When springtime rolls around, almost everyone thinks of organizing and cleaning. While this is important, your friends at The Insurance Center want to remind you of something even more important – basic home maintenance.
Once you set the clocks ahead for daylight-saving time, and change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, give your home a checkup, too. Here are some suggestions from the Department of Housing and Urban Development:
Interior and appliances
- Check the basement and/or crawlspace for any signs of standing water or dripping.
- Pull your dryer out and clean the exhaust hose and vent (lint found here is a common cause of house fires).
- Vacuum refrigerator/freezer coils for efficiency.
- Clean exhaust fan outlets and screens.
- Check all air filters and replace, if necessary.
Roof, siding, windows
- Check for damage to your roof and have a professional inspection, if necessary.
- Inspect the attic. If there is visible moisture or discoloration, your roof may be leaking.
- Examine the paint on your siding and trim. If it is peeling, you might require new paint to protect against the effects of weather.
- Check for leaks around windows and door sills. Improving your seals can lower your energy bills.
Yard and exterior
- Check for signs of rodents and other pests.
- Clean debris from gutters and downspouts, and make sure they are draining away from the home.
- Trim overhanging tree branches and shrubs.
Remember, winter weather can cause significant damage that is easy to spot, but it often results in wear and tear that homeowners can miss if they aren’t looking closely. It’s well worth it to spend a little time on home maintenance this spring, so that wear and tear doesn’t turn into something more serious.
To make sure your homeowners insurance is also properly maintained, schedule a complimentary policy review at The Insurance Center today by calling 603.542.2551.