After a long, dark winter full of nor’easters and wild temperature extremes, the warm, temperate days of spring are finally here!
Here, Paul Biagini of Biagini Realty, shares his maintenance checklist for getting your home in tip-top shape – whether you’re getting it ready for market, or simply to better enjoy in the beautiful days to come.
Check for – and repair – loose, clogged or leaky gutters. Improper drainage can cause water to gather in your basement or crawl space. Check to ensure downspouts drain away from the foundation and are free of debris.
Fill in low areas of your yard with compacted soil. This is especially important near the foundation. Spring rains can cause flooding, which can lead to foundation flooding and damage. And, when water pools in low areas during the summer, it can create a breeding ground for insects and disease.
Check the wood trim around windows, doors, railings and decks. Make repairs now before the spring rains do more potential damage to the exposed wood.
Examine roof shingles to see if any were lost or damaged during winter. If your home has an older roof covering, you may want to start a budget for replacement. Shingles that are cracked, buckled or loose should be replaced. Flashing around plumbing vents, skylights and chimneys should be checked and repaired by a qualified roofer.
Examine the exterior of the chimney for signs of damage. Make sure to have your flue cleaned and inspected by a certified chimney sweep.
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. During a string of warm days, power-wash and then seal the concrete.
Remove any firewood near your home. Firewood should be stored at least 18 inches off the ground at least 2 feet from your home’s structure.
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. Now is also a good time to check the garden hose for dry rot.
Have your air conditioning system checked and serviced by a qualified heating and cooling contractor. Clean systems operate more efficiently, and an annual service call will keep it working at peak performance levels. Interior filters should be changed on a regular basis.
Check your gas and battery-powered lawn equipment. Make sure it’s ready for summer use, by cleaning equipment and sharp cutting blades. Doing so will help make yardwork easier when the time comes for landscaping work.
Follow the above advice and you’ll soon be enjoying your home worry-free in the warm weather.
Call Hudson Valley real estate brokerage Biagini Realty. Paul Biagini can help you sell or find your perfect home in Orange County, Rockland County, Putnam County, Sullivan County, Ulster County, Dutchess County, Westchester County, Albany County and the Philadelphia metropolitan area.
About the Author: Paul Biagini is a lifelong resident of Washingtonville and a Hudson Valley real estate expert. Paul Biagini also maintains a residence in Philadelphia and is a Delaware Valley real estate expert with extensive ties to the region’s core. Paul Biagini owns several real estate offices stretching from Albany to White Plains and performs transactions in New York City as well.