Facebook
X
Pinterest
Copy Link
(How to Keep Your Home Safe, Comfy, and in Great Shape All Year Long!)
Hey there, homeowner! Owning a house in Michigan is awesome, but we have four very different seasons, and each one can take a toll on your home. From spring rain to winter blizzards, knowing how to care for your home during each season helps you stay cozy, protects your investment, and saves you from costly repair bills. Let’s break it down so you know exactly what to do, step by step!
Spring: Wake Your Home Up After Winter
When the snow melts and birds start singing, it’s time to undo winter’s mess! Spring is your chance to spot damage, fix it, and get your home ready for warmer days.
✅ Check the Roof & Gutters
- Look for missing, curled, or cracked shingles caused by ice.
- Check for sagging gutters or sections pulling away from the house.
- Make sure downspouts pour water at least 3 feet away from your foundation so you don’t get a wet basement.
- Clear any nests or debris that critters left behind during winter.
✅ Look at Your Siding & Foundation
- Walk around your house and look for cracks or loose siding.
- Seal gaps to keep bugs and drafts outside where they belong.
- Inspect brickwork or stone for signs of shifting or crumbling.
✅ Inspect Windows & Screens
- Replace ripped screens so mosquitoes and flies can’t sneak in.
- Re-caulk window frames if you see gaps or feel a draft.
- Give windows a good cleaning to let in bright spring light.
✅ Lawn & Garden
- Rake dead leaves and winter debris so grass can breathe.
- Aerate the lawn to improve soil and help new grass grow strong.
- Apply spring fertilizer for a healthy, green yard.
- Check sprinklers for leaks or broken heads before watering season.
✅ HVAC Tune-Up
- Schedule a professional AC inspection so you don’t face a breakdown on the hottest day.
- Clean around your outdoor AC unit — clear grass, leaves, or twigs that block airflow.
✅ Deck & Patio Check
- Look for loose boards, popped nails, or rotting wood.
- Power wash and reseal decks to protect them from rain.
- Clean outdoor furniture and grill so you’re ready for BBQ season!
Michigan Tip: During spring thaw, check your sump pump often — snow melt and spring rain can flood basements if it fails.
Summer: Keep Your Cool & Stay Safe
Michigan summers can get hot and stormy! Keeping your home comfortable and safe helps you enjoy long days and cool nights.
✅ AC Maintenance
- Replace air filters monthly during heavy use to keep your air clean.
- Vacuum floor vents and ducts to remove dust buildup.
✅ Check for Pests
- Inspect your attic, garage, and basement for ants, spiders, or mice.
- Cut tree branches touching your roof — they’re like highways for squirrels and raccoons.
✅ Inspect Driveways & Walkways
- Repair cracks to stop weeds from growing and prevent trip hazards.
- Consider sealing your driveway to protect it from sun damage.
✅ Outdoor Maintenance
- Power wash siding to remove pollen, dirt, and mildew.
- Re-stain fences or decks if the finish looks faded.
- Trim trees and bushes away from the house to reduce storm damage risk.
✅ Windows & Doors
- Install or replace weatherstripping to keep cool air in and hot air out.
- Check locks on doors and windows for security.
✅ Check Water Hoses & Spigots
- Inspect hoses for leaks or cracks; replace worn-out ones to avoid wasting water.
✅ Test Smoke & CO Detectors
- Replace batteries so alarms are ready during summer cookouts and power outages.
Michigan Tip: Severe thunderstorms are common in summer — secure outdoor furniture and keep a flashlight ready in case of power outages.
Fall: Get Ready for Michigan’s Cold Months
When leaves start falling, it’s time to prepare your house for snow, ice, and frigid temps.
✅ Clean Gutters Again
- Leaves clog gutters quickly in fall — clean them to stop ice dams in winter.
- Add gutter guards if you’re surrounded by trees.
✅ Check the Furnace
- Schedule a professional furnace tune-up so it’s ready when temps drop.
- Replace or clean furnace filters monthly in fall and winter.
✅ Seal Drafts
- Close gaps around doors and windows with weatherstripping or caulk.
- Use door sweeps to stop cold air sneaking under doors.
✅ Lawn & Garden
- Aerate and fertilize the lawn before winter — it helps grass grow back stronger in spring.
- Rake leaves weekly so they don’t smother your grass.
✅ Chimney & Fireplace
- Hire a certified chimney sweep to remove dangerous creosote before lighting the first fire.
✅ Winterize Outdoor Faucets
- Drain hoses, disconnect them, and shut off outside faucets to prevent frozen pipes.
- Cover spigots with insulated foam covers for extra protection.
✅ Safety Gear & Snow Equipment
- Make sure shovels, snowblowers, ice melt, and winter gloves are ready before the first snowflake falls.
Michigan Tip: Clean dryer vents in fall to reduce fire risk — lint buildup can catch fire faster when you run the dryer more in cold months.
Winter: Protect Against Snow & Ice
Michigan winters bring snowstorms and freezing temps — don’t get caught unprepared!
✅ Monitor the Roof for Snow Loads
- Use a roof rake after heavy snowfalls to prevent roof collapse or leaks.
- Look for ice dams (thick ice at roof edges) — they can cause big water damage inside.
✅ Prevent Ice Dams
- Add attic insulation and make sure vents are clear so warm air doesn’t melt snow unevenly on the roof.
✅ Clear Walkways & Driveways
- Shovel promptly to avoid ice buildup.
- Use pet-safe ice melt to keep furry friends’ paws healthy.
✅ Test Smoke & CO Detectors
- Homes are closed tight in winter, so working detectors are essential for safety with furnaces and fireplaces.
✅ Check Heat Sources
- Keep space heaters at least three feet from anything flammable.
- Never use the oven or stove to heat your home — it’s dangerous!
✅ Keep Pipes Warm
- Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors on freezing nights to let warm air reach pipes.
- Let a tiny trickle of water drip from faucets during extreme cold.
✅ Emergency Kit
- Keep a kit with water, snacks, batteries, blankets, and a phone charger for power outages.
Michigan Tip: If you leave home for vacation, don’t turn the heat off completely — set it no lower than 55°F so pipes don’t freeze and burst.
When Should You Call a Pro?
✅ HVAC & Furnace Issues: Professionals spot problems before they cause breakdowns.
✅ Roof Repairs: Stay safe by hiring a roofer instead of climbing ladders yourself.
✅ Plumbing Leaks: Licensed plumbers fix pipe leaks properly to avoid expensive water damage.
✅ Electrical Problems: Call an electrician for flickering lights, tripped breakers, or adding outlets.
Final Tips for Homeowners
Taking care of your home year-round keeps it cozy, saves money, and makes it easier to sell when you’re ready to move.
A well-maintained home also helps you avoid last-minute surprises, like frozen pipes or leaky basements. Plus, it protects your investment and ensures you, your family, and your pets stay safe no matter what Michigan’s weather throws your way.
If you’re thinking about buying or selling a home anywhere in Livingston County, let’s chat — I’d love to help you make the process smooth and easy!
