DIY Spring Maintenance on your Home for FSBO People 2022
It’s that time…
It’s that time…
In, out, and around your house this spring, and guess what! It’s 78 degrees today, the sun is out, and I am really tempted to CALL IT SPRING!
There are probably only three reasons we would do the maintenance on our own houses. 1. We want to be good stewards of our money. 2. We want to be sure the jobs are done correctly. or, possibly 3. we actually enjoy doing this stuff!
Actually, the reasons to do-it-yourself, DIY, are the same as those reasons that people sell their own houses, FSBO.
We do take pride that jobs are done right and not just rushed through, as can occasionally happen. We love to save money, and yes, we do enjoy many if not most of these jobs and activities.
So with all that in mind, here is a fairly complete list we have been assembling for a while. You should do it and then file it away for next year. Please feel free to let me know anything we need to add to it.
Inside
General cleaning
A thorough general cleaning would include items not normally considered, such as chair rails, window and door casings, cabinet tops, and ceiling fans (blades and motor) all of which have been exposed to dust settling on them all winter. It is a good time to launder or dry clean curtains, and dust or clean window blinds made of vinyl or wood. It’s also a good time to vacuum upholstered furniture and mattresses. Use detergent on kitchen cabinets, backsplashes, and walls. In the bathroom, use it on the tile and look for worn or missing grout. Correct the grout problem as soon as you can.
Air conditioning maintenance
Change filters and check hoses for leaks. Check that pans drain freely. Vacuum dust that has fallen on the unit. If you suspect any problems last summer, now is the time to get a pro to check it out. We actually like to replace filters each month and have a professional service for the air conditioning unit in March and the heating unit in September. (Easy to remember to replace the filter each time you pay the electric bill, and call to schedule your HVAC services on months 3 and 9. We like Ken’s around here, but there are many to choose from.)
Attic maintenance
Check for signs of insects or pests. Look for mold, maybe grey or black blotches on the wood. Your attic needs proper insulation and proper venting so you will not have a problem later in the summer.
Basement maintenance
Check for dampness and insects. Check for high humidity and inadequate ventilation which may cause later problems for you. Developing cracks will go from the bottom up on your wall, and not from the top down. Look for water at the bottom, the base of the wall. Any mud-looking tunneling on or toward the wood that you see should cause you to call pest control immediately.
Miscellaneous leak maintenance
Pay attention to faucets, clogged drains, and sweaty pipes. Look under kitchen and bathroom sinks for wetness. Check around your dishwasher, refrigerator icemaker, water heaters, and washing machine for water. Check for cracks or bulges in their hoses.
Outside
Inspect Roof
There is no climbing necessary here. You can just squint or even use binoculars, but look for anything peculiar or out of place. Look for a shingle shifted or out of line. Search for shingles that are cracked or missing altogether. Look for nasty nail pops!
Inspect Chimney
Check joints between stones or bricks. Look for any vegetation growing from it. You will see if bricks have fallen out, or if there are white deposits around some of the mortar. That may mean your chimney is absorbing water. It probably should be resealed with masonry a sealing product.
Gutters and downspouts
Have your gutters cleaned early in the year before spring rains hit. They need to divert water away from home and foundation.
Pull leaves debris away from your house. Spray your hose on the roof and check for drainage. If a leak exists or the gutter drains at the wrong places, dry the area and use epoxy or caulk sealant on the leak.
Wood trim
This is the time to repair, seal, and repaint the trim on your house if desired.
Inspect Outside walls
You should pressure wash if mold is obvious, especially on the north-facing walls. Correct any paint problems, scraping and sanding first to do it properly.
Look for trouble spots under eaves, and near gutters and downspouts. Water stains show poor gutter runoff. On wood siding, look for openings or knot pop-outs. They can invite trouble later.
Inspect Foundations
Look for masonry cracks. If found, they need more than caulking. They will probably need a pro with a two-part epoxy system.
Inspect Windows
Check caulk and weatherstripping installed for air leaks. A leak inside a double pane calls for the replacement of the glass or the window. Do a spring clean inside and out, but never use abrasive cleaners or high-pressure spray. Clean window screens with a mild detergent and let dry in the yard or driveway. Never pressure wash screens, except just prior to throwing them away.
All-Around
Check lawns
Clear away branches, leaves, and debris. Check outdoor water pipes, faucets, and inground sprinklers. Run zones manually to look for any broken or damaged heads spraying the house. Adjust heads spraying the street, porch, or sidewalk. Don’t feel like a failure if you decide to call a pro to do maintenance. Prepare new garden beds at this time. Take stock of lawn/garden tools. Get lawn mower oil changed and blade(s) sharpened. Walk your property to look for any standing water that might make a good home for mosquitoes.
Landscaping
Cut back and trim bushes away from structures. Limbs and leaves can scratch your paint.
Check decks and patios
Check and repair any warped, loose, or splintered wood. Give the area a good sweep, especially for leaves accumulated between boards every year to extend the wood’s life. Clean, stain, and reseal every five or six years.
Driveways and walks
Winter and/or time are hard on them. Asphalt driveways can be patched and resealed. Concrete walks and driveways may need to be replaced entirely.
Check and replace the outdoor furniture
Bring it out if has been stored. Use a mild detergent on it. Rinse. Check metal furniture for rust, and spray touch-up paint.
Check and replace or repair grills
Check burner jets for clogs. Check that gas hoses and connections are sound and secure. See if it needs propane. If the grill is a charcoal type, clean it out of ashes and be sure it is free of grease.
Written by Don Martin. For his updates go here.
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Also, read “How much do I need to save up to buy a house?”
Don’t forget “Why can’t I just put my telephone number on my listing?”
Posted on the blog by Don Martin, Mar 3, 2019, UPDATED, Mar 22, 2021! For his other updates go there. Thank you for your time.
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