|
GAZETTE Newspapers
By: Arthur S. Lazerow
Ask Mr. Home Inspector
Question: Susan and Philip
emailed: “We settled on our house February a year ago, so this
is our first spring as ‘Harry-Homeowners”. We have no idea what
maintenance or chores around our home we should do besides
cutting the lawn. What suggestions do you have for us?”
Answer: I have spring fever
big time! The past winter was not particularly cold, but the
dreary March weather would not go away. The first warm April
days have been delightful. I keep waiting for the first tips of
hostas in my perennial garden to make an appearance.
Spring is the time of year to work from the outside to the
inside. As soon as you are able to spend a few hours in your
yard, pick up any broken limbs, leftover leaves from the fall
and any other debris that accumulated during the winter. Then
eyeball your home. Step back and intentionally focus on the
various elements of your exterior.
There are differing considerations, depending on its age. If
your home’s roof is nearing the 20-year mark, check it
carefully. Older homes might suffer siding or brick problems,
such as loose nailing or eroding mortar joints. Window caulk
may need renewing and winters are always hard on exterior
paint. Look for new or enlarged concrete drive or walk
cracks. Check landscape materials for their health. Dead
plants should be removed.
New homes may have
construction related defects. The steel lentils over windows
may need a fresh coat of paint. Is the caulk job professional
or amateurish? Survey all ground areas within five feet of the
home’s foundation for consolidation or settlement, which created
reversed grades (conditions that allow water to flow toward the
home, not away) that were not there last October.
Wait for the next rainy day to work inside. There are many
maintenance checklists on the Internet. I particularly like
listorganizer.com/springcleaning.htm.
There is something
reassuring about a checklist to work from. The American Lung
Association also has a “to-do” list to promote health in the
home, which is also useful. Take a look at this list:
-
Change or clean your air-handling filter.
-
Clean and inspect your ventilation system’s
filters.
-
Clean exhaust fans and vents in bathrooms
and kitchen.
-
Clean and inspect your dehumidifier in
preparation for summer dehumidifying.
-
Inspect and clean rain gutters.
-
Wash and repair window screens.
-
Properly dispose old stored household
chemicals like paints and cleaners from house and garage.
-
Inspect interior and exterior of house for
signs of moisture intrusion.
-
Open outside hose spigot valve (usually in
basement).
These two resources will keep you busy. Your email sounds as if
you have the right attitude toward wanting to preserve the
physical condition of your home, which in final analysis, will
preserve and enhance its value. Thanks for your excellent and
timely question.
Have a question relating to a housing or environmental issue?
To contact Mr. Lazerow, click on “Contact Us” at
Albaninspect.com. Mention “Gazette Newspapers” in your
question. Every question will be answered and some will be
included in this column.
Arthur Lazerow, president of Alban Home Inspection Service,
Inc., is a nationally certified ASHI home inspector, having
performed more than 6000 inspections during the past 11 years.
Previous Issues |
