Hello there, and welcome to Hearthside Homes! For those of you who are stumbling across our blog for the first time, we’re happy that you’re here! We are a Liberty-based home builder. We offer new construction homes in the Kansas City, Parkville, Kearney and Liberty areas. Click here to view our communities.
Today on the blog, we’re discussing the ins and outs of a spring home maintenance checklist! During this time of year, we often have the urge to purge the clutter and start the season off fresh. Although it is important to clear out closets and donate what you’re no longer using, some people forget about the annual home maintenance that needs to be done. If you own a home, you know that it’s a big responsibility! From maintaining the interior, to keeping the yard trim, there’s a lot of work to be done each year. It’s really important to routinely maintain all areas of your home. Here are a few to-do’s to add to your spring cleaning checklist!
Clean Your Gutters & Downspouts
This one is something we’re all familiar with, but are you actually getting the work done? It’s so important that you clear out your gutters and downspouts every year. Leaves, dirt, birds nests and other debris can cause catastrophic damage to your gutter. The last thing you want to do is fork out a chunk of change for something that could have been avoided. Prevention is key! Save yourself the money, and the headache, by getting the gutters and downspouts cleaned each year.
How Does The Siding Look?
Take a glance at the exterior of your home. Does it look a little dingy? Maybe it has some dirty or discolored patches on it. Power washing your home once a year is a great habit. Not only does it keep your home looking nice, but it also prevents mold from growing. Be sure to scan the house to see if any wood is exposed. If there are any gaps on the exterior of the home, you’ll need to sand the area and apply a coat of primer before painting. Caulking hairline cracks might also be a good idea.
Reseal Exterior Woodwork
Do you have a wood fence, deck or other wood exterior elements on your property? If so, you need to reseal them every couple of years. This prevents wood rot and will extend the lifespan of the material.
Inspect Driveways, Pathways & Patios
Are you noticing lots of cracks in the concrete? If you live in the Midwest, you know that cracked cement is a common occurrence. This is due to the clay density in the soil as well as the frequent shifts in temperature. A freeze and thaw climate can amazingly shift a lot of patios, driveways and pathways over the years. When you inevitably notice some of these cracks or chips, make sure they don’t pose a threat to yourself or others. If the area has become dangerous, consider getting it repaired or replaced right away.
Take A Peek At The Roof
If you have an older home, definitely take a peek at the roof! Not only should you look at the surface of the roof, but also inside the home. Do you notice any discoloration or water damage in the ceiling? Don’t forget to check the attic!
Are There Any Leaks?
Water can cause more damage than one might imagine. Make sure there are no leaks or damp areas in your home. It’s especially important to check basements and windows, as these areas tend to attract the most moisture. You also want to check underneath any sinks and behind the toilets. The smallest amount of water can erode your drywall and flooring. If you have a crawl space, make sure the area is dry and free of debris. If there is even remotely a little bit of water, call a plumber right away.
Check Sprinklers & Irrigation Systems
Spring is also a good time to make sure your sprinkler and irrigation system are running smoothly. Check the valves for leaks, expose lines and broken heads. Is there an area of your yard that seems to collect a lot of water? Maybe there’s even some areas of your lawn that water can’t quite reach? If you’re not familiar with sprinkler and irrigation systems, contact a local landscaping company for a free quote. Water lines are not something one should DIY!
Prevent Mosquitoes & Pests
Mosquitos and pests can cause illness and even damage to your home. Did you know that there are ways to help prevent these intruders from setting up camp on your property? There are certain treatments that can be applied to your property that will discourage certain insects from sticking around. If you’re concerned about rodents, double check that there aren’t any potential entrances into your home. Purchase vents for the chimney, and be sure to keep firewood at least 20 feet away from the house.
Don’t Forget Your Curb Appeal
With winter storms off the radar, now you can enhance the curb appeal of your home! From potted plants to gardens, welcome signs and wreaths, there are so many ways to make the exterior of your home welcoming. You might even consider planting some annuals in your flower beds and putting a treatment on areas that are prone to weeds.
Change Your Air Filter
When’s the last time you swapped out your air filter? If you can’t remember, make sure to inspect it. You might be surprised by how dirty it is! A replacement is extremely affordable, and it also reduces allergens throughout the home. Not to mention, a clogged or dirty filter can be a fire hazard.
Service The AC Unit
If your power bills are higher than in previous years, it might be time to get the AC unit looked at. Just like any machine, AC units need a little upkeep here and there. You wouldn’t drive a car for years without getting an oil change would you? The same concept holds true for AC units.
Don’t Forget To Change Out Batteries
Changing out the batteries on your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors is crucial! You may also want to swap the batteries out for your garage door remotes and your thermostat.
Do All The Lights Turn On?
Now is also a good time to inspect the light bulbs throughout your home. Often with the day to day shuffle of life, we can miss burnt out light fixtures. Check all the rooms of your home as well as the exterior, deck area and garage.
Purchasing New Construction With Hearthside Homes
If you are currently living in an older house, you understand that that maintenance associated with them can pile up! In fact, sometimes it can feel like you’re playing whack-a-mole. If it’s not one thing, it’s another! If you can relate to this, perhaps it’s time to consider upgrading to a newer home. Since 1987, Hearthside Homes has been building beautiful and functional homes for residents in the Kansas City area. Our team currently builds in Kansas City, Kearney, Parkville and Liberty. You can purchase one of our available spec homes, or build your home with us from the ground up. Click here to view our current inventory.
Our mission is to make the home building experience easy, fun and fast! Unlike some home builders, Hearthside Homes is extremely organized and communicative. Our homes range from $275k to over $500k. Once your project starts, you can expect your home to be completed in just six months! Click here to request to be contacted by one of our experts. Our Design Center is located at 1915 Industrial Dr #300, Liberty, MO 64068. To get a glimpse at our homes online, follow our team on Facebook and Instagram.