Winter is finally over! Spring is a good time to clean areas of the house that often go neglected. There’s more to spring cleaning than cleaning windows. Staying on top of your home maintenance and repairs can help prevent potential problems.

Here is a checklist of things you should do inside the home:

Water heater
Flush out hot water to remove accumulated sediment. If you are unsure how to do this, consult a professional.

Attic  
Examine for evidence of any leaks. Check insulation and remove or add if necessary. Has any of your insulation moved from the last time you inspected it? Check for evidence of birds, squirrels, raccoons, etc. Check for proper ventilation each season.

Countertops    
Inspect for separations at sinks and backsplash. Recaulk where required.

Tiled areas  
Inspect for loose or missing grout or caulking. Regrout or recaulk if necessary.

Shower doors/tub enclosures
Inspect for proper fit. Adjust if necessary. Inspect caulking and recaulk if necessary.

Weather stripping
Check caulking around windows and doors. Check window and door screens. Adjust or replace if necessary.

Heating and cooling system    
General furnace inspection: Look for rust, scaling on heat exchanger, and proper flame colour; note odd sounds or smells; and check condition of venting. Remove debris around units.

Refrigerator    
Pull out to clean coils to see if any water damage to flooring. A vacuum is a great way to clean the coils on the back or bottom of your refrigerator.  Cleaning the inside is always a good idea each season.

Basement
Check for any new wet spots or mould on walls, windows and floors. If it smells mouldy, there’s mould. Contact a professional to inspect your basement if you suspect mould.

Remember to put safety first. If you don’t know how to do any of these things, be sure to contact a professional.

Be sure to check our Outdoor Spring Maintenance post.