Springtime is on the way and it's time to start thinking about sprucing up your property. Regular maintenance on your property is essential for preserving its value and avoiding major trouble. Here's a comprehensive checklist of everything you need to do this spring to ensure everything is in tip-top shape.
Exterior maintenance
First, let's focus on the outside of your property.
Check the gutters: One item that is often overlooked when doing property maintenance in the spring is the gutters. Gutters play an important role in directing water away from the roof, walls and foundations of a property, but they can easily become clogged with leaves and other debris, during the Autumn and Winter seasons.
Failure to clean out the gutters can result in water damage and can also lead to mold and mildew growth, which can be harmful to the health of the occupants.
Therefore, it's important to inspect and clean out gutters and drains in the spring to ensure that they are working properly and flowing freely. This will help to prevent costly repairs and keep the property in good condition for years to come.
Inspect the roof: Winter can take its toll on your roof, so it’s essential to check for any damage or leaks. Look for missing or damaged tiles, chimney cracks, and signs of water damage. If you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, hire a professional. Any repair work should be done as soon as possible to prevent further damage due to weather or other external factors.
Inspect the exterior of your structure: Look for any cracks or chips in exterior paint work—especially around windowsills and door frames where moisture can accumulate.
Check the windows and doors: Inspect the windows and doors for any cracks or gaps that can allow heat to escape. Seal any gaps with caulk or weatherstripping. If the windows or doors are sticking or not properly sealing shut, fix them immediately to stop draughts.
Examine your outdoor light fittings: Replace any bulbs that are burned out, check wiring for fraying or exposed wires that could lead to an electrical fire hazard, replace any fixtures that appear outdated or broken beyond repair.
Inspect the outdoor spaces: Walk around your property and check for any damage caused by winter storms. Look for damage to fences, decks, and outdoor structures.
Interior maintenance
Now, let's turn our attention indoors!
Examine plumbing systems: This includes an inspection of interior walls looking especially for water lines or leaks that may have formed during winter months when temperatures dropped below freezing—even small leaks can become huge problems over time if not addressed quickly, so make sure everything is checked thoroughly before moving on with other projects this season!
Also, check for leaks under sinks and around the water heater. If you notice any leaks, contact a plumber to fix the issue.
Test the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors: Ensure all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly. Replace batteries if necessary.
Have the chimney swept: If you have a fireplace or wood stove, have the chimney cleaned and inspected by a professional.
Springtime is an excellent opportunity to give your property some TLC before hot summer days arrive! Taking care of maintenance items now will save you time, money and headaches when unexpected repairs occur because something was missed earlier in the year.
So don't wait - grab a ladder and get started today! With these tips you'll have everything taken care of in no time and can enjoy peace of mind knowing that you've done everything possible to keep your property looking its best and running smoothly all year long.
If you would like help or guidance on buying or selling a property, the staff at any branch of Kings Group would be delighted to help. You can also contact us on Twitter (@KingsGroupLLP) and Facebook (facebook.com/KingsGroupLLP).
