While the cold and wind of the winter season may make spring seem distant, it really is right around the corner. What that means for you if you are a new area homeowner – or are shopping Brighton homes for sale – is that springtime home maintenance chores are also right around the corner. So what should a new homeowner know about getting things in good shape this spring? Our REALTORS® have created this spring maintenance checklist to help you get a handle on just how to take good care of your home.

1. Inspect your roof – A good set of binoculars can spare you the trouble of climbing out on the roof for this job. Look for telltale signs of trouble that might signal the need for a professional roof inspection, such as shingles that have slid out of place, missing shingles or ones that have popped up, making your roof vulnerable to leaks.
2. Check your chimney – Look for signs that your chimney may need sealing or repair, such as missing mortar between its bricks or stones, any moss or weeds growing around its joints, or white deposits on the chimney left behind by moisture infiltration.
3. Get after your gutters and downspouts – First, clear leaves and debris from the gutters and downspouts. Then, fix any gutters that have been pulled away from the house by winter snow, ice, and wind. If you have a two-story home, you might be wise to hire a professional to make the climb for gutter maintenance.
4. Clean and inspect your siding – If your home has traditional siding, a power-wash is a good idea to get rid of winter grime. While you're at it, look over exterior caulking to see if it has deteriorated and replace as necessary. If you have painted trim or siding, look for peeling areas that need a touch-up.
5. Check out your outdoor faucets, sprinklers – Inspect outdoor faucets for leaks. Check sprinkler systems for leaks, exposed lines, and damaged sprinkler heads.
6. Check over your concrete – Look for cracks in driveways or walkways around your home. Minor cracks can be repaired with concrete filler, while severe damage may call for professional repair.
7. Inspect your decks/porches – Look for loose flooring, loose railings, warping, rotting wood or water stains.
8. Check your fences – If your fences are wood, look for rotting or loose boards and fence posts. If they are chain link or wire, check for breaks in the fence line, damaged posts, or areas weakened by corrosion.
9. Check windows, doors, and screens – Look over window frames for damage, mold or rot. Check the condition of weatherstripping and caulk around windows and doors. Clean screens and check for holes or other damage.
10. Look over your air conditioning unit – Make sure the outdoor unit is clear of dirt, leaves, and debris. Clear weeds from around the unit and trim shrubbery to be sure it has a foot or two of clearance around it. Also, check your system's filter to see if it needs cleaning or replacing.
11. Look over your foundation – Checking regularly cracks or other damage can help catch small problems before they become large and expensive ones.
12. Give your attic a once-over – Look for signs of moisture in insulation, roof leaks, obstructed vents and any evidence of invasions by birds, squirrels or other creatures.

Contact us for help selling or buying a home in Livingston County.  Our REALTORS® will be happy to put their knowledge and experience to work for you.