A1DesignBuild Guide to Preparing Your Home for Spring

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The A1DesignBuild Guide to Spring

Spring is right around the corner and it's time to shake off the winter blues and get your house ready for the longer days and warmer months ahead. Here’s a few tips to get you started.

Walk Around the Exterior of Your Home:

Grab a notebook and make a note about things needing repair, and then make a plan to fix those things when Summer comes around.

  • Check the roof for any loose or damaged shingles. (It’s not necessary to climb on the roof.  Cheap binoculars from the ground will do just fine.)

  • Check for damaged bricks or masonry at chimneys and exterior cladding.

  • Gutters should slope toward, and be connected to, all downspouts.  Downspouts should extend away from the building to divert storm water away from the foundation. Poor downspout drainage is a common cause of basement seepage that can really cost you in the future.

  • Gutters should be cleaned in the spring and again in the fall. (If you’re not comfortable on a ladder, make the call. There are plenty of companies who can help.)

  • Visually check for loose sections of soffit, fascia, siding, areas of peeling paint or deteriorated wood.

  • Check that the steps, sidewalks, patios and driveways for slip, trips, and fall hazards.

  • Check for any splintered or deteriorated wood deck boards.

  • Clear any vegetation from around the exterior air conditioning and heat pump condensor units.

  • Check that grill. Is the propane full and ready for business?

A1DesignBuild - designers and home builders in Whatcom County WA

A Kitchen Completed in 2024. Let the sun shine in.

Take a Tour of Your Interior:

  • Replace batteries and test smoke and CO detectors. Make sure fire extinguishers are full and in date.

  • Replace the furnace filter (depending on the type of filter, this item may require more frequent replacement).

  • Clean the dryer vent duct. The duct can usually be disconnected from the back of the dryer, then shake the lint loose and vacuum.

  • Vacuum the refrigerator coils (at the back of the fridge)

  • Test any GFCI electrical receptacles by pressing the “test” button, then pressing the “reset” button.

  • Test any sump pumps by following manufacturer’s testing instructions.

  • Check interior basement and crawlspace walls for any indication of leaks or rodents.

  • Check the dryer vent cover and remove any built-up lint.

  • Shine a flashlight into the attic to check for roof leaks.

Spring is also a great time to declutter and give stuff away that you no longer need. Organize your sock drawer, your garage, get your tools in order, and dust off the hammock. Open the windows again and enjoy the good times that are surely ahead. Salud!

Got any questions or additions to this list? Reach out and let us know.

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