Spring has officially arrived in the Okanagan, so its time to start thinking about seasonal home maintenance and preparing your property to look (and function) its best for the coming months. To help you out, c4u Inspections Ltd. has prepared a 12-point checklist get your property Spring-ready and maintain its value.
12 Tips for Spring Maintenance
- Schedule cooling-system maintenance. If you have central air conditioning, be sure to schedule professional maintenance before the start of summer. A properly maintained system cools better, uses less energy and lasts longer. (Remember, no one wants their air conditioning to fail on the hottest day of July!)
- Check the roof. After a heavy winter, it’s a good idea to get your roof professionally checked. Even the best roofs can sometimes be breached during heavy storms or other unforeseen, traumatic events. In many cases, the damage isn't noticeable to someone who isn't trained to spot it. C4u Inspections Ltd offers roof inspections to ensure you'll be able to identify small problems before they become large ones; this means lower maintenance bills for you, and a longer life for your roof.
- Clean gutters and downspouts. Having your home’s gutters and downspouts cleaned (and repaired if necessary) is one of the important tasks to schedule this season. Clogged gutters during a rainy spring can cause water to pool, potentially damaging the roof and siding.
- Test sprinklers and irrigation system. Take the time this month to test each part of your system, adjusting or repairing as needed. And if you don’t already have drip irrigation for your garden, consider putting it in — a properly installed system can save time and water.
- Check safety devices. Test batteries on smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, replacing them as needed. Also check your equipment’s owner’s manuals for maintenance advice, and to ensure they are well within their stated life span. Lastly, its a good idea to periodically check for recalls of your home safety products; you can find up-to-date listings at https://recalls-rappels.canada.ca/en.
- Spring clean your dryer vents and duct work. Keeping ducts and vents free of dust and debris will help reduce your energy bill and improve the airflow in your home, not to mention avoiding the possibility of fire. Keeping the ducts clear will also ensure your units can perform at peak efficiency. Like air ducts, having your dryer vents cleaned will boost the overall efficiency of your machine and save on energy!
- Inspect paths and driveway. Repeated freezing and thawing can take a toll on asphalt and concrete. Check your driveway and paths for cracks, scheduling repairs as needed.
- Clean and inspect screen doors and windows. Washing your windows (inside and out) will ensure you make the most of the spring Okanagan sunshine. Pollen and grime can also build up on window screens, so it’s a good idea to clean them once a year. For a quick cleaning, leave screens in place and vacuum with a dusting attachment. For a deeper cleaning, remove screens (mark which is which if cleaning multiple windows) and gently scrub with warm, soapy water. Rinse and let dry. Also, before putting up window screens and screen doors, inspect each one for holes and rips — even small tears can let in mosquitoes. If you find any holes, repair them with a screen patch kit (available at most hardware stores).
- Maintain wood decks and fences. Keep outdoor woodwork in top shape by staining or resealing it each spring. Check gates, fencing, decks, railings, pergolas and other outdoor structures, and make repairs as needed.
- Wash siding. Using a regular garden hose, attach a siding cleaning kit, which is available at most home improvement stores, to clear away winter grime from your home’s siding. (Note: If your siding could use a really deep cleaning, it can be tempting to use a pressure washer to get the job done quickly, but if you choose this option, do so with care. Consumer Reports advises avoiding any pressure washer that comes with a 0-degree nozzle, because it can be too dangerous (to you and your house) and wider nozzles can get the job done just as well. A better strategy might be to contact a professional to do the work for you.)
- Clean out trash cans and recycling bins. Take empty cans outside and spray them with a hose to start. Spritz inside and out with the cleaning spray of your choice. Let the bins sit for a few minutes before scrubbing them with a stiff-bristle brush. Rinse with the hose and leave them upside down to dry. (PS: Doing this task before the weather gets too hot will definitely help decrease the smell factor!)
- Boost curb appeal. Spring is a wonderful time to make upgrades to your home’s exterior, and even small changes — like putting up bold house numbers and a shiny new mailbox — can make a big impact.
Whether you are buying, selling or insuring a property, a professional property inspection can give you peace of mind; C4u Inspections Ltd is here to ensure you have the information you need!
