As spring melts away the snow and ice, it's a great time to perform a routine property assessment.
If you've never done this before, we have some helpful tips to get you started.
Whether you rent or own your home, a routine property assessment is an important maintenance step to perform in the spring and fall.
Start with a yard clean-up to remove any debris, rocks, or sticks that have collected on your lawn during the winter. Then, walk around your property looking for the following:
Outdoors
- Make sure outdoor taps are functioning properly, then attach a garden hose and look for leaks.
- Clear debris from the gutters and basement window wells. Ensure all downspouts are directed away from the foundation of the house.
- Inspect the foundation around your home for cracks.
- Check the seals on all exterior windows and doors and replace the entire seal if you see cracks or hardened caulking.
- Test outdoor light fixtures and replace any that are malfunctioning.
- Inspect all visible areas of the roof from the ground. If you notice any signs of wear, call a professional to inspect and repair it properly.
- If applicable, clean away any weeds that have grown around the central air conditioning unit.
Indoors
- Change the furnace filter and have a repair technician perform an inspection of the furnace.
- Change batteries in all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and then test them.
- Check for water leaks from taps, the dishwasher, or washing machine.
- If you have an attic, inspect it for leaks, look for rodents, and insure the insulation is intact.
- Inspect the interior foundation. Check for cracks, dampness, and leaks.
- Examine interior window caulking and replace any that show signs of deterioration.
- Clean exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens. Ensure fans spin freely.
If you're renting and notice any issues inside or out, contact your property manager immediately for repair.
When you perform a thorough assessment of your home and property, you can spot issues before they become a bigger problem, which can often save you money.