We’ve had our first few warm days, which means that spring is slowly tiptoeing in. This also means that the worst of the winter weather is most likely behind us, and it’s the perfect time to walk through your home and yard, spot anything that took a hit over winter. Taking the time to work through this checklist sets you up for a comfortable, worry-free season ahead. Whether you’ve been here for years or just moved in, this checklist covers the essentials every homeowner at New Durham Estates should tackle before summer arrives.
Start Outside: Exterior Checks First
The exterior of your home takes the most abuse over winter, freezing temps, ice, wind, and wet conditions can all leave their mark. A quick walkthrough now can prevent bigger problems down the road.
Inspect your skirting. Check for cracks, gaps, or panels that shifted over winter. Good skirting regulates the temperature under your home and keeps critters out.
Inspect your roof. Look for damaged seams, lifted panels, or soft spots, especially around vents. Clear off any debris that has collected over the winter months.
Wash siding and windows. Winter leaves behind a layer of grime, mold, and salt residue. A good rinse-down will protect your siding’s finish and let more natural light into windows.
Check outside water spigots for leaks. Turn them on and look for drips or reduced pressure, which can indicate a pipe may have cracked during a freeze. While you’re at it, inspect hoses for splits or worn-out connectors.
Re-caulk windows and doors. Weatherstripping can crack and compress over winter. A fresh seal keeps conditioned air in and keeps your energy bills down all summer long.
Inspect decks and steps. Look for loose boards, soft spots, or any nails that have worked their way up. Winter moisture is hard on wood, and a wobbly step is a safety hazard.
Yard & Lawn Care
A tidy yard not only looks great, but it also keeps our community looking its best and prevents debris from becoming a problem.
Yard waste pickup is easy this spring. Residents can bag yard waste in paper lawn bags and place them at the curb for pickup. Paper bags are available for purchase at the New Durham Hardware Store; there’s no need to haul clippings or branches anywhere yourself.
Home Systems: HVAC, Safety & More
Spring is the ideal time to take care of home systems before the heat arrives and before a small issue turns into an expensive repair.
Test your air conditioner now. Don’t wait until the first hot day to find out it isn’t working. Run it for a cycle on the first warm spring day, replace your filter, and listen for anything unusual. A quick tune-up now costs far less than an emergency repair in July.
Test smoke detectors and replace batteries. Spring and fall are the standard reminders to check every detector in your home. Press the test button, replace batteries if needed, and make sure you have a working detector on every level.
Check the ductwork under the home. In manufactured homes, ducts run through the belly of the home and can loosen or sag after a freeze-thaw cycle. Inspect for any gaps or disconnected sections; this is where most conditioned air is lost.
A Little Effort Now Goes a Long Way
You don’t need to tackle all of this in one weekend. Work through the list over a few weeks, and you’ll head into summer knowing your home is in great shape. A well-maintained home is more comfortable, more energy-efficient, and holds its value better over time.
If you have questions about home maintenance or need supplies for your manufactured home, our on-site Do-It-Best Hardware store is stocked and knowledgeable to meet all your spring home maintenance needs.
