Since your home is more than likely the largest investment you will ever make, it is a good idea to protect it by performing regular maintenance. Here are a few springtime home-care steps you can take to stay on top of potential problems. Most are fairly simple, cost little to no money, and can help prevent bigger problems in the future.

First, take a moment to walk around the interior of your home, notepad and camera in hand, to look for problems. Pay special attention to ceilings to look for water damage. Check water pipes underneath each sink and in the basement, plus around the faucets, for leaks. Go into the attic to look for water damage and make sure the vents are clear. Also, do you know where the water shut-off valves are in your home? Take a moment to locate them (look under the sinks and toilets, and locate the main shut-off valves in the basement) and test them to see if they work so you’ll be prepared for a water emergency.

Once the weather cooperates, check around the outside perimeter of your home for problems. Keep an eye out for missing roof shingles, clogged gutters and downspouts if your home has them, rotted siding and window frames, and proper water drainage away from the house. Make sure the soil and mulch around the house are at least four inches away from the home’s siding to avoid water damage. Also, be sure to caulk any open holes that would allow water to penetrate and cause deterioration or mold.

This is a good time of year to paint the interior. Warmer weather allows you to keep the windows open to dissipate the odor. If you need to paint with the windows shut, try the environmentally friendly low-VOC paints, which emit much less odor.

Does your home’s exterior paint job need sprucing up? Weather that is too wet, too cold, or too hot will cause paint to fail, bubble up, and peal. The rule of thumb is that the temperature should be between 50 and 90 degrees, with low humidity and free of rain or snow for 24 hours.

As part of your spring cleaning, vacuum the grilles and registers to your heating/cooling system inside to remove dust and debris—and don’t forget to change the filters. If you have central air conditioning, beat the rush and set up an appointment with your HVAC repair person to do a seasonal inspection before summer heat arrives. For window a/c units, clean the filters and coils in preparation for summer.

Finally, do any needed repairs to outdoor steps, porches, sidewalks, and driveways to prevent trips and falls. This is also a good time to get your lawn mower, garden tiller, and weed trimmer serviced, and make sure your other garden tools are ready for the season.

Sean's Lawn N' Garden Service, Cabinetry Concept, The Ultimate Bath Store, Longacres Nursery Center are all great local resources to head on over to get there advice and expertise guidance.