Take a break for home maintenance

Winnipeg

The midsummer experiences are all around us. Concerts, festivals and trips abound. We’re taking advantage of the few short months of warmth and sun before the winter frost sneaks up on us. And before it does, there are a few things homeowners should not overlook. In the midst of all the fun, it’s a good idea to check some more practical items off the summer list before procrastination sets in.

First and foremost, while it’s safe to do so and if you’re able, it’s always a good idea to take a look up on your roof. Check for missing shingles or other damage and if you can, clear away any debris. You may want to clean your gutters while you’re up there. You can always hire a trusted professional to do this as well. If you need help with the inspection or any required fixes, be sure to look up local businesses on bbb.org/centralcanada where you can scroll through accredited companies that have pledged to operate ethically. You can also see their independently reviewed scores and ratings to take the stress out of finding a trusted repairperson.

Next, take a look at your air ducts. Generally, you’ll want to get them cleaned every three to five years, but if you notice mold, vermin or mass amounts of dust, you should get them cleaned by a trained HVAC professional as soon as possible. Keeping your ducts clean can prolong the life of your furnace and air conditioning units. It may even reduce your energy bill. While you’re at it, be sure to replace the furnace filter and clean your HVAC filters by consulting your model’s instruction manuals.

You can also take this chance to inspect your plumbing and walls. If you notice any water coming from your pipes, it’s time to call a plumber. If you see marks and scratches on your walls, it may be time to add a fresh coat of paint or spend some time scrubbing them.

During these months, when you’re spending so much time outside in your yard, it may be worth putting some thought into longterm maintenance. Are there any stubborn weeds you can’t seem to get rid of? Any cracks or chips in your pavement or stones? Have any pests moved into to bother your garden or dig holes through your lawn? Now is as good a time as any to examine solutions to these issues either yourself or by consulting a professional. Be sure to stay wary of home improvement scams during this process. You can see common scams targeting your area by visiting bbb.org/scamtracker

You can also be sure to find a trusted professional through the BBB’s business directory, linked above.

While we have the weather to fully enjoy our houses and yards, it’s time to take a few moments to ensure they’ll keep working for us and our families.