Image via Mateus Realty

The new year festivities are behind us, and it’s time to welcome your home into the new year. With the new year comes fresh starts, and it’s never too early to think about maintenance for your home. Many like to take the new year as an opportunity to do a lot of interior maintenance such as having a maintenance call for their water heater, or doing some basic deep cleaning. While the winter weather definitely encourages us to stay indoors, now is not the time to ignore your home’s exterior.

For most people, home maintenance occurs only when something goes wrong, which lead to unexpected and usually expensive emergency repair calls. Preventative measures can save you tons of time, money, and peace of mind. Read on to see what you should be checking out in your home now that it’s officially 2019.

• If weather permits, use a safely secured ladder to climb up and check on your gutters. While you’re inspecting them, keep an eye out for ice dams and remove as necessary.
• Check your exterior dryer vents and clean them out.
• Since the temperatures have been so cold, take time to check any outdoor hose faucets to be sure they haven’t iced up. If you don’t have an insulated faucet cover for the winter months, look into installing one now.
• If you have above ground electrical services, make note of the line that leads from your home to the power pole. If any branches have fallen or are hanging on the line, call your electric company for removal.
• Now that we can expect more snow in the coming month or so, check to be sure that the ground next your home is graded away from the house so water doesn’t pool around your foundation and cause internal flooding or other damage.
• Inspect exterior pipes and their insulation to ensure they are not exposed to the freezing weather. Be sure water isn’t able to seep under the insulation, and replace or repair as needed.
• Check and repair window screens and screen doors before winter melts into spring.

Since we’re in the middle of our winter season, extensive repairs to the exterior of your home may not be possible due to inclement weather and cold temperatures. With that in mind, now is a great time of year to some other things in line for your home, as well. Organize your files and papers regarding maintenance and repairs to your home. Make note of the last time you had a roof inspection, or your gutters checked by a professional. Start planning the next inspection for your home’s exterior and schedule general maintenance calls that you know will be necessary in the near future.

You can take this time to asses and organize some indoor spaces that often get neglected in warmer weather, like your garage or basement. Organizing your garage early in the year will set you up for further success – when springtime rolls around and you need to clear out your gutters or check on your roof after a season of snow, you’ll know exactly where to find your ladder and work gloves. Plus, a clean workspace always lends itself to a clear mind!