It's Spring…So Much To Do Around The House….And So Little Time!

As I drive around Andover and North Andover it’s clearly spring…that time of year when homeowners are outdoors cleaning up their yards and sweeping away the debris of a long, cold winter. With anxious anticipation of budding trees, flowering shrubs and getting back outdoors for family activities and fun it’s also time to take a close look at our homes and those routine projects which will keep our homes in good repair.  As your Andover real estate professional, whether you’re thinking about buying, selling or just maintaining the value of your home my goal is to to help you with all of your real estate needs.

Every homeowner knows that there are things that simply have to be done, either every three months, every six months or yearly, to keep your biggest investment in tip-top shape. Here is a tidy little check-list to keep on hand to make sure you are staying on track:

Yearly:

• Inspect those gutters to make sure they are securely attached and free of leaves and debris
• Inspect your chimney to determine if a professional cleaning is needed
• Furnace must be inspected and cleaned by a professional
• Hot water tank inspection…by a professional
• Clean and seal your wood deck and its railings
• Vacuum all that lint from your clothes dryer duct and vent
• Check your septic tank’s level
• Re-caulk your exterior windows, doors, siding base and trim
• Re-caulk along the fronts of tubs and showers
• Inspect for worn fittings and connection on all plumbing fixtures in your home
• Have your carpets cleaned by a professional
• Garage Doors: oil the track, roller, hinges, pulleys and springs with a light gauge oil
• Have your sprinkler system inspected and winterized
• Drain and remove all hoses from the exterior of your house
• Shut off all of your outside faucets before freezing temperatures
• Prune trees

Every Six Months:

• Vacuum vents and coils at the back of your refrigerator
• Clean your stove’s vent and fan
• Check the batteries in your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors

Every Three Months:

• Clean or replace your furnace filter and air-conditioner filter
• Fertilize your lawn

For more home maintenance information go to This Old House.