Controlling the environment inside your home is relatively simple, and that includes dealing with normal wear and tear, or any accidents that may happen. The exterior of your home is a whole different situation entirely. Utilizing an exterior home renovation checklist can help you stay on top of what needs to be done.
We have no control over the environment outside, leaving us at the mercy of nature when it comes to extreme temperatures, storms, and any other situation that may bring harm to your home’s exterior.
While we can’t control these things, we can control how we deal with it. Preventative maintenance is one of the most beneficial and proactive ways to ensure that your home is in ideal condition. This not only helps you find deficiencies and problems before they get worse, it also saves you significant amounts of money in the long run.
Exterior Home Renovation Checklist
Here is a simple exterior home renovation checklist that you can follow when surveying the exterior of your home.
Roof Maintenance
Inspecting the roof area of your home once required you to physically climb up and see things up close and in person. While this is still the preferred method for those that are capable of doing so, there are some other ways you can inspect your roof from the ground level. Binoculars are one option, but an even better method is the use of a digital camera. Take a few pictures, upload them to your computer, and zoom in to check for any problems.
Here’s what to look out for, whether you are on the roof, or looking at photos.
- Shingles: Be on the lookout for any missing shingles, or any that seem to be positioned strangely.
- Chimneys and other protruding objects: Check for structural damage or alignment problems with the chimney(s), as well as other objects such as antennas, vent stacks, and skylights.
- Valleys and Sloped Angles: Inspect these areas for any water or debris that has been gathering.
Side Maintenance
These areas on your exterior home renovation checklist are a little easier to access. The main purpose of inspecting the sides of your home is to pinpoint any water damage or areas where water could be gathering and potentially entering your home, decaying parts of your home, or affecting the foundation.
- Gutters/Down Spouts: These may need to be cleared of any debris that has accumulated from inclement weather, or the fall and winter months. Backed up gutters can cause roof damage, as well as runoff in the wrong areas.
- Siding and Trim: The siding and trim on your home may need to be resealed or repainted to prevent water damage, warping, or decay. Power washing may be needed as well.
- Windows and Doors: These may need an especially close inspection if they are made of wood. Pay close attention to the caulk and sealing around the doors and windows, as well as any areas that are more exposed to water than others.
- Foundation: This is one of the most important areas to check. Yes, foundations are concrete, but water can still seep through, getting into your basement or crawlspace, causing your home to shift, which can lead to a multitude of expensive problems. Check to make sure water isn’t collecting around the structure of your home. You may need to do some light soil grading to direct water away.
- Stairs, Porches, and Decks: Wood decks and stairs need to be replaced about every 20 years, but proper maintenance and spot-fixing can ensure that you meet and even exceed that lifespan.
Other Areas of Focus
There’s more to your property than just exterior walls and the roof. Here are a few areas and items that could be incorporated into an exterior home renovation checklist that are certainly worth keeping tabs on.
- Windows: Check for any chips or small cracks, and also regularly clean them. Any screening should be inspected as well, as this can help you keep out bothersome insects.
- Air Conditioning: Inspections of your air conditioning system can ensure that it’s running properly, helping to cool your house better while also avoiding expensive failures. A certified HVAC company can handle the task for you if you feel that you can’t.
- Sidewalks and Driveways: Cracking and holes in these areas can cause accidents for both young and old. It’s best to fill them as soon as you can, or have them replaced.
- Irrigation Systems: Test these to be sure they are ready for spring and summer.
- Mailboxes: Often overlooked, still worth giving a look-over, especially if they are on a wood post.
- General Yard Cleanup: This is most often done in the spring. Remove any downed branches, leaves, or other obstructions that have accumulated or could hamper grass growth.
When to Perform an Exterior Inspection
The springtime is an ideal time to start checking off items from your exterior home renovation checklist, as the winter can cause quite a beating to your property, not to mention the importance of preparing your home for spring and summer weather.
While the spring is the most popular time to inspect your home, you should also do it after severe weather events, and right before winter. Regular inspections and preventative maintenance will ensure a property that is in optimal condition while avoiding disastrous problems down the road
