home improvement guy

With the change of seasons, it's time to open your windows and let that fresh spring breeze flow through your home. But it's also time to inspect your property for damage, maintenance issues and potential improvements.

If you conduct a thorough home walkthrough, your spring tests and inspections will fly by – and you'll be on to enjoying the weather in no time.

- Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they're working properly, and swap out old batteries for fresh ones.

- Check your plumbing for leaks, and hire a plumber if you find any. Test for toilet leaks by dropping food dye in the tank to see if it seeps into the bowl.

- Assess your fireplace and hire a chimney sweep if you didn't do so before the winter season. Afterwards, give your fireplace surround a thorough scrubbing.

- Inspect your HVAC system and replace your filters. Hire a pro if you're due for your annual service or an air duct cleaning.

- Flush your water heater, or hire a pro to perform the work for you. Experts recommend flushing annually.

- Test your sump pump by slowly pouring water into the sump pit. The pump should activate and the water should drain.

- Inspect caulking and insulation. You may be able to fix caulking on your own, but for insulation issues it's best to call a pro.

- Flip the switches on your ceiling fans to move the fan blades counterclockwise and send air downward.

- Clean your floors and check for stains and damage. You may need minor repairs, a steam cleaning, or more significant work like subfloor repairs and hardwood refinishing.

- Identify and address dirt and scuffs on your walls. And consider whether or not it's time for a new coat of paint – and a fresh new color!

- Inspect and clean your doors, windows and screens – inside and out. This might be the year to upgrade to high-efficiency windows or install new screens.

- Assess your home exterior – your foundation, siding and roof – for damage and potential maintenance demands. If you can't assess your roof from the ground, call for a roof inspection.

- Check other surfaces on your property – your driveway, walkways, patios or decks – for damage. Call a pressure washer for grimy concrete.

- Inspect wooden features like decks and fences to see if they need to be resealed or stained, and hire a deck pro to fix loose railings and boards.

- Check your gutters and downspouts for foliage. Hiring a pro to clear them out is an affordable – and safe – alternative to doing it yourself.

- Assess your lawn, landscaping and trees. Mark problem areas like bald patches and dead trees, branches and shrubs. And note areas where you'd like new landscape features. If you have a lawn service contract, make sure it's valid for the coming months.

- Test your irrigation system and inspect it for damage before the watering season.

- Look for pools of water on your property. If you find any, hire an expert to find the cause and ensure proper drainage.

- Inspect and test your lawnmower, and consider a tune-up for a stall-free summer.