Spring is within striking distance. The barbeques, deck chairs, hot tubs and pools will soon be calling to us, enticing us out from Canadian winter hibernation mode and into our sandals and shorts once again.

    Much of our outdoor activities around the house these past few months have consisted of heads down mad dashes to and from the car, and the occasional work out with a shovel or snow blower.

    While you have been curled up inside by the fire, freezing, thawing, ice, wind, snow and rain have been testing the limits of the outside of the house. Over the next few weeks the snow should (and I emphasize should) melt away and the robins will return. This is the time to walk around the house to inspect just how well your home fared over another Ontario winter.

    Start with a good visual inspection of the roof. Are the tiles all intact? Are they curling up or are the corners rounded off? If it has been at least 15 years since the shingles were installed then this may be the year to replace them. If so then start getting quotes from roofing companies now. You should get a better price by booking well ahead and have a bit more control in picking a date for the job that best suits your summer schedule.

    Clean out your eaves troughs; at the same time check that they are secure and your downspouts are properly connected and carrying water away from the foundation of the house.

    Check for cracks in the brick mortar as well as concrete steps, walkways and foundations. These should be addressed as soon as possible or they will continue to collect moisture. As you know, the thermometer bounced up and down all winter and water in these cracks expands by 10% every time it freezes.

    Check that there is good clearance between tree branches and the house while there are still no leaves. The back and forth rubbing of branches will shorten the life of a roof and scrape up your siding over time.

    Check your air conditioner or preferably have a service technician give it a proper inspection prior to using it.

    Check for leaks between your outside taps and the inside shut off valve when you decide its warm enough to turn them back on.

    Check your windows for cracks or broken seals and screens for tears.  Look to see that the caulking around windows and doors is still doing its job. Check your decks and fencing for loose boards and nails and see what needs repainting or staining to keep your house protected from the elements and looking up to date.

    It won’t be long before the smell of fresh cut grass and grilling steaks will permeate the air once again and you will be enjoying another summer knowing your home is in good hands and good health.