Gary Dwyer's Real Estate Blog

Now that it is getting nice out, it's time to make the spring "punchlist".

Here are a few things - simple as they may be - that never seem to get done:

1 - Clean the gutters and downspouts!  So many water problems could be solved by having clean gutters and downspouts and making sure that the grading runs away from the building.

2 - Close the fireplace damper and clean out the old ashes.

3 - Change the HVAC / furnace filters and schedule the preventative maintenance inspection for the central air system.

4 - If you didn't change the batteries in the smoke / CO detectors in the fall, now is a good time to do it as well as check the fire extinguishers and emergency lights / flashlights.

5 - Scrape / caulk / paint any exposed wood that has deteriorated over the winter.

6 - Check the roof for any missing shingles or wear.

7 - If you are in a brick building, check the pointing for any gaps or loose mortar.

8 - Check your sump pump - they have had quite a workout lately.  If it is getting old, buy a spare in advance.  Consider a battery back-up system in case the power goes out in the middle of a storm and waters are rising.