BOUND BROOK, NJ - Every spring people spend time with "spring cleaning." However, for most people this includes putting away the winter clothes and taking off the storm windows or resetting them. While spring cleaning is necessary, spring home maintenance is also very important, advises Kenneth T. Austin, president of HouseMaster®, North America's premier home inspection company.

"Some of the major deficiencies we find in homes we inspect for buyers and sellers could have been avoided with an earlier investment of just a few dollars, such as caulking tile or treating wood," says Austin. "It is important for homeowners to realize that they can save thousands of dollars in the long run by learning how to prevent major repairs, usually at a minimal cost."

Spring is an excellent time to make a thorough inspection of the home, since it follows the winter weather that is often responsible for the deterioration or failure in building materials and joint sealants. One of the major effects of a long, hard winter is a leaky roof, explains Austin. "Roof shingles and flashings are missing due to high winds or heavy ice and snow, leaving areas exposed to water damage during spring rains, especially if there is not proper drainage." A quick check of the roof and chimney can alert the homeowner to those defects that may require the replacement of just a few shingles or the application of additional caulking- two jobs that can cost very little, but can save major expenditures over time.

From The Outside In

Austin suggests making an overall inspection of the exterior of the home, including sidewalks that may have been damaged due to heavy salting, storm drains, cracks in the foundation due to settling, screen or window damage, downspouts, presence of insect infestations, such as termites, faulty weather-stripping and trees that may be hanging vicariously over the home.

After an exterior inspection, homeowners can then move inside. "First check in areas where exterior problems were found," says Austin. "If you notice that a window has cracked or that the wood around a window has rotted, your first stop indoors should be to see if any water has been leaking in unnoticed."

Other additional indoor observations include a check for chipping paint that might contain lead (usually only in homes built before 1978), and investigate chimneys and attics for bird and animal nests. Also check all air conditioners, test smoke alarms, check for dripping faucets and clean all range fan filters of grease.

Better Safe Than Sorry

While routine spring maintenance may require a small investment, it is better to be safe than sorry, says Austin. "It is the small projects and investments that can both pay off and help save in the future."

"A good rule-of-thumb," explains the HouseMaster® president, "is to estimate that routine periodic home maintenance, assuming no major problems are found, will cost a homeowner from one to three percent of the home's sale price on an annual basis." While this depends on the age, design, and/or the degree of prior maintenance, an average $110,000 home, for example, will require from $1,100 to $3,300 per year for maintenance.

"A homeowner who makes the necessary yearly investment will end up saving in the long run, because routine maintenance can help avoid larger, more expensive and often, emergency repairs that can add up to the tens of thousands or more," adds Austin. "It is just like giving your home its annual physical."

HouseMaster® home inspection has over 380 offices throughout the United States and Canada. The company has performed more than 1,000,000 home inspections since 1979. A free "Home Maintenance Checklist" can be obtained by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope to the HouseMaster® Home Owner Information Center, 421 West Union Avenue, Bound Brook, NJ, 08805: Attention: Home Maintenance Checklist, or you can have HouseMaster® perform this important spring home physical by calling them at 1-800-526-3939.

Source:housemaster