Spring is here and most people do still take the time to do that big spring clean. But, while you are vacuuming, dusting and uncluttering, you should also be making sure that your home is in a decent state of repair.

Fixing all the little problems now, many of them that may have been caused by the bad weather, will potentially save you a great deal of money. Little problems around the house have a way of turning into huge headaches if left unchecked, so here is a spring home maintenance checklist that, if followed, should help you make sure that your home is ready for the summer months ahead.

Deck Maintenance

If your deck has been covered with an inch of snow for the last few months the fact that it probably needs a little TLC should be no surprise. Although a good power wash can be the best way to restore your deck’s appearance, you should also make sure that the winter months have not damaged its structural integrity. If you have any concerns after thoroughly inspecting your deck call in a pro now instead of trying to patch things up yourself, which often only makes matters worse.

Check Your Gutters

When it was cold and miserable outside not cleaning out your gutters was understandable. However, that means that the chances are all those leaves that fell last fall are still there, cluttering up your gutters and presenting a potential problem. Now is the time to get rid of them and make sure that they are still in good shape. » Read more: Simple Spring Home Maintenance Tips

The Buyers Preliminary House Inspection will focus on the most costly items which will make or break the deal such as HVAC, Roofing, Kitchen, Electric, Structural, Insect Infestation and Plumbing. Following your inspection, call a certified home inspector as soon as possible. If your home inspector finds a problem you may need to call in an electrician or HVAC mechanic as a follow up and you would need time to follow through.

Before going out, visit the courthouse and note the zoning and surrounding zoning, the lot shape and irregularities, deed, liens, permits for house additions, owners and age of the house.

Now, begin your house inspection visit by bringing an inspection bin with you in your vehicle filled with tools, a flashlight, old shoes, change of clothes, clipboard and forms to fill in to record your findings, pens, questions for the seller, tape measure, camera, magnifying glass and binoculars.

Begin by evaluating the curb appeal, front and back yard and the quality of the neighborhood. List the highlights and concerns. Are there any sheds in poor condition that need to be repaired or removed. Next check the age of the roof, the type material used, any missing shingles, truss condition, rain gutters or lack of, facade pulled away, large tree overhang and insect issues. Check the concrete slab or basement or crawl space. Look for cracks, structural issues, mold and water damage. » Read more: Buyers Preliminary House Inspection

What is Radon?

The “parent” element of Radon, a radioactive element found in many homes, is Uranium. Through its natural decay, radium and its “progeny”, daughter product, radon gas is produced. Radon gas has no color or odor and requires specialized equipment and laboratory testing to be detected.

The pores and cracks in the foundation of a home and crawl spaces with poor ventilation are two common entry sources for radon. Homes located above gravel and other porous subsoils have a greater susceptibility to radon than less porous subsoils like clay. Radon easily travels through more porous soils to reach foundations and any cracks or openings in that foundation allow it into the home.

Picocuries (pCi) is how radon is measured. 1.3 pCi/L (picocuries per liter of air) is a common level of radon for an indoor space and is not dangerous. If radon concentrations exceed 4.0 pCi/L it is recommended by the EPA that action be taken to reduce the levels.

Radon in the Home

It is estimated that 1 in 15 homes nationwide currently exceed the 4.0 pCi/L concentration considered to be the “action level” by EPA standards. Areas located across the U.S. consistently test at levels above average. In New York alone, there are areas where close to 50% of the homes exceed the 4.0 pCi/L levels.

Radon, a known carcinogen, is estimated by the National Academy of Sciences to be responsible for more than 20,000 cases of lung cancer each year. The damage of tissues and cells in the human body is caused by the alpha radiation emitted by radon. The EPA and the U.S. Surgeon General recommend that every home be tested for Radon concentration levels. » Read more: Radon in the Home