Spring is almost upon us! 
Soon we’ll be able to open the windows and hear the birds chirp — a great time of year to tackle home projects and double check for repair needs.
Here’s a home maintenance checklist for keeping your home in top shape. Make the effort to keep you home running well now and save money in the long run!
- Inspect the chimney & roof. After the harsh winter gives way, check for loose shingles and other damage. Leaks can often occur around openings in your roof such as the chimney, so check for cracks, loose bricks, or signs of rot. For more tips on inspecting your roof, click here.
- Seal windows and doors. Ice cold weather can harden caulk and other weather seals, potentially causing cracks. Repair and re-seal around windows and doors as necessary. Blocking air leaks will help you save on both your air-conditioning and heating bills.
- Turn on the AC. Don’t wait until the humidity hits to find out your air conditioner needs repair! Give your AC a test run now.
- Clean your deck and outdoor surfaces. Make use of that pressure washer to give your deck, patio, fence, and driveway a good washing. Inspect for any mending and take care of paint touch-ups too.
- Clear out gutters and downspouts. Check for leaves and corrosion in your gutters and flush downspouts with water to wash out any clogs. Clogged gutters can lead to severe water damage, often difficult to detect until you need a major repair.
- Inspect your washer and dryer. Check the washing machine fill-hose for any cracks, which could cause damage if a leak were to spout. And check your outer dryer vent for build-up, which may be causing your dryer to run longer.
- Drain your water heater. Sediment can build up in your water heater tank. Use the spigot near the bottom of the heater to drain it and help prolong its life while reducing your electric bill.
- Vacuum your refrigerator coils. If the coils on the bottom or back of your refrigerator are coated with dust, they do the job less efficiently.
- Replace batteries in life saving devises. Take a peak once a year to ensure that both smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alerts are working properly — you never know when you’re going to need them!
- Replace light bulbs. Take the time to make sure your light fixtures contain the correct wattage bulbs and replace any old bulbs with energy-saving ones!
- Give your mower a tune-up. Make sure your lawn mower is ready for the warm season! Get the blade sharpened and check that you have mower gasoline on hand.
Andrus Built is a remodeling contractor in the North Saint Paul / East Metro area. Contact us about your Saint Paul / Twin Cities remodel needs today!
