If you are a homeowner, you already know that a pound of prevention is worth an ounce of cure. Preventative maintenance is very important in order to keep your home in looking great and comfortable while avoiding high maintenance bills. If you inspect your home regularly for signs of trouble, you will keep your home in excellent condition and save money on costly repairs. To accomplish this, use the seasonal maintenance checklist below.

• Inspect the exterior of your home for signs of damage, wear and insect infestation.

• Change to furnace or air conditioner filter.

• Test smoke alarms and replace batteries, as needed.

• Clean eaves troughs, (gutters) and downspouts.

• Check mortar between the bricks on the exterior of your home.

• Inspect the foundation for cracks, settling and water penetration.

• Uncover air conditioner, change filters and have it cleaned in preparation for summer.

• Cut back branches of any shrubs or trees that are touching the exterior of your home.

• Inspect the exterior paint and touch up or re-paint as needed.

• Inspect and treat exterior wood for decay, damage and insect infestation.

• Wash windows and check for damage on sills and frames.

• Check and repair window screens, as needed.

• Inspect insulation around windows and doors and upgrade if necessary.

• Replace caulking around window and door frames and repair or replace as needed.

• Check and oil door hinges and locks on both the exterior and interior of your home.

• Powerwash your deck and repair any damaged or splintered wood. Refinish if needed and apply sealer.

• Clean and oil all window slides and patio door tracks.

• Oil closet door slides and tracks.

• Oil all door locks and lubricate garage doors.

• Repair or replace caulking around counters, sinks and bathtubs.

• Apply sealer to asphalt driveways.