Preparing your home for spring

When Bostonians think of spring, we think March Madness, the start of the Red Sox season, and, of course, the opening of Sully’s in South Boston.

Although those are all very important events, making a conscious effort to prepare your home for spring is just as important. We had a pretty mild winter this year, but it’s important to check your home for any damage from the winter weather.

A brief walkthrough of your property will help determine if any repairs are needed. Here are some things to look for:

• Inspect your roof for missing, loose, or damaged shingles and leaks
• Mend cracks and gaps in the driveway and walkway  
• Repair or replace cracked siding
• Inspect exterior door hardware and fix any squeaky handles and loose locks
• Check the exterior drainage
• Clean gutters, which can accumulate leaves, grime, and sediment from the fall and winter
• Check for chipped paint
• Clear dead plants/shrubs from the home, which can make their way into cracks and holes on the exterior of your home and cause damage
• Pay close attention to decorative vines on the exterior of your home
• Trim or cut down trees that may interfere with electric lines
• Repair or replace damaged window screens
• Replace smoke and carbon monoxide detectors        
• Make sure all power use for outdoor outlets are GFCI (ground-fault circuit interrupter) protected
• Check garden tools for frayed or broken cords; make sure three-prong cords are intact
• Check cords for cracks and breaks in the jacket; make sure the cords you use outside are safe for outdoor use  
• Make sure three wire cords are in working shape and replace old cords; do not overload extension cords
• Check air conditioners and make sure the system is properly grounded and that no wires look disconnected

Reminder: hire a licensed contractor for all structural repairs.