Spring has officially sprung in Wyoming, which means it’s time for area homeowners to complete some seasonal maintenance tasks that are best done when temperatures are mild. Routine home maintenance allows you to make sure your systems are working properly before the heat of summer arrives and helps to avoid costly repairs down the road. Here are the maintenance projects that our “local contractors near me” recommend.

Inside the Home

Spring is a great time to clean up parts of the house that often go neglected. Now that it’s warming up, you can open up the windows and air out rooms while you work.

• Check all ceiling fans. Remove and clean the light globes and wipe down each blade with all-purpose cleaner. In the summer, fans should rotate counterclockwise to create a cooling downdraft.
• Clean light fixtures and replace burned-out light bulbs with energy-saving LED bulbs.
• Test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms for proper function and replace the batteries or devices if necessary.
• Clean the kitchen exhaust hood and filter. The easiest way to clean a range hood filter is to wash it on the bottom rack of the dishwasher!
• Vacuum lint out of the clothes dryer duct and the space under the dryer. Accumulated lint is a fire hazard and can decrease the efficiency of the dryer.
• Check the water heater and water heater drain valve for any leaks or corrosion. Following the water heater manual and instructions, drain and refill the tank.
• If you have a sump pump, test it to make sure it’s working properly. There are several ways to do this, including removing the lid and pouring in water to see if the pump kicks on.

On the Home Exterior

Start with an exterior inspection. Winter can take a real toll on roofs, chimneys and many other components.

• From the ground, inspect roof shingles to see if any were torn off or damaged over the winter. If your roof is older (20 years or more), it’s time to start budgeting for a replacement.
• Check gutters for clogs. Scoop out any debris and make sure the gutters and downspouts are securely fastened to the home. Downspouts should be directing water several feet away from the foundation (or into a rain barrel) to prevent foundation damage.
• Inspect siding for areas of rot or damage and touch up damaged or peeling paint. Dirty or moldy siding can be cleaned with a power washer.
• Clean windows but avoid doing the job on a sunny day. If you spray cleaner onto hot window glass, it will leave behind streaks that are hard to remove. Repair any ripped window screens.
• If you have a chimney, examine the exterior for damage and have the flue inspected and cleaned by a certified chimney professional.
• Repair or replace caulking and weatherstripping around windows and doors to stop heating and cooling loss. To determine if a window has a leak, hold a piece of tissue paper or plastic wrap close to the window on a windy day. If you see movement, there is a leak.
• Schedule a tune-up of your air conditioning system with a qualified HVAC technician, including the outside unit. An annual service call will help the system operate more efficiently.
• Winter takes a toll on concrete surfaces, resulting in cracks, gaps and other problems. You can address small issues with a patch kit or contact a professional concrete contractor for assistance. Stains and grime can be removed with a power washer.

In the Yard

• Check the sprinkler system and remove leaves and debris from around each sprinkler head. Once nighttime temperatures consistently remain above freezing, contact a licensed landscaper to inspect and turn on your irrigation system.
• Check trees around the house and ensure branches are not too close to your home or power lines. Also make sure trees and shrubs are not crowding your AC unit.
• Fill low spots in the yard and next to the foundation with compacted soil to prevent yard and basement flooding when heavy spring rains come. Standing water in the yard also creates a breeding ground for insects.
• Remove firewood stored near the home. Firewood should be stacked a few inches off the ground to keep it dry and several feet away from the home to keep wood-loving pests at bay.
• Check your mower and other lawn equipment to make sure they are ready for summer service. A sharp blade will make mowing easier and keep your lawn healthier.

Looking for ‘Local Contractors Near Me’?

Gateway Construction, LLC has proudly served Cheyenne, southeast Wyoming and northern Colorado for more than two decades. When people ask their friends and neighbors for a recommendation for reputable “local contractors near me,” our name comes up first! Contact us today at (307) 632-8950 or submit our online contact form to discuss your next residential or multi-family construction project. If you are searching for a quality move-in ready home, we also are offering limited-time incentives on completed inventory.

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