Most expensive repairs start as $200 problems. This is the short list of things worth checking each season in a Maryland home.
Spring
- Clean gutters and confirm downspouts discharge four to six feet from the foundation
- Walk the roof line from the ground with binoculars — look for lifted shingles and damaged flashing
- Check grading around the foundation and rebuild any low spots that slope toward the house
- Test the sump pump by pouring water into the pit
- Inspect siding, trim and fascia for winter rot
Summer
- Run a dehumidifier in the basement and hold humidity at 50–55%
- Check attic ventilation — an attic that feels like an oven is cooking your roof
- Reseal decks and inspect railings and stair stringers
- Look for condensation on basement walls and cold water lines
- Service the HVAC condenser and clear vegetation around it
Fall
- Clean gutters again after leaf drop — this is the important one
- Have the roof inspected before winter, not after the first leak
- Seal exterior gaps, caulk trim joints and check weatherstripping
- Shut off and drain exterior hose bibs
- Check the chimney cap, crown and flashing
Winter
- Watch for ice dams at the eaves — they indicate an attic insulation or ventilation problem
- Keep an eye on ceiling stains after heavy snow or ice
- Test GFCI outlets and smoke and CO detectors
- Check the crawl space for frozen or leaking pipes
The rule of thumb
Water is the enemy of every house in Maryland. Nearly every large repair bill we write starts as water going somewhere it shouldn't — through a roof, past a flashing, down a wall or up through a slab. Fifteen minutes a season checking where water goes will save you more money than any other maintenance habit.