Get your home ready for
While cleaning the gutters is no one's favorite chore, it's an important part of protecting one of your largest investments.
Not sure where to start? We've rounded up the 10 key tasks for each season to help you get ready for the season ahead!
Replace Smoke & CO Alarm Batteries+
Depending on your smoke detector, you should change your batteries 1-2x a year. Learn how-to here. Want extra peace of mind? Place a Notion sensor near your smoke & CO detectors to know when they’re going off
Inspect Your Roof for Damage+
Check your roof for any damage that may have occurred during the winter
Get Your AC Serviced+
As warmer, sunnier days approach, make sure your AC is in working order by having your HVAC professionally inspected.
Inspect Your Sump Pump+
Before snow melts and spring rain arrives, ensure your sump pump is draining properly by testing it.
How do I set up my Notion system+
First thing’s first: go to getnotion.com on your smartphone to download the mobile spring. Create your account and follow the instructions in the spring to set up your system.
Clean Gutters & Downspouts+
During the winter, snow and ice accumulate in your gutters, which can clog them. Before spring arrives, take the time to clean them out.
Clean Dryer Lint Buildup+
Twice annually you should clean your dryer vent to help prevent fires. Accumulation of lint in your dryer trap, vent, and ducts can cause a fire and makes your dryer less efficient. Learn how to clean out your dryer vent here.
Inspect Facade & Foundation for Water Pooling+
As the winter snow melts away, walk around your exterior and look for any water pooling near your foundation and any facade damage to help prevent water from entering your home. Make sure that gutter downspouts are installed to carry water away from your home.
Inspect Exterior Faucets+
As freezing temperatures fade away, inspect all of your exterior faucets for any cracks or damage that may have developed. Take care of any repairs so your faucets are ready for spring.
Test the Sprinkler System+
Snow and ice buildup can cause cracks in your sprinkler system. Here's how to check your sprinkler system is working properly.
Prepare Your Lawn Mower & Garden Prep+
With spring rain, comes a lush lawn. To prepare for mowing your lawn - make sure your lawn mower is ready to go by. Planting vegetables? Find your local planting calendar here.
Clean & Prepare the Grill+
Make sure your grill is ready for summer BBQs! Start by firing up your grill and letting it burn away any food remnants. Next, use a wire brush with a mixture of warm water and a grease-cutting dish soap to scrub the grates. Then turn off the grill and let cool. As always, check your owner’s manual for any specific instructions for your grill.
Clean and Inspect Your Patio, Driveway & Walkways+
Cold weather, snow, and ice can all take a toll on your driveway and walkway – especially if water is seeping into the cracks. Keep your eyes out for any cracks or holes that need filling. For cracks less than 1/2”, use a bottle of concrete crack filler. For cracks greater than 1/2”, use a concrete patching compound. You can also power wash your patio, driveway, and walkways to clear away winter debris, then reseal your deck if needed.
Yard Upkeep+
The increase in precipitation helps weeds flourish around your yard. Now is a great time to pull weeds and complete any landscaping projects.
Sprinklers+
As spring rain dwindles away, your lawn and plants will need extra water. Make sure you start up your sprinkler system and check for any damage from the winter - here’s how.
Clean AC Filters+
If you frequently run your AC during the summer, you should plan on cleaning your AC filters once a month - here’s how.
Reverse Ceiling Fans+
Switch your fans to spin counterclockwise to help push air down and giving a wind chill effect that helps cool you.
Inspect for Critters+
Warmer weather provides perfect conditions for pests to prospers. Check around the interior and exterior of your home for any pests and schedule pest control to come out if necessary.
Wash Exterior Windows+
Now that spring rain is done, it’s a great time to tackle washing your home’s windows. Try to choose a dry, cloudy day to help prevent streaking and to stay cool while you’re outside. Learn how to wash windows like a professional.
Home Improvement Projects+
The beginning of summer is a great time to identify any home improvement projects you may want to do while the weather is nice. Hiring someone to help? Make sure to book any help before their calendar fills up for the summer and fall.
Clean Gutters & Downspouts+
Once leaves have fallen, clean your gutters out to prevent clogs that can damage your roof or foundation.
Prune Your Trees+
Prune to avoid branches falling in winter storms and damaging your home or property.
Winterize Your Sprinkler System+
Before night temperatures dip below 32º, shut off the water supply to your hose and sprinkler system, clear water from the sprinkler lines, and put away your hoses for the season. Learn how to properly winterize your sprinklers here.
Inspect and Repair Your Exterior+
Walk around the exterior of your home paying special attention to window, door, roof, or foundation issues. Repair any holes and gaps into your home to prevent water damage and critters from getting in.
Rake Leaves+
Rake leaves before snow sets in to help spring growth
Put Away Your Grill+
Disconnect your grill’s propane tank and safely store outside but away from rain or snow.
Furnace Check+
As cooler days approach, make sure your heat is in working order by having your HVAC professionally inspected.
Clean Dryer Lint Buildup+
Twice annually you should clean your dryer vent to help prevent fires. Accumulation of lint in your dryer trap, vent, and ducts can cause a fire and makes your dryer less efficient. Learn how to clean out your dryer vent here.
Check Smoke & CO Detector+
Depending on your smoke detector, you should change your batteries 1-2x a year. Learn how-to here. Want extra peace of mind? Place a Notion sensor near your smoke & CO detectors to know when they’re going off. .
Ready Shovels & Prepare Your Snowblower+
Be prepared for the first snow by taking your shovels out of storage and checking that your snowblower is in working order and you are stocked up on gasoline and motor oil.
Close Your Pool+
As summer fades away, it becomes necessary to close your pool. Reference our complete guide to closing your pool so it’s ready for winter.
Inspect Faucets & Pipes+
As temperatures drop can cause pipes to burst. Pipes near the exterior of your home are at greater risk. Make sure to keep your thermostat above 55º. Want extra peace of mind? Place a Notion sensor near any faucets, pipes, and sinks.
Prep for a Winter Storm+
You’ll want to be prepared for a storm before it hits and you’re stuck inside. Check that your generator is working and keep fuel on hand. Consider keeping an emergency supply of food and water around in case road conditions worsen.
Prevent Ice Dams+
Ice dams are formed at the edge of your roof and prevent snow from draining properly which can cause extensive property damage. Typically this happens when the attic heats the roof but not the eaves. Use a roof rake to rake snow off your roof or install heat cables but make sure not to attempt chipping off ice which can cause damage - contact a professional.
Service Your Chimney+
Before you curl up in front of your fireplace this winter, have your chimney serviced to inspect for cracks and debris build.
Protect Patio Furniture+
Extend the life of your patio furniture by moving it into a dry, insulated location. Don’t have a place to store your furniture? Use waterproof covers and move under any awnings or covered patios.
Prepare Entryways+
Protect your floors from water damage by putting down extra rugs/mats, boot trays, and designating places to dry wet outdoor clothing.
Reverse Ceiling Fans+
Switch your fans to spin clockwise to help draw air up and force the warm air near the ceiling down.
Cover Your Air Conditioner+
Protect your air conditioner by covering it with a sheet of plywood - no need for a waterproof cover that can house critters.
Drain Your Hot Water Tank+
Clear your hot water tank of any sediment by draining it.
Stock Up on Salt/Sand+
Purchase some salt, ice melt, or sand for your driveway and sidewalks.