sponsored post by Lauren Hruby and Scott DeVouton
It’s still winter, but now is the time for your household to plan for spring. It’s the time for a lot of regular home maintenance. Plan and budget now, especially if you’ll be listing your home this season. Links at the end of this article will help point you in the right direction.
Check the exterior of the house.
Look at your lawn and patio. Check for areas that need grass seed and landscaping that might need attention. Sidewalks, patios and driveways will also show cracks and movement now. Don’t forget to check the grill and patio furniture.
Look around your house for signs that critters have wintered in your home, particularly in attics and crawl spaces. Also check for insects, particularly eggs and prior tracks.
Check your roof and chimneys for signs of winter damage, particularly if you have had ice damming. Check attics to make sure support beams are intact. Gutters and spouts should be cleaned and checked to make sure they do their job when the rainy season comes. Make sure rooftop exhaust covers are properly affixed.
Walk around your home and look for foundation cracks and window gaps. While you’re there, clean your dryer vent and clear any debris from the A/C unit.
Check the interior of the house.
Look for new cracks in your basement, particularly where you notice cracks in your external foundation. Test your sump pump, as it will see heightened use in the upcoming months. Now is also a good time to scope your sewer line and make sure drains are working properly.
Change furnace filters. Service your A/C. Regular HVAC maintenance will help get the most out of your system, and will save you money down the road.
Change smoke detector batteries and replace fire extinguishers as needed. Check your security system, change batteries and have your system serviced if necessary. Test GFCI outlets.
Now is also a great time to start spring cleaning, before warm months bring a busier schedule.
If you want to be really organized, keep a maintenance log and use a maintenance checklist. Having a plan will help you stay on top of things without reinventing the wheel each season. You can purchase home maintenance kits, and there are no shortage of checklists online.
If you’re looking for the tried and true, you can also find people to guide you. Your handyman can help identify and prioritize maintenance projects. If you’re thinking about listing this year, our office can also help prioritize what absolutely needs to happen, and what projects can wait.
We’re still due for a few more cold snaps, but spring is just around the corner. Start planning now by assessing your home and allocating funds. A well-kept home makes everyone happier, and could improve your bottom line when listing.
Lauren and Scott are with Lauren Hruby Real Estate, Keller Williams Realty Key Partners, LLC. They work with people looking to sell or buy a home in the Kansas City area. For more information, visit www.laurenhruby.com or call 816-529-6174.
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