Time to get back into gear now that spring is finally here! What better way to begin than with some spring cleaning to refresh your home and get rid of those cold winter vibes. Spring cleaning has been a tradition in some form for many years, yet some homeowners neglect to take the necessary measures to ensure their home is not only clean, but also sound and sturdy. A quick home inspection done by yourself or a professional should be conducted every year to make sure that your home is still in good condition after the cold winter season. Here are some key inspection points and “red flags” to look for.

6 Major Points of Inspection

Inspecting a home regularly and fixing any present issues right when they are found can drastically cut down on future home repairs that could potentially cost a fortune. When inspecting a home, these six areas should be checked thoroughly.

1. Cracks in the Foundation- Small cracks in a home’s foundation can happen as concrete sets and the pressure of a home shifts during the seasons. However be sure to inspect these cracks to make sure they are not going both vertically and horizontally, as these types of cracks present more of a threat and could require a professional’s assistance.

2. Wood Rot- Rotting wood poses a huge threat to a home. If the decay is bad enough your floor could give out from right underneath you. The best way to combat wood rot is to be able to identify it first and then have any rotten pieces replaced immediately. Signs of wood rot include sagging floors or soft spots. One way to search for rotted wood is to probe joist ends and sill plates with a screwdriver looking for those soft or unordinary spots in the wood.

3. Termite Tubes- Termites present a huge problem to homes as they have a very large appetite for wood. Termites can cause large amounts of damages to a home leaving it unsafe for living if not treated effectively and timely. Termite tubes present the most visible sign of a termite infestation. These pencil-thick tubes can run along a wall or hang from the ceiling. To learn more about termites and other home damaging insects check out this blog post.

4. Water Systems and Septic Tanks- This includes both the boiler (or water heater) and septic systems present in a home. Boilers and water heaters should be up to date with any maintenance they may need and if any “popping” or “snapping” sounds are heard a professional may be needed to drain out sediment within the tank. Your septic tank should also be checked to see how old the current model being used is as well as when the last time it had been pumped. Be sure to also check for any signs of leaks.

5. Electrical Wiring- Inspecting your home’s wiring is an easy way to make sure that the lights remain on. Checking for any open spliced wiring outside of an electric box could be a sign of sloppy work. This could in turn lead to electrical problems and should be fixed by a skilled electrician to ensure the longevity of the wires.

6. Gutters and Roofing- Periodically cleaning out your gutters will allow for a better flow of water through your pipes and to your designated drainage spot. Along with keeping up on gutter maintenance check your roof’s conditions during the spring is a great idea. Making sure that your shingles are still intact and don’t allow for water to seep through can eliminate water damage costs. Typically a soundly built roof has a lifetime expectancy of 20 years, but this can all vary based on weather conditions and where you live.

This spring cleaning be sure to take a little extra time to inspect your home. Inspecting your home periodically for “red flags” along with keeping up on scheduled maintenance is essential towards the longevity of a home. Contact the experts at TJ Woods’s Insurance today about Homeowner’s Insurance to see just how our specialized plan can help keep your home protected.