Washing the pollen off the porch, walk and driveway with a garden hose isn’t just a chore, it’s a reminder that with spring in full swing, a seasonal home maintenance check up is due.
Winters, even the mild ones, can take a toll on a house, so now is a good time to see if any damage remains. Having an exterior — and interior — checklist can identify small problems to be addressed before they turn into major repairs, says Jody Klein, education coordinator for Atlanta Habitat for Humanity. Since 1983, the nonprofit on Memorial Drive has built close to 1,400 houses in Atlanta and South Fulton County, and part of the process requires that new homeowners attend classes on maintenance.
“Last year, 760 homeowners went through the education program,” he said. “Part of that is a class they take after their first year in the house, when we touch on things they want to be on the lookout for. And we show them how to make small home repairs themselves.”
The advice Habitat offers is valuable for all property owners who want to protect their real estate investment. To start, Klein runs through a list for the outside.
“We build new houses with Hardiplank siding, a concrete material that doesn’t deteriorate, but it is important to pressure wash it at least every two years,” said Klein. “Mid-April, after the pollen, is a great time to do it. After that, look closely at the trim, which should be painted every two to three years. Take a screwdriver, and tap the wood around the windows to see if the chalking has come away. If you find the screwdriver goes into the wood, it might indicate a soft spot you want to repair. The point is to make sure moisture isn’t getting into the cracks and causing wood rot.”
Porches and decks made of wood that has been chemically treated for exterior use may need to be restained or painted every few years. “The best way to decide is to see if water is beading up on it, like a wax job on a car. If it’s not, it’s time to reseal or restain,” said Klein.
Crawlspaces are another area where water can seep in and cause havoc. Making sure the vapor barrier is intact is key to keeping the space dry. On the opposite end of a house, the roof should be inspected for loose or broken shingles that could also provide a way for water to enter.
“I don’t typically recommend getting up on the roof, but it’s important to be aware of it,” said Klein. “Another approach is to look in the attic after a heavy rain to see if any moisture is coming in. Cleaning the gutters on a quarterly basis can also prevent water problems.”
Leaks can also occur in bathrooms and kitchens. “Look under cabinets to make sure everything is dry,” advises Klein. “It’s not often that you’d have that problem, but it doesn’t take much to do a lot of damage.”
Water heaters can benefit from being drained to get sediment out of the bottom and prolong the appliance’s life. “It also saves energy if you’re not heating that sediment in the tank,” said Klein.
Washer and dryer connections should be checked to ensure they’re tight, and particular attention should be paid to the lint trap. “We’ve found that many first-time home buyers have never had their own dryers and never thought about cleaning the lint trap,” said Klein. “A massive amount of lint not only prevents the dryer from working well; it can also be a fire hazard. It’s also good to disconnect the vent hose and clear that out as well.”
HVAC systems also work better with clean filters. Installing a new one is one of the easiest repair jobs that can go a long way to trapping pollen and allergens. As with any preventative repair, the point is to catch it before a bigger problem arises, said Klein. “Sometimes it just means taking a wrench and tightening something up.”
Klein cautions that anyone who’s not comfortable making repairs is usually better off getting someone else to do the work. But if owners want to go the DIY route to flush a water tank or change a toilet flapper, Habitat offers a series of YouTube videos to walk them through simple jobs.
“I use them all the time; they’re great reminders,” said Klein. “It’s empowering to be able to take care of little things yourself.”
To see the Habitat videos, visit youtube.com/user/AtlHabitat/videos.
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