Your spring home maintenance checklist

It’s officially the time of year that most Canadians start making a list for spring cleaning and thinking about the projects they want to do around the house. Now that winter has started to depart, it’s important to check both the interior and exterior of your house for any damage the cold, ice and snow may have inflicted and start to prepare for the summer months.
While there’s the routine vacuum, dusting and mopping – spring cleaning provides an opportunity to check some important items off your home maintenance to-do list.

Basic maintenance can save you money

They’re called chores for a reason but putting in some time each year to go through your home can save you money in the long run. For instance, if you have blocked gutters caused by a bird’s nest, they can overflow and flood your house causing water damage and a pretty big headache.

Basic maintenance helps you maintain the value of your home, keeps it protected from weather, reduces long-term costs and saves you time in the long run. Turning your spring-cleaning list into a quarterly to-do means it will take less time each season and allow you to identify potential issues before they become major repairs.

Interior spring maintenance

  • Check and replace your furnace filter as needed. This makes it easier for the furnace to regulate your home’s temperature and helps decrease your energy bills.
  • Inspect your attic and basement for any cracks, leaks, mould or water damage. This is also a good opportunity to look for signs of pests.
  • Test all your smoke and carbon monoxide detector batteries to determine if any of them need to be replaced.
  • Examine and clean all your window screens to make sure they aren’t ripped or damaged.
  • Double check that your air conditioner is working and change the filter.
  • Carefully walk through each room and look for signs of leaks or mould. Be sure to closely inspect all bathroom, windows and doors. If you find any mould or leaks, address the issue immediately to prevent further spread.

Exterior spring maintenance

  • Examine your roof for missing and lifting shingles or any signs of possible damage or leaks.
  • Turn on your hose bibbs to inspect them for possible damage before watering your grass for the first time.
  • Check for any grade settlement to ensure proper surface water drainage. Make sure that any draining water is moving away from your home.
  • Clear any blockages in your gutters and downspouts and verify that everything is draining properly. Make sure that any holes, gaps or cracks are repaired or replaced.
  • Doublecheck your driveway and sidewalk for cracks and schedule any repairs that may be needed.
  • Reseal any exterior woodwork such as your deck, steps and fence. This can help wood stay in good condition and prolong its life.
Know your coverage

It’s important to note that homeowners’ insurance policies exclude damage for normal wear and tear to your home. If your 30-year-old roof starts to leak, its expected that the cost of replacing that will fall to you. If your insurance company decides that you didn’t perform regular basic maintenance on an item that may otherwise be covered, your policy may not cover that damage.

 

If you would like to know more about home insurance quotes online, or you have any questions or concerns regarding your home insurance policy, contact your Rogers Insurance broker. They can help you navigate all the information so that you feel supported and understand your coverage.

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