Prepare for Warmer Weather with Our Spring Home Checklist
Use these helpful tips for getting your home ready for spring.
The Farmer’s Almanac is predicting a warmer-than-normal spring with lots of rain showers!
With warmer days and nights just around the corner, now’s the time to start thinking about what needs to be done to get your home ready for spring!
In the many years we’ve been building custom on-your-lot homes at Wayne Homes, we’ve learned that a little preparation goes a long way. Home maintenance is not a choice–it’s required if you want your home to last and minimize the chance for big-ticket fixes.
Wayne Homes has developed some smart home maintenance tips that we like to pass along to our homebuyers in our Spring Home Checklist to ensure their home is prepared for the transitions that the spring season brings.
Here is our Spring Home Checklist for prepping your home for warmer weather!
Get up on the roof.
Fall is a great time to clean your gutters and roof. Try and time it after most of the leaves in your area have fallen – but before it gets too chilly. Be aware of ice dams/ice buildup on roofs and valleys. These can form when gutters aren’t properly cleaned. While you’re up there cleaning the gutters, take a look at the roof. Clear leaves, pine needles, dirt, and other accumulated debris. Cut back overhanging branches to prevent damage to shingles and gutters.
Check the exterior.
Winter can be rough on home exteriors. Be sure to check your paint, siding, windows and doors for any damage from harsh winter weather. And then it’s time to bust out the power washer because your home’s exterior deserves a good clean.
Trim trees and shrubs.
Trees can suffer damage from heavy snowfall or high winds. Trim any broken limbs and do some shrub clean-up before warmer weather comes, so you can take one big item off your summer landscaping to-do list.
Minimize potential leaks.
As snow melts and spring rains arrive, basements become particularly vulnerable to water infiltration. Taking steps to waterproof your basement can prevent costly damage and protect your home’s foundation. Start by inspecting your basement walls for signs of moisture or existing leaks. Look for:
- Cracks in the walls or floor
- Efflorescence (white, powdery deposits on walls)
- Mold or mildew growth
- Water stains or discoloration
Applying waterproof masonry paint can help seal out moisture for minor issues. However, for more severe water issues or if you’re unsure about the source of the problem, it’s best to consult a professional waterproofing contractor.
Set your reminder now–change your filter!
Just like in the fall, you should change your filter for spring. You may have heard home maintenance experts suggest you replace filters at least every 90 days. However, if you have pets, you should change them every 60 days. And, this may be an ideal time to get your A/C unit checked. Warmer days are ahead, and you don’t want to wait until it’s hot to do your cooling system tune-up.
Reverse your fans.
Depending on how warm spring gets in your area, you may want to keep your fans reversed and moving counterclockwise until you see consistently warmer temps. Then, turn them back to move in a clockwise direction so they push hot air along the ceiling towards the floor.
Prepare your patio.
Patio weather is just around the corner. We suggest cleaning off your patio furniture, clearing any piles of leaves or debris to avoid critters making their homes there, and making plans for spring planting.
The grass is greener…
When you water it…but don’t start up those sprinklers quite yet! Be sure you are past the last frost in your area before turning sprinklers back on. In the meantime, capitalize on those April showers by aerating your lawn so it can drink in that much-needed moisture.
Got a Wayne home? Then, you’re covered!
Many of the things that are typically recommended such as sealing cracks or adding insulation, aren’t needed with a new Wayne home because those features are included in every home we build. When you have a Wayne Home, you can skip a lot of our Spring Home Checklist items because the work has been done for you! That saves time and money when preparing for the warmer months–and provides additional peace of mind.
Here are a few of our energy efficient included features:
- Alpha Pro Tech REX™ weather resistant housewrap to further reduce moisture and air infiltration
- Pella® vinyl single hung windows and patio doors that meet and/or exceed Energy Code Standards
- R-49 ceiling insulation
- R-19 wall insulation
- R-10 insulated foam board atop 2’ of interior unfinished basement walls
- Caulk and sealant package throughout
Protect from the start.
The best way to ensure your home is efficient in any season is to start with a well-constructed custom built family home. With Wayne Homes, we stand by our quality construction with an extensive home warranty, which covers the structure for 10 years and fit and finish items for 2 years.
Are you ready for your own custom built family home from Wayne Homes?
Contact us–we are ready to help you create a home you’ll love in every season.
About Wayne Homes
Wayne Homes is a custom homebuilder in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and West Virginia (see all Model Home Centers). We offer more than 50 fully customizable floorplans and a team dedicated to providing the best experience in the home building industry. For more information, Ask Julie by Live Chat or call us at (866) 253-6807.
Disclaimer: The details of this blog are accurate as of the publish date, but are subject to change.
