The birds are chirping, the flowers are blooming, noses are running (hopefully not yours)… spring has definitely arrived! It’s that time of year when, if you are lucky enough to own property here in Portland, to conduct the few simple maintenance operations that

1)      Are all too easy to overlook; and

2)      Are guaranteed to save you big money as time goes on. Sooooooo…

Clear those branches  

Termites are one of the nastiest little creatures on Earth. They can enter a Portlandproperty undetected and immediately begin to munch through your home’s wooden underpinnings. Branches that lean up against a home provide the perfect pathway for termites and other creatures (the list includes squirrels, mice and spiders). Spring is the easiest time to trim those branches while leaves are just beginning to appear…right now the limbs probably look a lot like freeway off-ramps to all sorts of critters. Cut branches at least two feet clear of walls and roofs.

Inspect the Roof

They say that April showers bring May flowers – and the roof on a Portland property is the first defense against water. Once moisture becomes trapped inside walls, major problems are likely to accompany those flower. A visual inspection of your roof can catch weak spots and minimize potential damage. If it’s too dangerous to climb onto your roof, see how much you can do with a pair of binoculars from a good vantage point.

Clean and Repair Screens

Plan to keep your Portland property cool on summer nights? You’ll want the screens clean and free of build-ups which cloud your view and block breezes. To clean screens yourself, lay them on a flat surface and gently scrub with mildly soapy water. If holes have developed, a visit to one of our Portland hardware stores may be in order. 

Clean and Repair Decks

Any property in Portlandwith outdoor wooden surfaces like decks or swing sets will have been pummeled by the winter elements. Now is the perfect time to clean and repair them. Check for loose or missing boards, then use a pressure washer to clean the surfaces (but use a setting that doesn’t remove any paint). Rough sports can be tamed by sanding—at which point it may be time for a new coat of stain and sealer.

Taking on these small home maintenance tips in springtime saves time and money—and for some reason, it always just feels right after you’ve gotten those jobs squared away before summer. As always, we are here to help our clients with all real estate concerns here in town–call us today if you’d like a complimentary Portland area property pricing analysis!