Let every season find your home ready.

Spring

• Look over the roof from the ground (binoculars help) for lifted, cracked or missing shingles.
• Clear gutters, then run a hose to see whether downspouts flow freely and empty several feet from the foundation.
• Check window and door seals, and note peeling paint or bare wood on exterior trim.

Summer

• Press on deck boards and railings. Anything loose or soft goes on your list.
• Look at siding for gaps, cracks and soft spots; rinse off dirt with a gentle spray.
• Replace the filter in your cooling system and keep the outdoor unit clear of plants.

Fall

• Clean gutters again after the leaves drop.
• Peek into the attic: is the insulation even, dry and covering every area?
• Run your heating briefly before the first cold evening so you know it works.

Winter

• Check bathrooms and kitchens for loose caulk, drips and musty smells.
• Feel for drafts around windows and exterior doors.
• Keep a running list. It makes spring planning quicker.

Safety first: stay off roofs and ladders if you are not comfortable. A note on your list is a perfectly good result.

1. Write one scope first. A single page with the area, materials and finish level you want. Give the same page to everyone.
2. Look for line items. Materials (brand and grade), labor, permits, disposal and cleanup should each be visible.
3. Question vague allowances. A line such as "fixtures: allowance" can hide a big gap. Ask exactly what it covers.
4. Compare schedules. Start date, expected duration, and what happens if timing changes.
5. Ask about payments and changes. How are payments tied to progress? Will changes be agreed in writing before they happen?
6. Ask why numbers differ. The lowest quote may include less. The highest may include more. Understand the difference before you decide.
7. Check requirements. Licensing rules vary by state and trade. Your state licensing board is a good place to look, and references are worth a phone call.

Remember: each professional sets their own prices and terms, and any agreement is directly between you and them.

• Which licenses does this work require in my state, and do you hold them?
• Who will actually do the work: your own team or subcontractors?
• Will you handle permits, and is that cost in the quote?
• What is the likely start date, and how long will the work take?
• Who is my day-to-day contact, and how do I reach them?
• How are changes to the plan handled and priced?
• What is the payment schedule, and when is the final payment due?
• How will you protect my home during the work and clean up afterwards?
• What terms apply to the finished work, and can I have them in writing?
• Could I speak with a past customer who had a similar project?

Write the answers down next to each quote. Differences tend to show up quickly.