7 spring home repairs that save you money

CHICAGO (MarketWatch) The recent unseasonably warm weather in many parts of the country has homeowners already contemplating post-winter home repairs and improvements as they begin their spring cleaning.

Some projects should take top priority: Those that will not only make your home safer, but will save you money down the road. In fact, some improvements even will help you shave some bucks off your home-insurance premiums.

Ideally, homeowners should inspect their houses twice a year, once before heavy spring rains and then again in the fall, said Jim Hunt, owner of Hunt Home Remodeling in Omaha, Neb. That way, they can catch small problems before they become overwhelming. In the springtime, many homeowners also have the advantage of having a fresh tax-refund check in hand, and funding repairs is easier.

Its not an exhaustive list, but here are seven spring inspections and repairs homeowners should consider in the weeks ahead.

1. Clean and repair gutters

Taking care of a homes gutters is one of the most requested jobs Hunts company handles this time of year. At about $100 to $150 for an average home, it wont cost that much, he said. But it will prevent plenty of headaches down the road, especially if they werent cleaned in the fall.

Its not [replacing] the gutter thats expensive. Its the water damage that results from neglected gutters, Hunt said.

When gutters arent functioning properly, water may seep into the homes foundation, for example, and make for costly repair bills. Also look for other areas where water is liable to pool near the foundation.

2. Check the roof

After the winter, its a good idea to have your roof checked before spring showers hit, Hunt said. During the inspection, its common to find broken shingles that need to be replaced.

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7 spring home repairs that save you money