After months of rain, wind, cooler temperatures and plenty of time spent indoors, spring is a good opportunity to take a closer look at your home.
Winter doesn't always leave obvious signs of wear and tear. A small leak, blocked gutter or damp patch can be easy to overlook until it becomes a much bigger problem. Taking a little time to check your home as the weather improves can help you spot issues early and deal with them before they have a chance to worsen.
Start at the top
Your roof and guttering have spent much of winter dealing with rain and wind, so they're a good place to start.
Check your gutters and downpipes for leaves, debris or anything else that could prevent water from flowing properly. Look for signs that water may have been overflowing or pooling where it shouldn't. If you can safely see your roof from the ground, look for obvious damage, missing or damaged roofing materials, or anything that appears out of place.
You don't need to climb onto the roof to carry out these checks. If something looks damaged or you are unsure about its condition, it is worth getting a qualified professional to take a closer look rather than putting yourself at risk.
Look for signs of dampness
Dampness can be particularly noticeable after a wet winter.
Take a look around ceilings, walls, windows and other areas where moisture may collect. Keep an eye out for water marks, bubbling or damaged paint, musty smells, condensation or signs of mould.
Not every sign of moisture means there is a serious problem, but persistent dampness shouldn't simply be ignored. Finding the source is important, particularly if the issue appears to be coming from a leak, roof, plumbing or drainage problem.
If you're not sure what is causing the problem, getting professional advice early may help prevent a small issue from becoming a much larger repair.
Check your windows and doors
Windows and exterior doors have also been exposed to the elements throughout winter.
Check for obvious gaps, damaged seals, sticking doors or windows, water getting in, or signs of deterioration around frames. Even small problems can become more noticeable over time, particularly when exposed to continued weather.
This is also a good opportunity to make sure locks and other security measures are working properly before you start leaving windows and doors open more often as the weather warms up.
Don't forget drainage
Good drainage is easy to take for granted until it isn't working properly.
Have a look around your property for areas where water appears to collect rather than drain away. Check visible drains and drainage areas for leaves, mud or other debris, and pay attention to any areas that seem consistently wet.
If water is regularly pooling around your home, it may be worth getting professional advice. Trying to solve a drainage problem without understanding what is causing it can sometimes make matters worse.
Look at your trees and outdoor areas
Winter storms and strong winds can leave trees, branches and outdoor structures vulnerable.
Check trees around your property for obvious damage or broken branches, particularly where they could pose a risk to your home, vehicles or people. Look over fences, retaining structures, outdoor furniture and other areas that have been exposed to winter weather.
As with your roof, don't take unnecessary risks. If a tree or structure looks unsafe or damaged, get the appropriate professional to assess it.
And then look inside
Spring cleaning isn't just about maintenance.
After spending more time indoors over winter, you may also notice just how much stuff you've accumulated. Clothes, furniture and household items can gradually take up more and more space, particularly when they're rarely used.
Spring is a good opportunity to sort through wardrobes, cupboards and rooms and ask a simple question: Do we actually use this?
Clothes that no longer fit, furniture that has become unnecessary and items that have been sitting untouched for years can all be candidates for donating, selling, recycling or disposing of appropriately.
Clearing some space can make your home feel different without spending a cent.
Small checks can make a difference
A spring home check doesn't mean you need to spend a weekend inspecting every corner of your property or immediately start a list of expensive jobs.
The aim is simply to notice what may have changed over winter.
A small water stain, blocked gutter or damaged branch may be relatively straightforward to deal with when you first notice it. Leaving problems unattended can allow them to develop into something more complicated and costly.
And remember, not every job is a DIY job. If you're dealing with electrical work, roofing, significant mould or dampness, structural concerns, trees or other areas outside your expertise, get the right professional involved rather than taking unnecessary risks.
Your Spring Home Check
Before you move fully into summer mode, take a few minutes to look around:
☐ Check gutters and downpipes for debris or blockages
☐ Look for obvious roof or exterior damage
☐ Check for signs of dampness, leaks or mould
☐ Look around windows and doors for damage or water entry
☐ Check visible drainage areas and look for standing water
☐ Look for damaged trees or branches
☐ Check fences and outdoor structures
☐ Look over outdoor furniture and equipment
☐ Sort through clothes that are no longer worn
☐ Consider whether unused furniture or household items are taking up valuable space
☐ Arrange professional help for anything you're not confident or qualified to deal with
Spring is about more than sunshine and warmer weather. It's a chance to look after the place you call home, deal with the things winter may have left behind, and make space for the season ahead.
Nimalka Perera
Business Development Manager
New Vision Financial Services
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