Even if you have no intention of selling your home this year, regular maintenance is essential for preserving your home’s appearance and value. If you do plan to sell, your well maintained home should fetch a higher asking price while avoiding last minute repairs before closing.

This spring, concentrate on these important fix-ups:

  • Inspect gutters  and downspouts and check to see that splash blocks are properly positioned. To see if the weight of snow, ice and leaves has twisted your home’s gutters out of shape, pour a large container of water into each one. If water pools in one spot or flows away from the downspout, the gutter may need repair or replacement.
  • All homes settle a bit each year, which can stress the foundation. Look carefully for hairline cracks and repair them immediately with the proper sealant.
  • If your home is a brick exterior, inspect the bricks and mortar for any signs of wear or damage. If your home has wood or vinyl siding, look for loose panels and trim. Inspect the soffit and facia below the gutters for rot and insects.
  • Examine all doors and windows for warping and re-caulk all seams every two years.
  • On the roof, look for missing, loose or cracked shingles. Areas of mold or evidence of moisture accumulation may mean that water is not draining properly toward the gutters.
  • Decide if your deck needs a fresh coat of stain or preservative and tap in any protruding nails.
  • Inspect all visible pipes for leaks, drips or corrosion. Also look for water stains on the ceilings and walls that could indicate roof or window leaks.

Most of this routine maintenance can be done yourself. However, if you find yourself in need of a handyman whether it be lack of expertise or time, send me an email and I get you a referral. You can also use Angie’s List to find a reputable handyman.

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