Homeowner Handbook

A house on the Front Range gets hail, wind, freezing nights and dry summers, sometimes in the same week. A little maintenance on a schedule keeps small problems from becoming an insurance claim. Here is the year.

Spring

• Gutters and downspouts. Clear winter debris so water runs away from the foundation.
• Roof. Look for missing shingles and cracked flashing after the last snow. After any hailstorm, look again.
• Sprinklers. Turn the system on slowly, then walk every zone for leaks, clogs and broken heads.
• Lawn and beds. Rake, aerate, fertilize. Drought-tolerant and native plants earn their keep here.
• Air conditioning. Have it serviced before the first hot week, when everyone else calls.
• Deck and patio. Wash, inspect for loose or rotting boards, reseal if the water no longer beads.

Summer

• Windows and doors. Check the caulk and weatherstripping. Gaps let in heat now and cold later.
• Exterior paint and siding. Touch up peeling paint before the sun does more damage.
• Trees. Trim branches away from the roof and the power line.
• Dryer vent. Clean it out. Lint fires are common and completely preventable.

Fall

• Sprinklers. Blow out the system before the first hard freeze.
• Hoses and spigots. Disconnect hoses and cover the spigots.
• Furnace. Service it and replace the filter before you need it.
• Gutters again. After the leaves drop.
• Chimney. Inspect and sweep if you use it.

Winter

• Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Test them, replace batteries, replace units older than ten years.
• Pipes. On the coldest nights, keep the cabinets under exterior-wall sinks open and let a faucet drip.
• Ice dams. If icicles build along the eaves, the attic is losing heat. Add insulation or ventilation.
• Inside projects. Deep clean carpets, clean kitchen and bathroom vents, check under every sink for leaks.

Once a year: the financial checkup

• Mortgage. Compare your rate to today's. If rates dropped, run the refinance math.
• Property taxes. Read the assessment. If the county's value looks high, you can appeal it in the spring window.
• Insurance. Confirm your coverage matches what it would cost to rebuild now, not what you paid. Ask about hail deductibles and whether you need flood coverage.
• Credit. Pull your report and look for errors.
• Maintenance budget. Set aside something every month. Roofs and furnaces do not send invoices in advance.
• Energy. Look at the bills. A smart thermostat, attic insulation, or new windows may pay for themselves.

Upgrades that add value

Not every project returns what it costs. These tend to, in Northern Colorado:

• Kitchen and bathroom updates. Counters, fixtures, lighting, tile. They photograph well and buyers notice first.
• Finished basement. Adds living space to the square footage buyers pay for.
• Deck or patio. Outdoor living space sells here.
• Landscaping. Curb appeal is the first thing every buyer sees.
• Energy efficiency. Windows, doors, appliances. Lower bills are an easy sell.
• Smart home basics. A thermostat and a doorbell camera are cheap and expected now.