April Home Maintenance

April is a month for lots of rain, weddings, gardens and showers.  It’s perfect for getting the ground ready for some planting.  If you are planting a garden, check out How to Plan a Vegetable Garden Location.  If it’s a little too cold outside to do any planting, you can always start some plants inside and transport them outside when the weather warms a bit. At this point in the year, it's a pretty safe bet that you can store your winter gear.  Remember to check what kind of maintenance is needed on any of the equipment that you will be storing, like your snowblower.  Ice melt and your shovel could probably remain available until May, depending on where you are located.  That way, if it does snow a time or two more, you will have something sufficient to get rid of snow and ice.  Not to mention, they are usually some of the first things that you get out for winter, so they should be the last items stored in the spring. Because of all the rain that usually occurs in the spring, it's a perfect time to check for leaks in your home every time it rains.  This is the best time to limit the damage that's done to the home.  For instance, if you have a leak and get it fixed immediately when it rains regularly, it's easier to assess if the leak and/or damage has been fixed.  If you fix the leak on the last rain storm of spring, it could be months before you discover whether or not the leak is still there.  This is one of the main reasons why regular maintenance is so important.  Check windows and the base of the house for cracks and any potential problem areas where water builds up during a storm.  This is also a good way to check for potential drowning and elevation problems that may occur with any outdoor gardening that you do in the future.  If you do have a leak, mark the location, and repair the leak immediately when everything is dry. During February and March, spring cleaning is usually done.  If there are any leftover items that you are getting rid of or no longer have use for, start a pile in a corner somewhere in your home, and prepare for a yard sale after the rains stop.  Season transitions are a great time to do a yard sale.  Especially in the spring and after people have been stuck inside from the rain.  The weather starts to warm after winter and everyone is ready to get outside for a while.  If you do end up doing a yard sale, keep in mind that most yard sales have their highest traffic in the morning.  You will want to get the earliest start that you can. Here is a list of things to do during April and leading into May. April Maintenance      -Reseed lawn (if necessary/patchy)      -Clean windows interior/exterior      -Test water heater pressure relief valve      -Remove & clean shower heads      -Trim shrubs and trees      -Take out storm windows & replace screens Monthly Maintenance      -Change dirty HVAC system filters      -Look for leaks around toilets and sinks      -Inspect grout and caulking      -Change dirty kitchen vent hood filter      -Inspect fire extinguishers      -Test smoke detectors and batteries      -Test carbon-monoxide detectors & batteries      -Stroll around outside checking foundation, vents, gutters, and drainpipes      -Check water softener & replenish salt (if needed)      -Inspect electric cords for wear      -Clean garbage disposal Active Maintenance      -Check for drafts      -Check for weeds (out of control fast and should be weekly or more often)      -Look for signs of pests Maintaining a home is, more often than not, worth every penny.  Costs of repairing a major issue in a home can be in the tens of thousands or more depending on the problem.  Many individuals buy or rent homes without the knowledge they need to maintain their home and avoid the expensive repairs.  Home maintenance can also be very overwhelming if an individual does not know where to begin, how often to check certain trouble areas of their home, or know when the last maintenance was done.  This is why we started this blog.  Mountain America Concierge Services (MACS) will be posting about home maintenance on a regular basis.  Be sure to check back often and subscribe so that you can see when we make a post. You can visit our website at: https://mountain-america-concierge-services.business.site/?m=true You can visit our Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/MACSfirst/