We have provided ten commonly overlooked home projects. Spring is a good time to get everything around the home back into shape. We’ve identified ten of the most commonly overlooked projects.
- Check your hot water heater – Check your hot water heater for signs of leaks. Some people choose to drain and flush the hot water heater once a year. Check the overall condition of the heater and if your heater is old you may want to consider replacing it before you have a leak or problem. Newer hot water heaters are much more efficient today.
- Clean out dryer vent – A clothes dryer vent can quickly get filled with lint and should be cleaned out thoroughly to remove the risk of fire and will also increase the dryer’s efficiency.
- Clean out drains – Check bathroom drains in all sinks, showers, and tubs to ensure they are not clogging up with hair and other debris. Check your kitchen garbage disposal to make sure its running properly. Pour some ice cubes into the disposal which helps in cleaning the blades.
- Change or replace your furnace filter(s) – Replace or clean your furnace filter to help reduce allergy inducing dust from circulating throughout your home.
- Change batteries – Check batteries in smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, electronic thermostats, flashlights and other electronic devices around the home. Don’t forget to check the expiration dates on your smoke detectors and if they are expired or expiring soon replace them.
- Inspect your home roof – Visually check your roofs over all condition from the ground. Look for missing or loose shingles, flashing, and other signs of damage. Hire a licensed roofing professional to inspect your roof at least once a year. Doing so will prevent a looming problem and possible leaks.
- Inspect and clean your rain gutters and downspouts – Gutters and downspouts many times become filled with debris and cause water to not drain or slowly drain from the gutter system. Clean them out or hire a licensed gutter contractor to inspect and clean your homes entire gutter system.
- Trim trees – Tree limbs especially close to your home should be pruned and branches kept away from the roof and siding. Limbs close to the house can pose a danger to your house and should be cut to remove any possible problem. Hire a licensed arborist to perform trimming services.
- Fix any trip hazards around the house – Inspect outside walkways, steps, and even area rungs inside your home. Heaving walkways and sidewalks are your responsibility and should be addressed to remove any trip and fall accidents.
- Check fire extinguishers – Check fire extinguishers throughout your home. If they are old or the gauge says they are no full discard them and replace them with new ones. Ensure you have an easy to access fire extinguisher in the kitchen certified for kitchen fire use.
