooling system fails to provide thermal comfort. According to Murphy’s law, anything that can go wrong will go wrong.
This article will discuss the annual home improvement that you can do to make sure your house runs like a well-oiled machine.
Spring
Owing to tradition, cleaning this time of the year has come to be called “spring cleaning.”
· Clean out the gutters
Sediment from winter rains/water and leaves from fall may accumulate and clog the gutter. A clogged gutter can damage your roof, siding, and foundation. Clean your gutters and check for damage. Using a water hose, see if they drain well.
· Inspect the exterior
Check for any cracks in the foundation, peeling paint, damaged siding or shingles, and anything you can see that would require repair.
· Service your HVAC system
Schedule a biannual check-up and servicing with your HVAC contractor. You need those air conditioners and ventilators up and running for the summer.
· Inspect the roofing
Check the roofing for any signs of damage or leakage. Check shingles, vents, and flashing for damage and get them repaired accordingly by availing our contracting services in the GTA.
Summer
Summer is usually the time where you focus on the exterior of the house.
· Maintain the lawn
Pull out your lawnmower and give the plants growing in your lawn a once-over. Make sure there aren’t any trees growing close to the electric lines. Check for plants growing in the cracks.
· Check the garage
Deep clean your garage and oil garage chains, doors, and all door hinges. See if any parts of your garage need repair.
· Inspect the plumbing
Inspect your plumbing and look for any leaks. To improve the water flow of the faucet, clean the aerator.
· Clean window wells
If you have a basement, it is important to clean your window wells annually to remove sediments, animals, or leaves from last fall.
Fall
The main goal of homeowners during fall is to prepare their house for the winter.
· Service your heating system
Check and replace air filters, make sure your heating vents are open, and check the thermostat. Call us for biannual services.
· Winterize your A/C system
Remove and store window unit air conditioners. Winterize your A/C system in case you have central air conditioning.
· Clean the chimney
Make sure you unclog your chimney of any dirt accumulation or fall debris so you can spend a warm night by the fireplace the next season.
· Install storm windows
If you’re from areas of North America, installing storm windows for winters would be a wise decision. These are mounted outside or inside the main glass window to protect the house from stormy winds.
Winter
· Check for ice dams
Regularly check the gutters and lower roofs for ice dams and icicles. Eliminate as much as you can as they are heavy enough to damage the house and people standing beneath.
· Clean the basement
Like garages, basements tend to be overlooked. Inspect it, clean it, fix it.
· Check the lawn for flooding.
Make sure your lawn is not pooling with water and eliminate any risk for interior flooding.
If key areas of your house are neglected for too long, they can develop foundational issues that are a hazard to both you and your family. It also means long hours of repair and wasted money. Make sure you maintain your house annually to live a long, healthy life there. And if you need the help, we’d love to be there for us. Give us a call today!