Cleaning Services
A stress-free guide to keeping your home in mint condition.
Your home is your castle, your refuge from the world. And if you’re like most people, it’s also the biggest investment you’ll ever make.
Protecting that investment over years of seasonal wear and tear can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be that way.
You can take steps to keep your home sturdy and beautiful for generations to come. Some of these steps you can do by yourself or with your partner, while others may require the help of a professional. But all are manageable.
Maintenance Tips for Spring
1. Inspect the driveway and walkway every spring to ensure that they haven’t cracked from freezing temps.
2. Inspect the roof every spring for loose or broken shingles; repair or replace them if necessary. As roofing is sometimes a messy job, hire a roofer to get the job done.
3. Inspect your deck or patio for loose nails or wood every spring. Repair it and then sweep it clean of debris.
4. Clean and service your HVAC system with the help of a heating and air conditioning expert every spring before it’s time to turn on the air conditioning for the first time.
5. Check sinks and toilets for leaks every spring, examining the pipes as well as your ceilings for telltale water stains. Call a plumber to make repairs if needed.
6. Have your septic system tested and pumped every spring. You will need to hire a professional for this job.
7. Drain or flush the hot water heater or boiler every spring to keep it in great condition all year.
8. Wash the windows and siding with a power washer or a regular garden hose every spring to get rid of those stubborn stains and mold.
9. Fertilize the lawn in the spring (between February and April) when the grass starts to green up and grow. A top-notch gardener will be able to choose the right fertilizer for your garden and ensure healthier, and more beautiful plants.
Maintenance Tips for Summer
1. Paint the exterior of your home every 5-10 years unless it has wood siding. Early summer usually offers the best weather conditions for this maintenance job. Consider hiring a professional painter to get the best result.
2. Seal the tile grout in the kitchen and bathroom every summer.
3. Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors at least once a year and change their batteries every six months.
Maintenance Tips for Fall
1. Have your fireplace, woodstove and chimney inspected every fall before the onset of the heating season to minimize the risk of fire.
2. Rake the leaves from your lawn in the fall to properly aerate the grass and keep it from growing mold.
3. Touch up siding in the fall by making any repairs and painting the trim.
4. Clean the dryer vent in the fall by vacuuming up any lint build-up.
5. Check caulking on windows and doors every fall to ensure that heat doesn’t escape through them.
Maintenance Tips for Winter
1. Check and clean the gutters periodically during the winter, especially after storms.
2. Avoid ice dams throughout the winter by raking snow and ice off the roof when needed.
3. Shut off exterior plumbing and irrigation before the freezing temperatures of winter hit.
4. Clean sink and tub drains during the winter.
5. Test the sump pump every winter by switching it on and pouring in a little water to make sure it starts.
By working with professionals to follow these steps annually, you can ensure that your home remains your best investment and your refuge from the world.