Owners perform maintenance on their property to keep it attractive and in good working order.

At West End Farms, maintenance may be done without notifying the Architectural Review Committee, provided it is not a modification.

If in doubt (maintenance vs. modification), please reach out and ask!

Maintenance

Home maintenance can feel daunting, especially for a first-time homeowner. But it doesn't have to be. Plan on doing one set of small chores by the month ­and other chores by the season. Maintain this natural routine throughout the year, and your home will function efficiently.

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Spring

  • If you see lots of dead branches on a tree, or a tree hasn't sprouted spring leaves like it should, call a certified arborist who can look for illness and catch a problem before it kills the tree. You also don't want a tree weakened by illness to fall on your house.

  • Gutters control the flow of rainwater and snowmelt on your house, protecting your roof, walls and foundation. Clogged gutters can cause a roof to leak or water to get into your house. Clean them at least twice a year — more often if a lot of trees hang over your roof.

  • If you see peeling, chipping or flaking paint, you may need a touch-up or full new coat of paint. Get the painting done now before summer's heavy rains and high temperatures damage exposed surfaces.

  • Call an HVAC tech to do a bi-annual checkup and service of your system. They should check ductwork for any damage and clean and service the furnace and A/C compressor.

  • Call a pro to remove the accumulated dirt, dust — and if you have indoor pets ­— dog or cat hair from the system. Your HVAC won't have to work as hard if the ducts are unobstructed, extending its life.

  • Wash the winter away from your home's exterior with a good scrub. Clean the windows and screens, and hose off the dirt, grit and mildew from the façade. That grime can damage paint and masonry over time. Spray the house with a mild detergent that won't harm your landscape and hose it off. You may want to resist the urge to use a power washer because it can damage siding and brick.

  • Update your home's pest control contract. Hire a pro to check for termites, mice and other home-damaging invaders every month.

  • They slept all winter. Feed them now that they're waking up.

Summer

  • Make sure your greenscape gets plenty of water. Dead landscaping costs you money.

  • Look for clogged lines, leaky valves and pools of water. Check the timers. Call a pro for repairs if you find problems.

  • Oil the garage door’s chain and hinges, too.

  • Check for leaks around plumbing fixtures. Call a plumber if you see problems.

  • This removes dead or diseased branches and keeps them healthy.

  • Keep water from getting where it should not be.

Fall

  • Give your lawn, trees and shrubs one last shot of strength before the coming of the cold.

  • With the autumn leaves raining down, this will be the biggest gutter clean out of the year. Remember, clogged gutters can cause a roof to leak or water to get into your house. 

  • Just as you did in the spring, hire a pro to service your furnace and ductwork. Ask the technician to check out the thermostat to ensure it works and make sure ducts and vents are unobstructed and undamaged.

  • You can do this yourself or get an HVAC tech who specializes in dryer vents to remove the lint and inspect the vent. Clothes dryers cause almost 3,000 fires a year, and a blocked vent makes your dryer work too hard to dry clothes and blow its heating element.

  • This removes accumulated sediment that can destroy the appliance.

  • Grab a couple of tubes of color-matched exterior caulk and seal up any cracks between trim and siding, window and door frames, and anywhere pipes or wires enter your house. This will prevent moisture from getting inside your walls.

  • Any water remaining in the lines can freeze and damage the system. Also, remove any hoses hooked up to outdoor spickets.

Winter

  • Protect it from the elements with covers made just for this purpose.

  • Removing the dust buildup with a coil brush will help your fridge run better and last longer. Unplug the fridge before you do it. Empty and clean drip trays, too.

  • Your house takes its heaviest beating in the winter. Call a pro if you spot damage. This is also a good time to check your basement for leaks (once the ground has thawed out).

Monthly

  • Clean filters help your HVAC run more efficiently, lessening the wear and tear on the system. This can also help you avoid expensive repairs and cleaning costs. You may want to replace your filters monthly or every few months depending on factors like whether you have allergies or pets, and the quality of the filter.

  • Dirt, dust and debris collect in registers, which obstructs airflow and makes your HVAC work harder to maintain the temperature indoors.

  • Your home is your biggest investment. Make sure the tools that protect it from a fire are working.

  • Grind ice cubes, then flush with hot water and baking soda to remove food buildup that can damage the device.

  • Mineral deposits from tap water build up and lower the water flow. Remove the aerators and soak them overnight in vinegar, then scrub with an old toothbrush.

  • Keep an eye out for loose roof shingles, damaged siding, cracked bricks, driveway or sidewalk cracks, insects and overgrown trees or shrubs. Call a pro to correct any problems you find.