Mommy Has to Work

Photo by Blue Bird
Maintaining your home throughout the year is key to ensuring it remains in good condition so you can avoid costly repairs. Each season is going to bring some unique challenges but all you have to do is have proper planning for each.
This will keep your home in peak condition. Take a look at some of the critical tasks for each season and how they contribute to the longevity of your home.

Spring: Refresh and Inspect

Spring is the perfect time to address any damage winter may have caused. As the weather begins to warm up you can start focusing on inspecting, cleaning and preparing your home for the new year that is ahead..

1. Clean Gutters and Downspouts

Winter storms can clog your gutters with debris if you are not careful. Make sure you clean out the leaves and twigs to ensure that water keeps running smoothly through this season. This will prevent overflow of your gutter that can damage your foundation and your landscaping.

2. Inspect Your Roof

You should be on the lookout for missing or damaged shingles and repair them as quickly as you can. Winter weather is going to cause a lot of wear and tear so you need to address issues early in order to prevent leaks from happening.

3. Service Your HVAC System

You should schedule a professional HVAC checkup as this is going to ensure that your system is ready for the summer. Go ahead and replace filters. You should also consider duct and vent cleaning services so that you can improve the indoor air quality and energy efficiency of the system.

4. Wash Windows and Screens

You should work at removing grime and dirt from your windows and clean your screens to let fresh air and light in. Make sure you inspect holes or tears in the screens and have them repaired as soon as possible.
Remove dirt and grime from windows and clean screens to let in fresh air and light.

5. Tidy the Yard

You should rake the leaves, remove dead plants and reseed bare spots in the lawn as well. Spring offers you an excellent time to fertilize and irrigate your yard for healthy growth in the seasons ahead.

Summer: Maintain and Protect

Summer is all about jumping into that preservation mode to keep your home looking great. At this time you should address any ongoing maintenance issues that you may be having.
This season’s focus should be on any indoor and outdoor tasks that need to get done, so you can ensure that your home stays cool throughout the season.

1. Check Outdoor Plumbing

Summer is a great time to inspect your outdoor plumbing. Make sure that you are inspecting your hoses as well as your sprinklers. Look at outdoor faucets to see if there are leaks or damage. When you sart repairing the smaller issues from now, you will save water and money during those very hot summer months.

2. Seal Windows and Doors

Examine caulking and weather stripping for gaps. This is the time to seal the cracks so that you can keep your home as energy-efficient as possible. This is going to reduce your cooling costs significantly and lower all of your cooling costs.

3. Clean and Maintain Decks and Patios

Wash your deck or patio to remove dirt and stains. You should consider resealing the wood decks in your yard. Doing this is going to protect them from any summer heat and the humidity that is happening during the season.

4. Monitor Pest Control

When there is warm weather you can be sure insects and rodents won’t be too far from your home. This is especially true if you do not seal up the gaps in your homes exteriors or keep garbage and food properly secured. You must do everything in your power to keep your yard as clean as possible.

5. Maintain Your Lawn and Garden

You should water your lawn early in the morning so you can minimize any evaporation that will take place. Too much evaporation will prevent your flowers from getting the watering they deserve.
You should always make sure that you are keeping your bushes and trees as trimmed as possible. This will prevent overgrowth that is going to damage your sidings or your roof.

Fall: Prepare for the Cold

Autumn is a critical time to ready your home for winter. If you put out a little bit of effort now it can save you some major headaches during those colder months of the year.

1. Inspect Your Heating System

Before the temperature drop you should schedule a furnace inspection. This will ensure that it operates efficiently. You should go ahead and make sure that you change the air filters too. Don’t rule out getting a professional clean to ensure that things are working correctly.

2. Clean Chimneys and Fireplaces

If you use a woodburning fireplace you should have it cleaned and inspected as soon as possible. This should be done by a chimney sweep that is certified. It will prevent creosote buildup and reduce that fire risk in your home dramatically.

3. Clear Gutters Again

Falling trees can cause your gutters to get clogged up very quickly, so it is in your best interest to prevent water from pooling and freezing which is going to cause ise dams to start forming.

4. Store Outdoor Furniture

Protect outdoor furniture by storing it or covering it with weatherproof materials. When you do this you will effectively extend the life of the furniture and reduce a lot of wear and tear that can take place overtime.

5. Check the Roof and Attic

Inspect for leaks or weak spots in your roof and attic. When you have proper insulation and ventilation you have all the things that are essential for maintaining your indoor temperatures during the cold winter season.

Winter: Protect and Monitor

Winter maintenance revolves around keeping your home warm and safe during the harshest conditions. It is one of the most critical times of the year and it is always a good idea to ramp up your efforts during this time when it comes to maintenance of your property.

1. Protect Pipes

Wrap exposed pipes in insulation to prevent freezing. Always make sure you are keeping a trickle of water flowing through your tap especially during the extreme cold. What this does is it prevents your pipes from bursting.

2. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Winter means increased indoor heating and the use of fireplaces. This mkes it important for you to check you detectors monthly. It will ensure that they are all functioning properly.

3. Remove Snow and Ice Safely

Shovel walkways and driveways promptly to prevent ice buildup. You should use eco-friendly ice melt because this is better for the environment and it is going to help protect your pets as well.

4. Inspect Windows for Drafts

Even small drafts can drastically reduce heating efficiency. Whenever you notice drafts you should make it a point to use draft stoppers. You should also consider applying insulation film to keep the cold out as much as possible.

5. Maintain Indoor Humidity

Dry winter air can cause issues for both your health and home. It is a good idea to use a humidifier to maintain the best moisture levels that you can throughout the winter. This is a very good idea if you have wooden floors or furnishings.

Year-Round Maintenance Tips

While many tasks are seasonal, certain maintenance habits should be followed all year. When you do these regularly you are going to save yourself a lot of hassle in the long run.

1. Regular Cleaning

A clean home not only looks great but also functions better. You should be dusting, mopping and vacuuming when necessary to prevent build up. Dust, vacuum, and sanitize regularly to prevent buildup. A house can be a breathing ground for allergens and pests if you are not careful.

2. Routine Appliance Checks

You should start inspecting your major appliances as soon as a season hits. Try to replace parts as it becomes necessary to give them an extended lifespan.

3. Monitor Plumbing

You should check for leaks in sinks as well as the basement of your home. When you start fixing your plumbing issues promptly it is going to prevent some larger and more expensive problems from happening later on.

4. Stay on Top of Landscaping

You should try to regularly prune plants if possible, mow your lawns and clear away debris from around the foundation of your home. This will prevent pest infestations and it will also protect your home from having excess moisture.

5. Keep Tools Handy

Having a well-stocked toolbox is essential. Make sure you have all your essential tools such as a screwdriver, hammer and wrenches. This ensures that you are ready for minor repairs without having to worry about delays. Remember though that if you need professional help with anything it is best to reach out for it, to prevent costly mistakes.

So, you’re thinking about moving to a new neighborhood?

Well that is exciting, but let’s be real. Moving can can feel a little overwhelming too. As a
mom, it’s not just about finding a nice house or condo; it is about creating a space
where my family can truly grow and feel at home. Whether you’re considering a sleek
new condo or leaning toward a pre-construction townhome, taking the time to ask the
right questions now can save you a lot of stress (and maybe even a few headaches)
later on. Here are five things every mom should think about before making the leap.

1. Does this neighborhood fit our lifestyle?

Here’s the thing: every new neighborhood has its own vibe. Some feel busy and
energetic, while others are calm and family-focused. Walk around or, better yet, spend a
weekend exploring. Are there playgrounds, walking paths, or parks nearby? check out
googlemaps and select the Maybe you’re looking for a more urban scene with coffee
shops and trendy spots. Whatever you’re into, make sure it feels right for your family’s
needs.

2. Are the homes built for the long haul?

If you’re considering a pre-construction townhome or condo, as a mom, I think you’re
making a smart move, so in my opinion, head over to propertymesh to check new
construction homes and other options—new builds often come with modern layouts, energy efficiency, and lower maintenance. But think ahead, too. Will the space grow
with your family? A pre-construction townhome might have the flexibility you need, or a
condo with amenities like shared play areas could be just the ticket. So, talk to a real
estate agent who can guide you to properties that match both your current and future
plans.

3. Is the location convenient?

This one’s huge. No mom wants to drive 30 minutes just to grab milk. Take a look at
what’s close to the new neighborhood—grocery stores, schools, medical clinics, and
even daycare centers. Bonus points if there’s a park within walking distance for those “I
need to tire the kids out” days. And don’t forget commute times. Whether it’s getting to
work or heading to grandma’s house, proximity matters.

4. How’s the community?

Let’s be real—you’re not just buying a home; you’re joining a community. Take note of
how people interact in the area. Are there events like farmer’s markets or neighborhood
meet-ups? Some new condo developments and pre-construction townhomes are part of
planned communities prioritizing social connection. That’s a win for both you and the
kids, who’ll have an easier time making friends.

5. What’s the long-term value?

Buying a home is a big investment, so you’ll want to think about its future potential. Pre-
construction townhomes and condos are often priced lower during the building phase,
giving you instant equity when the project is complete. Plus, a real estate agent can
help you zero in on areas with growth potential, meaning your property’s value could
increase over time. Therefore, it is all about setting your family up for financial stability
down the road.

Finding the Perfect New Neighborhood

At the end of the day, it’s not just about choosing a place to live—it’s about finding a
new neighborhood that truly fits your family’s dreams and the way you want to live.
Whether considering a brand-new condo, a pre-construction townhome, or just
exploring options, having the right real estate agent by your side can make all the
difference. Ready to get started? Reach out to a professional who knows the area and
can help you navigate the process