As the daylight stretches longer and the snow starts to melt away, it’s a signal to prioritize vital home upkeep duties. Spring offers an ideal opportunity to evaluate how winter has affected your Tahoe residence and prepare it for the upcoming sunny season. Taking proactive steps and staying ahead of maintenance tasks can ward off expensive repairs and guarantee that your home stays secure, efficient, and cozy. Check out my home maintenance guide HERE.

If you’re unsure about assessing your home for maintenance concerns, don’t worry—we’re here to assist. With our extensive network of skilled professionals in the Tahoe area, we can easily connect you with the right tradespeople to keep your home in top shape.

 

Exterior Maintenance:

Homeowners Insurance Policy

Ensuring your homeowners policy provides ample coverage in Tahoe, where fire poses a significant threat and rebuilding costs can exceed $1,000 a square foot, this requires careful consideration. Begin by assessing your coverage needs, taking into account the value of your home and belongings, as well as potential liability risks. Review your policy limits, particularly for dwelling, personal property, and additional living expenses, to ensure they align with the cost of rebuilding and replacing your possessions in the event of a fire.Additionally, create an inventory list of your valuables and document the interior and exterior of your home through photographs or videos to streamline the claims process in case of loss or damage. By taking these proactive steps, you can ensure that your homeowners policy offers sufficient coverage to safeguard your home and belongings against potential fire-related risks in the Tahoe region.

Defensible Space

Given the current heightened wildfire risk, prioritizing defensible space maintenance is paramount. Across all fire districts in the Lake Tahoe region, strict guidelines are in place for defensible space compliance, making property upkeep not just mandatory but also ethically responsible. Take advantage of defensible space inspections offered by fire districts and consider hiring private contractors for additional assessments and necessary work. Remember, meeting defensible space requirements should be a top priority. Check out the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District guide to defensible space HERE.

Clean Gutters and Downspouts

Remove debris, leaves, and branches from gutters and downspouts to prevent clogging and water damage

Check and Inspect  Exterior Surfaces Including Roof

Inspect siding, stucco, brickwork, and paint for any cracks, peeling, or damage. Repair and repaint as necessary to protect against moisture. Check for any signs of damage, loose or missing shingles, and leaks. Consider hiring a professional roofer for a thorough inspection.

Yard and Landscaping 

Clear away any pine needles, leaves, or debris lingering from winter, and trim back bushes and trees to create space around your home. Plan out your garden layout and start planting for a vibrant and colorful landscape. If you have an irrigation system, check for leaks and perform any necessary repairs on drip lines, nozzles, and sprinkler heads. Once the temperatures rise and frost is no longer a concern, you can activate the system for regular seasonal watering.

Crawlspace Ventilation

Ensuring proper ventilation in your crawl space is crucial, especially in the Tahoe region. As spring arrives, it’s essential to open your crawl space vents to facilitate air circulation. With the spring melt, ground moisture can accumulate, leading to potential mold, fungus, or rot problems if ventilation is inadequate. Opening the vents allows moist air to escape outdoors, while the gentle breeze aids in keeping the area dry. Remember, adequate airflow is key to preventing mold and mildew buildup in your crawl space.

Inspect Driveway and Walkways

Fill in any cracks or potholes in the driveway and walkways to prevent tripping hazards and further damage. This can also be the time to have your driveway resealed. 

Interior Maintenance:

Service Appliances

Clean refrigerator coils, replace filters in air purifiers and humidifiers, and schedule maintenance for appliances like the dishwasher, oven, and washer/dryer. One must do is service HVAC for your air conditioning for the warm mouths on the way.

Test Smoke, Fire Extinguishers and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Replace batteries and test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are working properly.Fire extinguisher need maintenance and servicing to be carried out once per year, you do need to conduct a visual inspection of your fire extinguisher once per month.

Inspect Plumbing

Check for leaks, drips, and water stains under sinks, around toilets, and near appliances. Repair any leaks and replace worn-out seals or hoses.

Deep Clean

Give your home a thorough cleaning, including dusting, vacuuming, and mopping floors. Clean carpets, upholstery, and drapes to remove dust, pollen, and allergens. This is the time to have windows cleaned thoroughly inside and out. 

Dryer Vent

Addressing lint buildup in dryer vents is crucial to prevent fire hazards and maintain equipment efficiency. Begin by disconnecting the vent from the dryer and thoroughly vacuuming out any accumulated lint. This simple maintenance task ensures safe and efficient operation of your dryer.

Pest Control

Ensuring regular pest control in Tahoe is essential for year-round protection against ants, spiders, and other pests. With the changing seasons and unique environmental factors of the region, pests can become a nuisance if left unchecked. By scheduling annual pest control services, homeowners can proactively address potential infestations and safeguard their properties from damage and inconvenience. Professional pest control companies in Tahoe offer tailored solutions to target common pests, applying preventive treatments to create a barrier against unwanted intruders. With regular inspections and treatments, homeowners can enjoy peace of mind knowing that their homes are protected from pest-related issues throughout the year.

Update Emergency Supplies

Check and replenish emergency supplies such as batteries, flashlights, first aid kits, and non-perishable food items.