16 Point Spring Checklist for Maintaining Your Lake Tahoe Home
As the days get longer and the snow begins to receded, it’s time to shift our focus to essential home maintenance tasks. Spring is the perfect season to assess the impact of winter on your Tahoe home and prepare it for the warm summer months ahead. Being proactive and getting on top of your home maintenance can prevent costly repairs and ensure your home remains safe, efficient, and comfortable.
If you are not comfortable assessing your home for maintenance related issues, we are here to help. We regularly work with some of the best professionals in the Tahoe region and can help connect you with the tradespeople needed to maintain you home.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to spring home maintenance.
Exterior Home Maintenance Items
Inspect the Roof
Examine your roof for signs of damage caused by ice, snow and winter weather. Look for missing or damaged shingles, cracked flashing, or areas where water might be seeping in. If you have heat cables/tape, make sure that it is still attached properly and that it has not come loose during the course of the winter. Addressing roof issues early can prevent leaks and further damage during spring showers. There are many professional service providers that can inspect your roof, so never put yourself in danger by climbing high ladders and walking on your roof.
Clean the Gutters
Clear out debris such as pine needles, leaves and twigs from your gutters and downspouts. Clogged gutters can lead to water backing up and causing damage to your roof, siding, and foundation. Ensure that water flows freely away from your home.
Open Crawl Space / Foundation Vents
In the Tahoe region, it is important to open your crawl space vents in the spring to provide ventilation to this area of your home. Ground moisture can build up during the spring melt and if you do not have good ventilation you can end up with mold, fungus, or rot issues. Opening crawl space vents in the spring allows the moist air to vent outdoors, and the gentle breeze blowing through the crawl space helps keep the area dry. Airflow is the most important factor in keeping your crawl space free of mold and mildew.
Check Your Homes Exterior
Inspect the exterior of your home for cracks or gaps in the siding, foundation, or around windows and doors. Seal any openings to prevent pests and water from entering. Also, look for signs of peeling paint or damaged wood that may need repainting or repairs. Schedule home staining or painting if needed.
Defensible Space Work
With the potential for wildfires at an all time high, the importance of maintaining defensible space is crucial. All fire districts in the Lake Tahoe region have strict requirements for defensible space compliance, so maintaining your property is not only a requirement, but it’s the right thing to do. The various fire districts offer defensible space inspections and private contractors will also provide inspections and complete work if needed. Defensible Space Requirements
Schedule Driveway Sealing
Driveway sealing is important as is provides protection from the elements and you can greatly extend the life of your pavement. Failure to seal your driveway can lead to cracks, water intrusion, spidering and the underlying base material can erode, causing pot holes and settling. A newly sealed driveway is easier to keep clean and provides great curb appeal for your home.
Prepare the Lawn and Garden
Rake up pine needles, leaves and debris leftover from winter. Trim bushes and trees away from the house. Start planning and planting your garden for a colorful and vibrant landscape. If you have an irrigation system, test for leaks and make any repairs to drip lines, nozzles and sprinkler heads. Once the temps have warmed up and its no longer freezing at night you can charge the system for seasonal use.
Service Outdoor Equipment
Inspect and clean outdoor equipment such as lawn mowers, trimmers, and patio furniture. Ensure everything is in working order for spring and summer use. This a great time to maintain your snowblower or schedule service with a snowblower maintenance company.
Interior Maintenance Items
Service the HVAC System
Schedule a professional HVAC inspection and servicing to ensure your air conditioning system is ready for the warmer months. Replace air filters, clean vents, and consider upgrading to a smart/programable thermostat for improved energy efficiency. This is also a good time to have your furnace inspected, so that it is ready to go come the colder autumn months.
Inspect Plumbing and Fixtures
Check for leaks under sinks, around toilets, and in the basement or crawlspace. Look for signs of water damage such as staining, mold or mildew. Ensure that outdoor faucets and hoses are in good condition and not prone to leaks.
Test Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Spring is an ideal time to check and replace batteries in smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms. Ensure these critical safety devices are in good working order. Fire departments recommend replacing smoke and CO detectors every 10 years.
Clean and Inspect Windows
Wash windows inside and out to let in more natural light. Check for fogged windows, damaged or cracked glass that needs replacement. Install screens to keep insects out during the warmer months.
Change Direction of Ceiling Fans
In the warmer summer months you want to have your ceiling fan spinning counterclockwise in order to push a welcoming breeze downward, making the room feel cooler. Its also a good idea to clean the accumulated dust off your fan blades in the spring.
Clean the Dryer Vent
Lint buildup in dryer vents can pose a fire hazard and effect the efficiency of your equipment. Disconnect the vent from the dryer and vacuum out any accumulated lint.
Inspect the Deck and Patio
Check for signs of rot, warping, or loose boards on your deck or patio. Clean thoroughly and reseal if necessary to protect against the elements.
Schedule Pest Control
Take preventive measures against pests by hiring a professional pest control service. Addressing pest issues early can prevent infestations during the warmer months. There are also a number of organic methods for pest control such as spraying diluted mint oil along baseboards and beds to keep insects away. How to deter pests using essential oils
Conclusion
By tackling these spring home maintenance tasks, you can ensure that your home is ready for the changing season ahead. Investing time and effort now can save you money on repairs and maintenance in the long run, as well as provide peace of mind knowing that your home is safe, comfortable, and well maintained. Make a checklist based on these tips and enjoy a well-maintained and inviting home throughout the spring and beyond.
Please do not hesitate to contact us with questions or for recommendations for tradespeople that can help professionally maintain your home
Contact Dave Westall – Lake Tahoe Real Estate Agent
Do you have questions about Spring Maintenance for your home or Lake Tahoe Real Estate? Please call me at (530) 448-9882 if you would like to discuss home maintenance or receive referrals for maintenance projects.
For Lake Tahoe real estate news, property listings, and events Sign up for our Newsletter.
Want to know the value of your Lake Tahoe home?