The checklist below will help you to take care of your home. While you can take care of most maintenance items yourself, for other things you should hire a professional. Be sure to always disconnect the power source of electrical or gas systems before inspecting, cleaning or replacing them.
- If you have an attic fan:
- Remove leaves and debris from louvers and louver pivots.
- Clean fan blades.
- Lubricate motor and pulley bearings with a drop of oil on each pivot and oil port.
- Check drive belt and replace if sides are glazed smooth and slippery.
- Check belt tension (should deflect 1/2 of an inch when pressed in middle). Replace belt if necessary.
- Gas Heater -- Shut off and check the exhaust vent and air shutter openings for dirt and dust. Clean the burner of lint and dirt and vacuum air passages to burner.
- Inspect the heating system's fan belt for frayed or worn spots and check tension. (Should give about 3/4 inch). Keep a spare belt on hand.
- Remove debris from gutters and downspouts. (Use a wire snake for elbows.)
- Check gutter and downspout alignment to be sure rainwater is collected properly and drains away from house. Be sure mountings are secure.
- Spot paint worn areas on gutters and downspouts. Repair or caulk holes. Replace any sections that have holes or excessive rust.
- Check latches and pivots on storm windows for loose connections or signs of wear. Replace loose or worn parts.
- Make sure "weep hole" at the bottom of metal windows is clear.
- Refill water softener (ionization type) with salts (available from dealer).
- Manually open safety valve (temperature-pressure-relief valve) at the top of hot water tank to test operation; wear gloves, and use a bucket to catch water as it comes out. Be sure the valve returns to its original position.
- Inspect grading around house to be sure water drains away from the house on all sides.
- Check inside and outside foundation walls and piers for termite tubes and damaged wood.
- Examine inside of foundation walls for dampness or water stains, which indicates seepage or a leak.
- Check bricks or blocks for cracked mortar or loose joints.
- Clean out any debris or leaves that have filled or blocked doorways, window wells and storm drains.
- Check painted surfaces for paint failure, water damage or mildew.
- Examine all trim for tightness of fit, damage and decay.
- Inspect condition of caulking where two different materials meet, where wood siding joins the foundation's wall, at inside corners and where window trim and door trim join the siding.
- Check for broken or cracked glass and damaged screens or storm windows.
- Examine all hardware on windows and doors. Lubricate moving parts.
- Check weather stripping on windows and doors for damage and tightness of fit.
- Inspect roof for damaged or loose shingles or blisters.
- Examine flashing around chimneys, vent stalks and roof edges.
- Check vents and louvers for free air movement. Clean screen.
- Check antenna wires and support straps.
- Look for cracks where ceilings and walls join.
- Inspect the condition of wiring in exposed areas, such as the attic.
- Check faucets, hoses, bibs, commodes and shutoff valves for leaks.
Remember, implementing a spring home maintenance checklist will help you reduce the chances of major expenses later on.
Source: Frances Graham, Housing Specialist