Things to do this Spring around your home: Step 1 assessment

Spring is a great time to do an assessment of your home. This will provide you with a priority list of things to get done before next winter to help create the most healthy, energy-efficient, and durable home possible.

1. Water Management

• Check your roofing for damage – repair or replace as needed
• Check your gutter for proper slope and drainage
• verify your rain tanks or splash blocks are still in place and functional
• Check that your windows are in good shape
• Verify that the ground is sloped away from the foundation of your home
• Look for evidence of roof leaks inside your home and attic
• Look for evidence of water on basement walls
• Check all plumbing fixtures for leaks and drips

2. Landscaping

• Prune any dead branches on trees and bushes
• Plan your garden – add fertilizer and straw to keep out weeds and to grow strong plants
• sharpen your blades on your mower

3. Durability

• Document any new (or old unattended) cracks in your walls
• Document pealing paint that needs your attention
• Check to make sure the shutters are in good shape and fastened tightly to you home

4. Energy Efficiency

• Check your attic to determine if you need to add insulation – less than R-38 you should make this a high priority, less than R-72 you should consider adding more insulation
• Get your HVAC system maintenance contract in place
• Clean your Duct System
• Change your HVAC Air Filter
• Insulate your Hot Water Pipes
• Wrap your Water Heater in a blanket – drain it as recommended annually
• Repair any broken or missing weather stripping around doors and windows
• Repair any loose storm windows

5. Indoor Air Quality

• Schedule an energy audit to verify your homes air leakage and any changes that need to be made
• Establish a goal to stop using anything that has a smell (candles, air fresheners, dry cleaning, paint, cleaners) and find healthy alternatives.
• Open your windows when possible to air out your home
• Replace carpet with hardwood floors that meet indoor air quality standards

It is not a full list, but simply a list of things that I hope will help you before the hot weather gets here or the cold weather returns.