How Homeowners Can Be Prepared For Every Season

Homeownership is exciting! However, this process can be much more complex than you would think. For new homeowners, there is much to learn. Owning a home comes with increased responsibilities, but don’t treat them as a burden instead plan ahead to prevent stress long term.

It’s safe to say that every homeowner has some sort of background knowledge about the seasonal elements that can affect their home or property. We’re going to help you take that knowledge and turn it into something tangible and useful. Let’s break down every season and the types of activities you will need to complete in each in order to prepare your home for seasonal changes.

Spring

Springtime can be a very exciting season, however, as the cold weather decreases, the rain increases. As they say, April showers bring May flowers! Although sometimes frustrating, spring can actually be a great time to evaluate any damage done in the long winter months. A solid first step is to check your roof for damage, assess your foundation, and repair any weather stripping on doors and windows. This can help prevent the threat of leaks, holes, and other vulnerabilities in your home’s exterior.

Another good step is to make sure your heating and air conditioning services are in check. This also pertains to the appliances within your home, as it’s critical to make sure they are up to date and working properly. In order to be confident about the integrity of your appliances, many homeowners often consider using a home warranty↗. This is an annual service contract that pays for the replacement or repair of major appliances such as dishwashers, AC units, or HVAC systems. Having a plan like a home warranty in place can help homeowners feel more comfortable if erratic events are to arise affecting their heat, AC, plumbing, or more.

One last thing that can help homeowners become more prepared for the summer months ahead is to check the condition of their outdoor property. Take the time to conduct a thorough spring cleaning outdoors. This will help to prep your outdoor space for the season, so you can enjoy it all summer long!

Spring Home Maintenance Checklist

Have your roof inspected for damage, you may want to have this done before your region’s rainy season begins.
Check your foundation and flooring for new cracks, minor cracks are normal but you’ll want to note new cracks and large cracks. Shifting and damage to foundation is a common problem for North Texas homeowners, consult with a foundation company if you see cracks in your walls near doors and windows.
Repair any damaged weatherstripping on doors and windows to prevent air leakage and keep out insects.
Schedule a tune-up for your air conditioning unit to make sure it’s in good working order.
Check your appliances, if needed schedule a service call from a trusted handyman.

Summer

When marching into the summer months, there are several factors every homeowner should prioritize. For your home’s exterior, you may want to clean your siding↗ as you enter the summer months. Because the spring can have a number of different weather factors, like heavy rains, wind, or even snow depending on where you live, cleaning your siding will help to remove any debris that may have washed onto your home. If you want to go the extra mile, a fresh, high-quality exterior paint job can protect your home from the elements. Over time, you’ll save money on repairs that could be avoided with a well-managed exterior.

Summer is a great time to examine your refrigerators and check for faulty seals↗ because, with the warmer weather, food is at a greater risk of spoiling. Furthermore, protect your home from any leaks that may be stemming from your faucets or showerhead. If left unrepaired, this can lead to issues in your home including wood rot and mold.

It’s also wise to check your sprinkler system. You certainly don’t want your flowers or grass to die in the summer, so make sure your outdoor tools are up to par. Believe it or not, landscaping can be a crucial aspect of a home’s foundation↗. Faulty sprinkler systems will cost you in high water bills, damaged landscaping, and flooded foundations.

Summer Home Maintenance Checklist

Clean your siding to wash off buildup from heavy rains, snow, and other debris.
Check the seals on your refrigerator and have them replaced if needed.
Have any leaks from faucets and showerheads inspected and repaired to prevent visible and hidden water damage.
Schedule repairs to your sprinkler system

Fall

As the temperature begins to decline and trees start to lose leaves, it’s crucial to make the transition from warmer to cooler temperatures in a timely fashion. The beauty of trees changing color can sometimes be tainted by the large piles of leaves on your lawn. Be sure to consistently rake and clear leaves from your landscaping and yard, so your grass can receive the sunlight that it desperately needs.

Oftentimes, gutters can also become filled with leaves, branches, and other debris during the fall. It’s important to clean your gutters so that when it collects rainfall from the roof, it can carry it through downspouts away from your home’s foundation.

In addition, checking and cleaning your furnace will help increase longevity and will prevent dangerous situations. If you have a fireplace or chimney, it’s also essential to clean them to prevent built-up debris and chimney fires. Thinking ahead to when you plan to use your fireplace in the cooler months, you will want to be sure it’s safe to use.

Finally, it’s important to check for infestations of wasps, termites, and other bothersome creatures, especially heading into the winter months when they may be looking for shelter from the cold. These insects can hinder the quality of your property, and many home insurance policies don’t cover for termite destruction. Homeowners should have inspections by infestation professionals regularly↗ in order to prevent these avoidable circumstances.

Winter

Transitioning into what seems like the longest season of the year, it’s imperative to be as prepared as possible. There are several things that every homeowner should prioritize. First, make sure to take out your window AC units, as there won’t be much use of them as temperatures plummet. Prepare your home for the snow by gathering salt, sand, snow shovels, or even a snow blower to have on hand. If you hate shoveling, try using a plowing service↗ that can clear your driveway for you.

Another preparation tactic is to check your home for insulation flaws↗. Try using caulk to cover any draft threats inside and outside your home. Being warm is critical during the winter, and covering these little crevices will prevent cold air from getting inside your home. Similarly, sealing holes and cracks can prevent unwanted rodent infiltration. No one likes rats, mice, or other tiny creatures, so stay on top of any interior threats from outside creatures.

Finally, check the temperature of your water heater and drain sediment if necessary. If the heater is set too low, not only will your hot water be less warm, but it can also lead to bacterial growth. Set the water to the right temperature where bacteria cannot thrive and drain the sediment to cleanse the water heater and extend its life span.

Conclusion

A lot of these situations and conditions vary heavily on where you live. Certain places might be more prone to snowfall than others, while others might be shocked by seeing the slightest snowfall. However, a lot of these circumstances are universal, so their importance should never be avoided. Using these tips will not only contribute to successful preparation tactics as a homeowner, but can help preserve your home’s value over time.