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SEATTLE NEWS ARCHIVES & FEATURES

Is your home ready for spring?

Mar 15, 2012, 1:05 PM | Updated: 7:27 pm

Rob White's Profile Picture

BY ROB WHITE


MyNorthwest.com

Use our seasonal home maintenance checklist to keep your home in tip-top condition. Simple repairs on a regular basis can help prevent costly repairs later and can make your home more comfortable, livable and beautiful. As the seasons change and the nice weather returns, more home maintenance tasks crop up.

Spring home maintenance checklist

  • Clean out winter debris from the gardens and de-thatch the lawn
  • Fertilize the grass, trees and the garden as necessary
  • Mulch the gardens to reduce weeds and maintain moisture levels
  • Watch for pests, their nests, and any damage that they may be causing around the home
  • Clean out drains and ditches of debris
  • Clean out gutters and drainpipes and ensure that downspouts are working well
  • Level out any heaved deck or fence posts, as well as patio stones and stairs
  • Stain or paint any wood decks or fences once they have had time to dry out, but before the heat sets in
  • Inspect the foundation for cracks, splits, leaks, and any other damage
  • After the last threat of frost has passed, open up hose valves and bibs and reattach the hoses
  • Take off storm windows and put in screens, replacing or repairing wherever necessary
  • Turn off the gas furnace heat and extinguish pilot light if applicable
  • Clean the air conditioning filter or replace if necessary
  • Switch on the air conditioning system and test in a similar fashion to the furnace test done in the fall
  • Check dehumidifier and drain if necessary
  • Turn off, clean out, and drain furnace humidifier if applicable and close the damper if you have central air
  • Test your smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and security systems, replacing batteries as needed
  • Change the furnace filter (monthly)
  • Check that your sump pump is operating well and clean out any debris in the pit

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    Is your home ready for spring?