As the snow starts to melt away and temperatures rise, now is the perfect time to wake from hibernation and take stock of your home. Some issues in your home you may not have noticed in the winter become more obvious in the spring. Here are some things to check your home for:
Water Damage
When coming out of winter, there are plenty of opportunities for water damage from a burst pipe to flooding from incessant spring rains. Be sure to thoroughly inspect every part of your home for water damage, including the attic and basement. Here are some other good places to check for water damage:
- Under the siding
- Near your hot water heater
- Beneath the dishwasher
- In the bathroom (near the tub or shower, toilet, sink)
- Around the washing machine
- Near the chimney
A little bit of water damage may seem innocuous at first, but not addressing it immediately can lead to even worse problems like mold or deterioration.
Water damage isn’t just exclusive to inside your home, either … check the exterior of your home! Spend an extra balmy Saturday afternoon inspecting siding, windows, doors and chimneys for water damage. Since you usually aren’t paying a ton of attention to the outside of your home in the winter, water damage is most likely to get undetected and cause you more headaches down the road.
Mold Damage
Water and mold damage usually go hand-in-hand, since stagnant moisture causes mold. Mold can also be harmless, but it can also be dangerous and detrimental to the structure of your home. It usually grows in areas where water damage is found. So, when you’re searching your home for water damage, kill two birds with one stone and keep your eyes out for mold growth as well.
Sometimes, you can find water damage with no mold. It’s always a good idea to ask whomever you hire to restore the water damage to put preventative measures in place against mold. You’ll be wise to do it, and it can save you from discovering mold in the future.
Storm Damage
As the weather warms up, it increases the chance of wild weather. Whether it’s a severe thunderstorm, a tornado, or a late-season frost, there are no shortages of crazy Michigan weather. And strong winds, lightning strikes or strong flooding can cause damage to your home.
Sure, it may be hard to take preventative measures against the weather, but here are some things you can do:
- Check in on the weather frequently, especially when there are drastic changes in the temperature. Drastic changes in temperatures are when severe weather is most likely to arise.
- Review your insurance policy and make sure that unexpected storm damage is covered under your policy. If not, contact your provider.
- If strong winds are predicted, secure your outdoor furniture.
- Check trees around your property, especially removing dead trees. Strong winds or heavy rain can bring trees right down into your home. If limbs lean near your home, consider trimming them or hiring a company to do the trimming.
- Create a disaster plan. What will you do if the power goes out? Or if there’s a tornado coming? Creating a plan in advance will save you time, money and frustration later.
Normal Wear and Tear
Weather and life are sure to take a toll on your house. Spring is the perfect time for new beginnings, so why not take note of things in your house that need some updates? Maybe that dated master bathroom needs a remodel, or you’ve decided it’s finally time to add a patio for warm summer nights. Taking stock of what needs updating in early spring and booking your home remodeling contractor early is a good idea. Peak season for home remodeling is May through September, so start shopping for contractors early to guarantee your project will be completed before summer is over.
Spring cleaning is the perfect time to take stock of your home. Whether you put preventative measures in place to protect your home or are just looking for new ways to refresh your home, spring forward with these ideas!