03 Mar Spring Cleaning for Homeowners
It’s that time of the year, again! Time to scrub, dust, and organize our home until we feel renewed and prepared for the year to come! It seems that there are two types of people, people who cannot wait to get in and begin spring cleaning, and those who wish it could just clean itself. Either way, we think you’ll really appreciate our list and tips for spring cleaning this year!
Landscaping
Trim away shrubs and trees from your home’s siding and air conditioning units. Make sure that your brick & stone pathways are well laid and fix any tripping hazards.
Your Foundation
While you tidy up your flower beds and shrubs around the house, take a moment to check your foundation. Be sure to inspect mortar around bricks and your basement for cracks that need to be repaired.
Clean & Maintain Your Heating Systems
Call upon the professionals to clean & maintain your heating system every year!
The Roof & Gutters
Clear away debris, and check for clogs by running a hose to your downspouts. Small clogs may clear out by using the hose, but larger ones may need to be removed with a plumber’s snake. While you’re working on the gutters, check for signs of damage and aging on your roof.
Windows
While you’re wiping away the dust and pollen from your windows, make sure you’re caulking is holding up, repair or replace any broken screens, and make sure the screens are snug in their fasteners.
Siding
Take the time to give your siding a good look. Check for damaged, extremely worn, and missing pieces that you may not have noticed before. If you have wood siding, make sure to repaint any peeling or chipped paint to extend the life of your wood siding.
Your Deck
Get out your broom and sweep away the debris from fall & winter. Don’t forget, it’s best to seal your deck at least once every 5 years, so you may want to pick up some supplies from the home improvement store, too!
Don’t Forget!
If you’re hiring a contractor for help with your spring cleanup, pick a contractor based on their quote, their online reviews, and if they have insurance! Sometimes, a lower quote means the contractor is uninsured, allowing them to keep their prices artificially lower than the competition.
If damages or losses occur on your property as a result of a contractor, those losses may be covered by your own homeowners policy. However, each of those losses is subject to your deductible. Do you really want to pay out of pocket for your deductible if you don’t have to? Also, each of those claims will probably result in a higher premium come renewal time! All in all, you’re not doing yourself any favors by not ensuring your contractors have their own insurance.
To ensure that your contractors have active policies, ask for a certificate of insurance showing you as the certificate holder with every quote you get!
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