Exterior Maintenance Checklist

Even in our temperate Bay Area climate, the exterior of homes needs annual TLC. As a follow up to our interior maintenance checklist a couple of months ago, here's a to-do list that will keep the outside of your home in good running order.

You'll notice a theme here… when it comes to a healthy house, water is the enemy. Many of the tasks here are focused on keeping water where it should be, and away from where it shouldn't. 

Clean gutters - Simple and essential, you'll find clean gutters at the top of any good home maintenance list. On many Bay Area homes they're so high up that they're out of sight, out of mind. Clogged gutters can't do their job of keeping water diverted. If they're hard to access, it's worth hiring a professional to handle this one.

Deck sealing - Apply a sealant or stain once a year to extend the life of decking and railings. 

Test sump pump and replace batteries - This is a quick one that can prevent *huge* issues. If your home has a sump pump, there's likely a good reason for it. Run a test to make sure it's functioning, and if it runs on batteries, change them at least twice a year so it's ready to fly into action during the next big rain. 

Touch up exterior paint - Paint is much more than cosmetic. It helps maintain the integrity of the home's exterior. Time to take a walk around and do touch ups on any bare spots. 

Clear drains - in front of the driveway, in your center patio, in the rear yard… anywhere that leaves and debris can collect. 

Trim hedges and plants - Most importantly, make sure that landscaping isn't growing against your home's exterior, as plants can trap water and pests. 

Termites - Speaking of pests… we joke that there are two types of Bay Area homeowners: Those that have termites, and those that are going to get termites. Termites love moisture, so addressing the items above is already a great start. In addition, keep any firewood or other wood items off the ground and away from the house. 

Look around outside and in the garage and crawlspaces for signs of infestations like termite droppings. Catch them early to prevent damage and make treatment less costly. 

Professional window washing - Not a necessity but MAN does it make a difference! You might be surprised at how much brighter the house feels with freshly washed windows. Especially in this season of limited daylight - make the most of what we get!

If you need vendors for home maintenance or upgrades of any kind, you know who to call. Contact us for a connection to the Bay Area's best.