Winter snow, spring thaw, and humid summers can turn small issues into big repairs in Andover. If you want to protect your home’s value and stay ready for the market, a simple plan beats costly surprises. This guide gives you a season-by-season checklist, the local rules that matter, and the system schedules buyers expect to see. Let’s dive in.
Why maintenance protects value
Keeping up with basics prevents the problems that lead to price cuts, tough inspections, and slower sales. Water intrusion, heating failures, and safety red flags are the usual culprits. With Andover’s cold, snowy winters and leafy lots, gutters, drainage, and heating deserve special attention. A steady routine shows buyers you care for the home.
Seasonal checklist: spring
- Clean gutters and inspect the roof. Look for shingle damage, loose flashing, and debris that can trap water. Regular gutter cleaning helps prevent foundation and fascia damage, especially in tree-heavy areas. This gutter care guide supports twice-yearly cleaning.
- Improve grading and drainage. Ensure soil slopes away from the foundation and extend downspouts several feet to keep the basement dry. Test your sump pump and confirm any battery backup is working before heavy spring rains.
- Service the A/C. Schedule spring maintenance so the system runs efficiently in summer and shows well to buyers.
- Inspect exterior paint and trim. Touch up peeling spots and repair minor wood rot before it spreads. For historically significant homes, check with the Andover Preservation Commission before exterior changes.
- Walk the yard and trees. Clear winter debris and check for broken branches. For questions near street trees or the right of way, contact Andover Public Works.
Seasonal checklist: summer
- Refresh decks and railings. Tighten fasteners and re-seal or stain to prevent rot and improve curb appeal.
- Care for driveways and hardscape. Patch cracks and consider sealing asphalt to block water from undermining edges.
- Prevent pests. Keep vegetation and stacked wood away from the foundation, fix leaks, and monitor for signs of carpenter ants or termites.
Seasonal checklist: fall
- Tune up heating. Schedule an annual furnace or boiler service in early fall and replace filters before peak use.
- Clean and inspect the chimney. Annual inspection reduces fire risk and confirms safe venting. Guidance from fire safety agencies supports yearly checks, along with working smoke alarms in the right locations. See placement and replacement tips from the U.S. Fire Administration.
- Clear gutters again. Leaves and pine needles can clog downspouts before winter. A second cleaning reduces ice dam risk.
- Weatherize for efficiency. Add attic insulation, air seal, and weatherstrip as needed. Explore rebates and no-cost assessments through Massachusetts energy incentives and Mass Save.
- Prep for storms. Secure outdoor items and review your emergency supplies. If you have a generator, test it and confirm carbon monoxide alarms are functioning.
Seasonal checklist: winter
- Manage snow and ice. In designated areas, Andover requires sidewalks to be cleared by 10 a.m. the day after a storm, with exceptions for Sundays and holidays. Review the town bylaw for details and boundaries in the Andover code. Avoid piling snow against the foundation and use professionals for roof snow if loads get heavy.
- Monitor heating. Replace filters on schedule and keep oil or propane levels up if applicable. Maintain contact with your service company for quick help.
- Prevent frozen pipes. Insulate exposed runs, disconnect hoses, and know where shut-offs are.
- Watch for ice dams. If you see icicles and interior stains, plan attic air sealing and insulation upgrades when weather allows.
Systems you should schedule
- Roof: Inspect annually and after major storms. Many asphalt roofs last about 20 to 30 years when installed and ventilated correctly. Document repairs or replacement dates for buyers.
- Gutters and downspouts: Clean twice a year, more often if your lot has mature trees. Make sure downspouts discharge several feet away from the foundation.
- Heating and cooling: Tune up the furnace or boiler each fall and the A/C each spring. Change or clean filters every 1 to 3 months depending on your household.
- Hot water heater: Flush annually to reduce sediment and check for leaks and a working relief valve. Typical life is around 8 to 15 years depending on type.
- Sump pump: Test before spring and after heavy rain. Keep discharge lines clear and consider a battery backup if you rely on it.
- Radon testing: Essex County has higher radon potential. Test the lowest livable area and plan mitigation if levels exceed 4 pCi/L. See the EPA’s radon map and guidance in the EPA resource.
- Smoke and CO alarms: Install smoke alarms inside bedrooms, outside sleeping areas, and on every level including the basement. Test monthly and replace units that reach the manufacturer’s end of life. See placement and replacement guidance from the U.S. Fire Administration.
- Lead-safe work in older homes: For pre-1978 properties, know the difference between lead-safe renovation practices and full deleading. Use certified pros when work disturbs painted surfaces.
- Septic vs. sewer: Most Andover homes are on municipal sewer, but if your home has a septic system you must follow Title 5 rules. Pump on schedule, and plan for inspection before sale. Learn more at the state’s Title 5 page.
Local rules that matter
- Sidewalk snow removal: In certain areas, owners or occupants must clear sidewalks by 10 a.m. the day after a storm and cannot throw snow into the roadway. Review the Andover bylaw for coverage areas and details.
- Water and sewer billing: Andover uses District Metering Areas and bills quarterly, which helps with leak detection and budgeting. Check your billing cycle and meter questions with Andover Water Billing.
- Trash and recycling: The town transitioned to automated carts on July 1, 2025. Use town-issued carts and follow the updated rules in the automated collection program.
- Historic properties: Exterior changes to historically significant homes can require review, and demolition delays may apply. See the Andover Preservation Commission for process and resources.
Safety items buyers notice
- Working smoke and CO alarms in the right locations and not past replacement dates.
- Secure handrails on stairs, GFCI protection in kitchens, baths, garages, and exteriors, and no active leaks.
- A clean, vented chimney if you use a fireplace or stove.
- Clear documentation for radon testing, lead-safe renovations in older homes, and any mitigation systems.
Keep records to prove care
- Save receipts and dates for roof work, HVAC service, water heater maintenance, chimney cleaning, radon tests and mitigation, and any deleading or lead-safe renovation certificates.
- Keep permit records for structural, electrical, plumbing, deck, pool, or exterior changes.
- Take photos of key systems such as attic insulation, mechanicals, and sump setups. A one-page maintenance summary helps justify your asking price.
Quick wins before you list
- Clean gutters and extend downspouts to move water away from the house.
- Schedule a heating tune-up and replace filters.
- Test for radon and service smoke and CO alarms.
- Repair active leaks, soft spots in trim or decking, and trip hazards at entries and walks.
- Tidy utility spaces and label shut-offs so buyers see order and care.
When you are ready to prep, you do not have to tackle this alone. If you want help prioritizing high-ROI fixes, contractor referrals, or to explore Compass Concierge for approved pre-sale projects with no upfront cost, reach out to The Lisa Sevajian Group. We will help you protect value today and position your home to sell with confidence.
FAQs
What does Andover require for sidewalk snow removal?
- In designated areas, you must clear sidewalks by 10 a.m. the day after a storm, with exceptions for Sundays and holidays; check the town bylaw for exact streets and rules.
How often should you clean gutters in Andover?
- Plan on spring and fall cleanings, and more often if you have many trees, to prevent foundation and roof edge damage.
Should you test for radon in Andover, MA?
- Yes, Essex County has higher radon potential; test the lowest livable area and plan mitigation if results are above 4 pCi/L.
How does Andover’s water and sewer billing work?
- The town bills quarterly using District Metering Areas, so track your seasonal use and keep recent bills for buyer review.
What records help buyers feel confident?
- Keep receipts for HVAC service, roof work, radon and chimney reports, permits, and any Title 5 documents if you have a septic system.
