Top 10 Simple Home Maintenance Checks
Spring is a great time for homeowners to check the condition of their homes. Seasonal changes can reveal small issues that, addressed early, can help prevent larger, more costly problems later. Every home requires ongoing maintenance and with a little attention, you can protect one of your most important investments.
- Check exterior paint and caulk to limit water intrusion.
- Check washing machine hoses to avoid indoor flooding.
- Replace HVAC air filters regularly for a more efficient system.
- Maintain your landscape sloping away from your home’s foundation.
- Replace smoke and carbon monoxide detectors every 10 years.
- Test FGCI outlets to protect against electrical shock.
- Lock windows in winter to limit air leaks and drafts.
- Test electrical outlets as they can wear out over time or overheat.
- Inspect rim joist areas in your basements for air leaks.
- Check windows for air leaks by placing plastic film over windows to reveal drafts.
Magnified Home Inspections | 203-464-9792
Dealing With Crabgrass
While crabgrass typically shows up in summer, the work to prevent it begins in the spring. In my years of building and maintaining landscapes across Connecticut, I know prevention is always the most effective strategy.
Crabgrass thrives in weak, thin turf and compacted soils. Bare spots, poor drainage, and mowing too short create the perfect environment for it. A dense, well-fed lawn is your first line of defense. Applying a pre-emergent in early spring—before soil temperatures reach about 55 degrees—can stop crabgrass before it begins.
Once crabgrass appears, control becomes more reactive. Targeted treatments can help, but results vary depending on timing and severity. Improving overall lawn health is critical to prevent future outbreaks.
Crabgrass is a symptom of underlying issues. Focus on proper mowing height, fertilization, and soil health, and you’ll not only reduce crabgrass—you’ll build a lawn that naturally resists it.
mnglandscaping.com | 860-516-0866