Spring Home Maintenance Tips | Arkansas Homes Checklist

Now that it is warming up, take some time to give your home a check-up along with the annual spring-cleaning. With the addition of these home maintenance tips you can help your house operate more efficiently.

Outside the House

Check The HVAC System

Do you have a qualified HVAC contractor? Preferably one that belongs to the Air Conditioning Contractors of America to come out for an air-conditioning system a tune-up. This will help lower your energy bills. Do this every year to ensure the system is running at maximum efficiency. Also make sure to inspect your system's condensate drain hose, especially important here in Arkansas due to the humidity. This hose could become clogged with algae and sediment, and your contractor may charge you more to clean it out. Avoid this expense by checking the hose periodically yourself. Use a wet-vac to suction the hose out.



Roofs And Gutters
The hot summer sun can quickly damage roof shingles, so you may want to call a contractor if you haven't inspected your roof in several years. Clean out leaves and other debris that may have collected in them. Then check to see if the gutters are safely attached and free of leaks. Also, make sure that downspouts direct water away from the house's foundation, to prevent a potential basement flood or mold growth.
Inspect the Foundation
For further basement flood protection, inspect the foundation around your home before the spring rains. Look for cracks or imperfections, and seal them or call a contractor if necessary. Also look for low areas in the yard near the foundation where water might pool during a heavy rain. Level these yard depressions by filling them with compacted soil. Tend to any other accumulation areas around the yard, too, because after a hard rain, standing water can develop. These puddles can be a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
Seal The Deck

If you have a patio deck, inspect the wood for stains, discolorations, or warping. If you find any, consider resealing the deck. To verify that your old application still works, pour some water onto the dry deck and check to see that it beads up. Most deck-sealer manufacturers recommend resealing annually, but if the deck beads water, you may be able to wait until the following spring to re-apply sealant. Check for any sharp edges, splintered wood, or rotting wood. Also, check for rusting nails or any nails that are coming out or weakening their connections. And be sure to check the railings and stairs to make sure they are secure and not wobbly.
Get the Garden Ready
Spring is the season to prepare for a new crop in your garden. Rake beds of leaves and other leftover winter debris. Use a hoe or tiller to churn and loosen the soil, and mix in compost for nutrients. If you will be planting new seeds, follow the instructions provided on the seed packet for the best results.
Prep the Lawn

As the grass begins to grow, good lawn maintenance can help your lawn look lush and beautiful. Aerate the soil if necessary so nutrients can reach the roots. Apply weed n feed to your lawn to get rid of pesky weeds and supply nutrients to your grass at the same time. Consider scalping your lawn on the first mow of the season so that when the new grass grows to the normal cutting height it is above last years dead growth. This is a landscapers trick for creating a beautiful green lawn from the get go that can inspire jealousy from the neighbors.

Inside The House

The Water Heater
Look around the base of your water heater and at pipe connections for evidence of leaks. The average lifespan of a water heater is 8-12 years. If your water heater is over 5 years old, it should be checked every month for any leaks or rusting at the bottom. If water leakage or rust is found, the water heater needs to be replaced. If you live in an area with particularly hard water, you may need to drain your water heater because of the sediment buildup in the tank.
The Basement, Storm Shelter And Attic
Does your attic or basement smell musty? If you have an attic, check it for leaks from the roof. Inspect the underside of the roof and the insulation closely for any discoloration, deterioration or dirt stains, as the leaking water might have dried up.
Check underground walls, floor, and trim for water stains or any signs of seepage through the foundation. While you're down there, keep a close eye on your sump pump, making sure it is still in good working order, and has a battery backup in place if necessary.
Stop the Pests Before They Get Started

All kinds of insects and rodents are coming out of hibernation in the spring. They waste no time getting busy invading homes and breeding. Consider an annual spring fumigation of your home to stop pests in their tracks before they lay eggs and multiply.
Source: State Farm

Brought to you by the Tracy Tidwell Team at ERA TEAM Real Estate in Conway, AR
http://www.tracytidwell.com
Tracy: 501-472-4709   ERA: 501-327-6731