Your Pre-Summer Home Maintenance Checklist – With a Painter’s Eye!

Now’s the perfect time to give your home a little TLC. A few proactive maintenance steps this spring can help you avoid costly repairs later—and keep your paint job (and curb appeal) looking fresh and fabulous.

Pro Tip: Set a calendar reminder every April or May so you can stay on top of these seasonal tasks!

Exterior Paint & Siding Check

Take a slow walk around your house – and don’t forget that shady side you tend to avoid. Here’s what to look for:

• Peeling, cracking, or flaking paint: These are more than just cosmetic issues; they’re signs that your paint’s protective power is fading.
• Cracks or gaps around windows, doors, and your foundation: These are like an open door for water damage and creepy crawlies that can cause damage.
• Wood rot: Pay extra attention to wood trim, siding, and frames, looking for any damage. If you catch wood rot early, it’s an easy fix. Otherwise, it can turn into a four-digit repair nightmare.

Pro Tip: Any peeling or fading paint or exposed wood might be time for a professional touch-ur or a full repaint before summer storms roll in.

Spring Garden Cleanup (Your House Will Thank You)

Winter can leave your yard a mess. Cleaning up your yard early allows your home—and your paint—to breathe!

• Rake up debris, especially near the foundation, where moisture and mold can collect.
• Trim back shrubs and tree branches that are touching your siding (they can wear down your paint or trap moisture).
• Check for irrigation leaks that could lead to moisture damage on your home’s exterior.
• If you didn’t clean your gutters in the fall, now is a good time to do it before summer rains hit. Overflowing gutters can equal water-stained siding and peeling paint.

HVAC Maintenance

Your HVAC system keeps you cool or warm, but only if it’s running efficiently. We highly recommend having an HVAC pro service and inspecting it every spring and fall.

• Most HVAC companies offer a maintenance plan.
• Change those filters (or have them changed) when your unit gets serviced.
• A well-maintained system also helps with indoor humidity, protecting paint from bubbling or peeling indoors.

Insects & Pests & Big Problems

Insects can wreak havoc on painted surfaces and wood.

• Inspect the exterior for burrowing signs or wood damage (termites, carpenter bees, squirrels, and other critters are not your friends). You’ll want to keep them out.
• Seal all cracks and gaps. Paint alone can’t keep the bugs out if your house is full of openings.
• Drain standing water around the property to stop mosquitoes from setting up shop.

Don’t Forget the Forgotten Spaces

Got an attic, crawl space, or shed? Inspect them!

• Look for moisture or insect issues that could cause bigger headaches (like mold or rot).
• Check insulation, wiring, and ductwork. Squirrels don’t care about your paint job—but they will chew things and can cause extensive and expensive damage inside your home.

Pro Tip:  If you’re storing paint in these areas, make sure it’s sealed tight and hasn’t gone bad.

Final Thoughts from Your Friendly Painter

Regular maintenance isn’t just about keeping your home looking nice—it’s about protecting your most significant investment. And paint is not just pretty. It’s a powerful barrier against the elements. So if your exterior is showing signs of wear, give us a call. A fresh coat of paint now could save you thousands later.

 

Need a paint pro to inspect your home or give you a quote? Home Works Painting in Northern Virginia would love to help you get summer-ready!