Keeping Your Home in Top Shape Year-Round
Being a homeowner can be a big responsibility, but the joy and pride you will feel in your very own, brand-new (or new to you) home are unmatched. With the right set of tools and these simple seasonal tasks you’ll keep your home in tip-top shape, saving you from unexpected and costly repairs that can arise from neglect. Join us as we take you through each season, along with a manageable list of tasks you can feel comfortable taking on.
Summer
Summer is a favorite season for a lot of us, and for good reason! While it’s the perfect time to get outside and enjoy the heat while we can, it’s also a great time to get those at-home outdoor tasks done while it’s a comfortable temperature, as well as the indoor tasks that are easier to accomplish with the windows open.
Air Conditioning
Regular maintenance will extend the life of your appliance and reduce the risk of a costly repair. Quarterly furnace filter change is recommended!
Window Washing
Take the time to wash your windows inside and out.
Seal Windows/Doors
If you temporarily sealed any windows over the winter months, now is the time to accomplish a permanent fix, whether that is re-caulking or replacing the windows.
Sidewalk – Driveway
Reseal or repair any cracks. Keep in mind cracks in pavement are a normal occurrence and taking the time to repair them once a year can prevent bigger issues
Indoor Wall
If you have any dents or cracks in your drywall that need repairing or just want a fresh coat of paint, doing it at a time where you can open the windows to let the fumes dissipate quickly
Fall
While Fall may be the shortest season, it is one that is important to utilize and prepare for the winter months ahead!
Check Furnace
Change your filter, test your thermostat and ensure your drain hose is clear
Clean up Yard
Before the snow starts to fall, try to get outside and pick up the fallen leaves and clean out your garden beds
Turn off Exterior Water Supply
Be sure to shut off and empty the exterior water supply
Remove Sump Hose
To prevent your sump hose from freezing up and possibly damaging your sump pump make sure you remove the sump hose for the winter
Flip up Your Down Spout Extensions
To prevent your down spouts from freezing up and possibly damaging your downspouts and eavestroughs make sure you flip up your downspout extensions
Winter
Canadian winters can be frigid. Not only do we need to be sure we’re properly dressed for the cold climates, we need to make sure we stay on top of keeping our home running its best throughout these colder months, inside and out.
Heating System
If you hear a funny noise or notice there isn’t heat coming from one of your vents, don’t wait to have it inspected
Ice Dams Prevention
Use a roof rake to remove snow before it builds up, and if you see an ice dam forming, you can purchase heating cables to melt it, or carefully remove the ice before it builds up
Floor Protection
it’s always best to avoid leaving snow to melt on your floors, never mind the sand and salt that can come in along with it. Put down mats to catch the snow and you can even purchase a brush to knock off most of the snow beforehand.
Draft Checks
Check your windows and exterior doors for drafts before the temperatures really start to drop
Snow Clearing
Be sure to keep up with shoveling walkways and driveways to prevent slippery or dangerous conditions. This is a benefit to your and your family, as well as others who may use your sidewalk
Spring
Spring marks the drastic change in seasons ahead as we transition from the cold winter months into the warm spring weather. While we all look forward to the warmth, this also means sloppy conditions as the snow melts and a lot of clean up to come. It is also a good time to assess your home for any damage that may have occurred from the cold.
Deep Clean
. Wash your floors, clean out the fridge and defrost your freezer. Pay attention to the caulking in your kitchen and bathrooms, fix it if necessary and test your exhaust fans
Duct Clean
Dust and pet hair and dander can settle within the ducts and out of reach of your household vacuum. By having them professionally cleaned you can increase the energy efficiency in your home and improve the air quality
Outdoor Clean
Clean your eavestroughs of debris that may have accumulated and rake your yard of any leaves that have settled.
Reseal Decks/Fences
Your exterior woodwork will last longer if it is resealed or stained every few years. You can choose one of them to start with this year and rotate through them year after year, or do everything at once and have a couple years in between to be free of the task
Exterior Inspection
Check the roof, foundation and any exterior
work of your home to ensure there are no cracks or issues that could lead to larger problems.
Last but not least, don’t forget to re-install your sump pump hose and flip down your down spout extentions!
