Home Glow-Up: Spring and Summer Edition

by tahoe-truckeerealestate-com

As the snow melts and our beautiful Truckee trails begin to bloom, Spring brings a welcome shift in the seasons – and the perfect opportunity to check in on your home. We understand the unique needs of mountain properties, from weather-worn exteriors to systems that work overtime through the Winter. Our Spring Home Maintenance Checklist is tailored specifically for mountain homeowners, helping you protect your investment, preserve your home’s value, and prepare for the warmer months ahead. Let’s get your mountain retreat ready for the season!

Exterior & Landscape

✅ Maintain defensible space around your property—clear dead vegetation, prune trees, and keep grass short to reduce wildfire risk. Make sure any renters or guests are aware of any current fire or burn restrictions. To request a defensible space inspection for your property or for current requirements, visit https://www.truckeefire.org/
✅ Hire a professional landscaping company to trim tree limbs away from your roof and chimney.
✅ Remove any brush, leaf/pine needle piles, or firewood stored too close to your home.
✅ Check window screens and doors for holes or tears—repair to keep bugs out.
✅ Inspect irrigation systems for leaks and proper function.
✅ Power wash siding, decks, patios, and driveways.
✅ Open Foundation Vents – It may be damp or wet due to recent snow-melt.
✅ Winterize your snowblower: To properly winterize a snowblower, drain the fuel, change the oil, clean the machine, and inspect for wear. Additionally, consider adding fuel stabilizer, lubricating moving parts, and using a cover to protect the machine during storage.
✅ Ant Spraying – This is typically needed annually; Spring is the time of year for carpenter ants and the best time to spray (once the snow melts). It is also a good time to refresh your mouse bait and traps.
✅ Bait and Set Your Wasp Traps: If you can catch the queens before they nest to lay eggs, you will greatly reduce the numbers to annoy you later in the summer!
✅ Exterior Staining/Maintenance: Inspect your home’s siding for any signs of damage, such as cracks, gaps, or peeling. Most mountain homes require staining or painting every 1–3 years, depending on the siding material, age of the home, and level of sun exposure. Horizontal surfaces like decks and railings generally need attention every year due to increased wear from snow, sun, and moisture.
✅ Roof Repairs: If accessible, inspect your attic for signs of any leaks. If you have a composition roof, it is common for shingles to pull out from ice dams, especially at the eaves. Metal roofs often need a “tune-up” as the screws back out and metal bends.

Interior Maintenance

✅ Check for signs of moisture or mold in crawl spaces and basements.
✅ Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors—replace batteries if needed.
✅ Service your HVAC or cooling systems before summer heat sets in.
✅ Clean and reverse ceiling fans for summer airflow direction (counterclockwise).
✅ Deep clean windows, blinds, and curtains for better ventilation and light.
✅ Clean and inspect your Dryer Vent: Snow and ice can bend or block it. Lint doesn’t all stay in the lint trap; some goes into the vent. A clean vent helps your dryer work faster and use less energy. A clogged vent can be a fire risk, so it’s important to keep it clear.
✅ Chimney Sweep: A chimney sweep should be done after burning 1-2 cords of wood. Also, consider purchasing your firewood or energy logs in the summer to save and make sure it is properly seasoned.
✅ Check Fire Extinguishers: Confirm the needle is in the green zone and the extinguisher is visible, unobstructed, and in its designated location. Verify the locking pin is intact and the tamper seal is unbroken. Examine the extinguisher for obvious physical damage, corrosion, leakage, or a clogged nozzle.
✅ Not sure how to store your ski gear for the off-season? This guide has you covered: https://www.powder.com/gear/how-to-store-ski-gear-for-summer

Pest & Wildlife Prevention

✅ Inspect for rodent or pest activity in the attic, garage, and crawl spaces. Check for droppings, nesting materials, downed insulation, and any urine odor.
✅ Secure trash cans and compost bins—use bear-proof containers if needed.
✅ Repair any openings that wildlife could use to enter the home.

Driveway & Access

✅ Check the driveway for potholes or damage from freeze-thaw cycles.
✅ Reseal if needed – We typically recommend a crack fill and driveway sealing every 1-2 years.
✅ Ensure emergency vehicles can easily access your property.