Seven Home Maintainance Tips for Spring

After a long arduous winter most of us are more than ready for spring   weather. However, harsh winter elements of high winds, pelting rain, and in some regions, heavy snow have the ability to wreak havoc on your home. So, before summer barbecues and pool parties commence, here are seven home maintenance tips for spring.
1. Check for possible damage to the roof. Look for missing, cracked or broken shingles and make note of any needed repairs.
2. Cut back tree limbs and shrubs growing within five feet of the house or that are brushing up against the roof.
3. Check and repair all cracked, broken or uneven driveways and walks.
4. Check your gutters for leaks or loose bindings. Improper drainage can lead to water damage. Clear any debris and make sure downspouts drain away from the foundation.
5. Examine the exterior of the chimney for signs of damage. Have the flue cleaned and inspected.
6. Clean and service the outside unit of the air conditioning system, remember, clean coils operate more efficiently.
7. Examine all the wood trim around windows, doors, railings and decks. Make repairs now before the spring rains do more damage to the exposed wood.

What to look for when hiring a conractor

Whether you are doing a total renovation or simple upgrades, choosing the right contractor is an important decision. See our five tips below before you hire a contractor.

References – Consult the Better Business Bureau and your state’s consumer protection agency. Ideally, your contractor should have a solid reputation, is licensed and registered, has insurance (liability; worker’s comp) valid credentials and no disciplinary history.
Get bids – Once you’ve narrowed down the field of competent contractors, get bids from each candidate. Be wary of extremely low estimates.
Big picture – Remember you’re going to be spending a lot of time with the contractor you hire, so make sure you feel comfortable with their personality, background, methods, and communication skills.
Dotted line – Every project should have a detailed contract. Deadlines, project description, materials used, even the payment schedule should be listed.
Not so fast – Don’t pay a contractor more than 30% upfront. Make payments in increments that coincide with portion completion. Full payment should only be given when the project is complete.

How to hire a contractor

Here’s some good news if you’re planning a home improvement or remodeling project. Contractors are finding it slow going these days due to the housing slump and shaky economy. Many are taking on smaller jobs that they wouldn’t have considered before—and they’re willing to deal on pricing just to get new work.

Unfortunately, however, a softer economy also brings out unscrupulous types, warns the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, such as unlicensed individuals posing as remodelers.

Here’s how to protect yourself if you’re planning a project:

• Be sure to hire an experienced local contractor and not a fly-by-nighter. Contact state or local licensing agencies to ensure a contractor meets all requirements.

• Check with the local Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints have been filed against the contractor. Check references from past customers as well.

• Get three written estimates from licensed contractors.

• Ask for proof of insurance.

• Draw up a contract before work starts. It should detail the type of work and materials and contain starting and finishing dates. The contract should also contain a warranty covering materials and workmanship for a minimum of one year.

• Be wary of contractors soliciting business door to door.

• Never give a big deposit upfront. Consider putting down no more than 10 percent of the total job cost.

• Make sure you understand the financial terms of the contract and that the total price, payment schedule and any cancellation penalty are clear.

Five Maintenance Issues Homeowners Shouldn’t Ignore

Sure, times are tough, and money is tight. It may be tempting to put off home repairs. And while it’s okay to rebuild your patio when you get that long-awaited bonus, some repairs can’t be ignored because they can cause thousands of dollars in damage–or worse, they might affect your family’s health.

The June 2009 issue of Consumer Reports listed five “red flags of home maintenance” that need immediate attention–even in a bad economy.

1. Keep water away from the house. Gutters, downspouts and leaders collect rainwater and move it away from the house. Check the gutter system seasonally. Also, make sure that soil slopes away from the house.

2. Inspect the roof. Use binoculars to spot damaged or missing shingles, and check for cracks around chimneys, skylights and roof valleys, all common sources of leaks.

3. Keep bugs out. Termites and carpenter ants can do major damage, so inspect the exterior of your home for signs of their presence, and keep mulch, firewood and shrubbery away from the foundation.

4. Avoid mold. Inspect the interior of the house for signs of mold. If indoor mold covers less than 10 square feet, you can treat it yourself with a bleach solution. Professional help is needed for larger areas.

5. Seal foundation cracks. Hairline cracks can be filled with epoxy. For cracks wider than 3/16”, however, consider hiring a structural engineer to inspect. These can be a problem.