April Showers Bring May Flowers.  Well, the flowers are blooming in North Carolina! The azaleas are in full bloom!

It is time to tackle the Spring Home Maintenance chores so you can play when the weather really turns nice.  A home needs a bit of periodic attention  to keep things in good condition and operating efficiently.  Below is a list to help you develop your own personal home maintenance program.  This should be your starting point and you can adapt it as appropriate for your home.  For a full year suggested maintenance check list and a lot of other useful home owner information go to the Peace of Mind Home Inspection Resource Page.

Exterior

• Inspect the roofing, vent penetrations, skylights & roof flashings.
• Clean & inspect the gutters, downspouts, splash blocks, and extensions.
• Have a chimney sweep clean & inspect chimney after burning season ends.
• Inspect siding for deterioration and damage. Clean as necessary. Paint as necessary.
• Inspect caulking & re-caulk as necessary.
• Inspect the fascia, soffit, and window and door trim for deterioration.
• Inspect vents, chimneys & other sheltered areas for bird & insect nests.
• Clean window & door screens. Repair or replace damaged screens.
• Inspect and repair weather strip around doors, windows & garage doors.
• Inspect the foundation, crawlspace, and basement for cracks, moisture & insects.
• Clean debris away from home, electrical and HVAC equipment, & other structures.
• Trim trees & shrubs away from home.
• Inspect wood decks, steps & rails for loose or damaged boards & raised nails.
• Clean the deck and reseal or stain as required.
• Check and repair driveways and sidewalks for cracks, broken, or uneven sections.
• Check the attic for signs of leaks or moisture penetration, or animal or pest intrusion.

Heating & Cooling

• Service the air-conditioning system (heat pump) before the start of the cooling season.
• Clean the ceiling fan blades.

Appliances

• Inspect the water heater temperature pressure relief valve for signs of leaks or discharge.
• Drain water from the drain valve at the bottom of the water heater to remove sediment.
• Replace the smoke detector batteries.  Vacuum around the smoke detector including the sensor.
• Replace the carbon monoxide detector batteries. Vacuum around the carbon monoxide detector including the sensor.

Plumbing

• Inspect the exterior hose bibs for leaks or damage.
• Startup automatic lawn sprinkler system, check for leaks and proper spray patterns and coverage.

Peace of Mind Home Inspections, serving Southeast North Carolina.  

www.peaceofmindhomeinspection.com   (910) 399-1547