It’s finally the season when everything springs into action again and this includes you!

Spring is the perfect time of year to get your house in shape. So let’s get at it!

Prepare your home for the April showers and the impending summer weather with these tips:

1. Examine your roof shingles for lost or damaged shingles. Cracked, buckled, or loose shingles should be replaced. Shingles that are missing granules need to be replaced.
2. Flashing around plumbing vents, skylights and chimneys need to be checked and repaired by a qualified roofer.
3. Probe the Wood Trim – Use a screwdriver to probe the wood trim around windows, doors, railings, and decks.
4. Check the Gutters – Check for loose or leaky gutters. Improper drainage can lead to water in the basement or crawl space. Make sure downspouts drain away from the foundation and are clear and free of debris.
5. Use Compacted Soil – Low areas in the yard or next to the foundation should be filled with compacted soil. Spring rains can cause yard flooding, which can lead to foundation flooding and damage.
6. Examine the Chimney – Examine the exterior of the chimney for signs of damage. Have the flue cleaned and inspected by a certified chimney sweep.
7. Inspect the Concrete – Inspect concrete slabs for signs of cracks or movement. All exterior slabs except pool decks should drain away from the home’s foundation. Fill cracks with a concrete crack filler or silicone caulk.
8. Move Firewood – Remove firewood stored near the home. Store firewood at least 18 inches off the ground & at least 2 feet from the structure.
9. Check Outside Faucets – Check outside hose faucets for freeze damage. Turn the water on and place your thumb or finger over the opening. If you can stop the flow of water, it is likely the pipe inside the home is damaged and will need to be replaced.
10. Service the AC Unit – Have a qualified heating and cooling contractor clean and service the outside unit of the air conditioning system. Clean coils operate more efficiently, and an annual service call will keep the system working at peak performance levels. Change interior filters on a regular basis.

As a homeowner, there are always things to be done around the house.

Consider making a checklist to get organized. Spread your tasks over the weekends to more easily get them done.

Happy Spring!

Tips by HGTV