When the snowbanks finally shrink and the red mud season arrives, it is time to see how your house came through the winter. Island winters bring freeze and thaw, wind off the water and plenty of moisture, so a spring walk-around is one of the best habits a homeowner can build. Here is the list I use myself and share with clients, whether they plan to stay for years or sell this season.
Start outside: the roof and gutters
You don't need to climb a ladder to learn a lot. From the ground, with binoculars if you have them, look for:
- Missing, lifted or curled shingles, especially on the windward side
- Damaged flashing around the chimney and vents
- Gutters that sag, pulled away from the fascia, or are packed with debris
- Downspouts that are disconnected or dump water right against the foundation
If you saw ice dams over the winter, pay extra attention to the ceiling and walls inside directly below those spots.
Check the ground around your foundation
Water is the enemy of a basement. As the frost leaves the ground, walk the perimeter and check that soil slopes away from the house. Snow piles from the winter can leave low spots. Top them up with soil so meltwater and spring rain drain away.
Look at the foundation itself for new cracks or crumbling. Hairline cracks are common, but anything new, wide or letting water in deserves a professional opinion.
Head to the basement
Spring is when moisture problems show themselves. Look and sniff for:
- Damp spots or white, chalky deposits on concrete walls
- A musty smell
- Water stains near windows or where pipes enter
If you have a sump pump, test it by pouring a bucket of water into the pit and making sure it kicks on and discharges well away from the house.
Heating and cooling systems
After working hard all winter, your heating system deserves a little care.
- Oil furnaces and boilers are usually serviced once a year. If you have not booked yours, spring is a fine time, before service companies get busy in the fall.
- Heat pumps need clean filters and a clear outdoor unit. Remove any debris, leaves or packed snow that built up around the base.
- Wood stoves benefit from a chimney cleaning at the end of the burning season, rather than waiting until fall.
Windows, doors and siding
Run your hand around window and door frames on a breezy day. If you feel a draft you didn't notice in January, check the caulking and weatherstripping. Look at siding for loose pieces after winter winds, and at wood trim for peeling paint or soft spots that may need attention before summer.
Decks, steps and railings
Frost can heave deck posts and loosen steps. Push on railings, check that stairs are level, and look for boards that are cracked or soft. Fix anything wobbly before the barbecue season brings company over.
Well and septic, for rural homes
Spring melt is a good reminder to look at what's below the surface. Make sure surface water is not pooling around the well casing, and that the well cap is secure. For septic systems, notice any soggy ground or odours over the field. If it has been a while since the tank was pumped, book it. My home inspection checklist includes a fuller list of well and septic signs worth knowing.
Inside, a quick safety round
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and replace batteries
- Check the dryer vent for lint build-up
- Look under sinks for slow drips
- Check your attic, if accessible, for signs of moisture or animals that moved in for the winter
Keep notes and receipts
Whatever you find, write it down and keep the receipts for any work you have done. A simple folder of maintenance records is useful for insurance, and it is gold if you ever sell. Buyers love seeing that a home has been looked after.
Thinking of selling this year?
Spring maintenance is also smart pre-listing prep. Small repairs done now can mean fewer items flagged on a buyer's inspection later. For more on getting a home market-ready, see my tips on selling your home fast in PEI.
If you are curious where your home's value sits after the winter, I can put together a free estimate through my PEI home evaluation page. Reach out to Jodi Bernard, CENTURY 21 Northumberland Realty, whenever you'd like to talk about your plans for the season.
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