For many people, it’s a lot easier to wait until something goes wrong with their home than it is to maintain everything all year long. This is a dangerous strategy. For example, waiting until your gutters are in disrepair before addressing them can cause serious leaks in your home, potentially causing thousands of dollars’ worth of damage.

Ultimately, maintaining your home will help you save money, but knowing what to do and when to do it is often the biggest roadblock to regular home maintenance. Here are some tips for the spring, summer, fall, and winter that will help you enjoy a beautiful, functional home for many years to come.

Spring

  • Wash windows and repair or replace broken screens
  • Thoroughly clean the gutters
  • Get out in the yard and trim or remove trees and bushes that are threatening power lines and the foundation of your home
  • Test carbon monoxide detectors and fire alarms; replace batteries if needed
  • Address any cracks in driveways or sidewalks
  • Have your air conditioner serviced so it’s ready for summer
  • Inspect the exterior of your home for chipping paint, cracks in the foundation, and inspect the roof for leaks

Summer

  • Power wash driveways, siding, and patios
  • Keep an eye open for insects and treat the interior and exterior of your home as needed
  • Check and clean exhaust vents
  • Clean and tidy up the garage

Fall

  • Flush the hot water heater and remove sediment
  • Winterize air conditioning systems and have your heater serviced so it’s ready for winter
  • Winterize sprinkler systems and flush outdoor water faucets
  • Thoroughly clean the gutters
  • Check to make sure windows and doors have a proper seal
  • Clean the fireplace, if you have one, to ensure it’s ready for winter
  • Clean up the yard and cover fire pits, furniture, and other outdoor items

Winter

  • Check for ice dams and remove icicles outside your home
  • Clean the shower head and check for leaks
  • Tighten knobs and check doorknobs and deadbolts
  • Clean and tidy up the basement
  • Clean refrigerator coils

This list is by no means complete, but it’s a great start to ensure that your home is in tip-top shape every season throughout the year. There are additional things you should do throughout the year too, like replace furnace filters and clean the dryer vent.

Even with the right maintenance, you may discover that certain aspects of your home need a little more TLC. If you’re looking to improve your home with a new roof, siding, windows, or doors, call All Weather Seal of West Michigan.