Prepare your home for the arrival of spring by taking on essential maintenance tasks. From interior upgrades to exterior repairs, these home improvement projects will ensure that your home is in excellent condition and ready to welcome guests during the warmer months. You can choose to tackle each task yourself or enlist the help of a professional to help you tick off items on your to-do list. These tasks include cleaning gutters, pressure-washing patios, and repairing windows, among others.
Inspect The Railings, Fences, and Walkway
The harsh winter weather can take a toll on various parts of your property, such as driveways, railings, and fences. To ensure their safety and stability, inspect them thoroughly for any damage or signs of wear and tear. Check for loose railings, especially those on stairs that may have provided additional support during slippery conditions. Be particularly cautious of railings anchored in concrete, as they may have cracked or expanded due to freezing temperatures. Assess your driveways and sidewalks for any cracks or unevenness that could pose tripping hazards. Additionally, examine your fences for potential repairs resulting from snowblower impacts or sustained wind damage from the previous season.
Update Windows
To ensure that your windows not only look good but also protect your home from the summer heat, consider adding weather stripping, repainting, and fixing any cracked glass. If you’re in the market for a major upgrade, spring is an opportune time to invest in new energy-efficient windows. Indoors, consider replacing your current window treatments with options that provide greater energy savings for your home. For example, you could opt for honeycomb shades (also known as cellular shades) that block solar heating while still allowing natural light to enter.
Clear the Roof and Gutters
Take a close look at your roof to check for any accumulation of leaves or debris that could potentially cause problems. Since leaves tend to retain moisture, it’s essential to clear them away promptly to prevent damage to your roof. A leaf blower can come in handy for this task, and it could save you money on future repairs or leaks. While you’re up there, take the opportunity to inspect your gutters as well. Look out for any blockages, disconnected sections, holes, or other forms of damage that could affect their ability to function properly, especially during heavy rainfall.
Update Exterior Lighting
As the days get longer, it’s crucial to ensure that your outdoor lighting is in good working condition, especially if you plan to spend more time outside. Start by inspecting your existing outdoor light fixtures throughout your house and yard, including the garage, and replace any burnt-out bulbs or solar lights that no longer hold a charge. Also, verify that your motion-sensing lights are functioning properly. For added safety in the dark, consider installing lights along pathways and drop-offs, such as front steps or landscape perimeters. Additionally, updating your existing fixtures with a new style can enhance your home’s curb appeal.
Refresh Exterior Paint and Stain
Spring is an excellent time to embark on painting and staining projects, whether you’re touching up your deck or giving your entire house a fresh new look. One advantage of painting during this season is that trees and shrubs are only starting to bloom, reducing the chances of landscaping and foliage interfering with your exterior projects.
Service the Air Conditioner
Scheduling an early air conditioner service when rates are lower. A comprehensive AC tune-up usually involves tasks such as cleaning condenser coils, inspecting coolant levels, replacing air filters and defective parts, among other things. For window AC units, this guide on seasonal cleaning offers tips for a thorough DIY cleaning.
Prep Outdoor Irrigation
With the arrival of spring, it’s time to reactivate outdoor water and inspect systems that rely on it. This includes repairing or replacing leaky or cracked hoses and spigots, as well as examining sprinklers and irrigation systems for any damages. It’s advisable to check for water leaks and burst pipes caused by winter freezing. Verify that auto timers and scheduling systems are functioning correctly and then check that all sprinkler heads are upright, undamaged, and performing their intended function.
Create a Schedule for Post-Spring Cleaning
Spring cleaning comprises various minor household maintenance tasks, providing an excellent opportunity to ensure that everything is in good condition.
Fix Damaged Screens
Window and door screens serve as barriers against insects and debris while allowing fresh air to circulate throughout your home. However, they can become damaged by pet claws, lose tension over time, or be damaged by insects. Before the arrival of warm spring days, inspect your screens and make any necessary repairs or replacements. Additionally, consider adding porch screens to improve your outdoor entertaining experience during the spring season.
Power-Wash Surfaces
A comprehensive pressure washing will revitalize the exterior of your home for the season by rapidly eliminating the salt and grime that accumulates during the winter months. Power-washing is suitable for a variety of surfaces, such as driveways, concrete pavers, decks, and siding.
Install or Update Ceiling Fans
Installing ceiling fans is a popular task during springtime. Not only do fans provide a simple and speedy way to refresh the look of a room, but they also prepare it for the warmer months ahead. Additionally, ceiling fans can help reduce energy costs by creating a wind chill effect that can make people feel cooler than the actual temperature. If you already have a ceiling fan, make sure it’s rotating in the correct direction.
Tackle Outdoor Landscaping
Maintaining your yard and garden is a task that you should be doing throughout the year, but it requires extra attention when reviving it after cold and wet months. This involves a range of activities such as pruning, planting, and fertilizing. To ensure that you don’t miss anything, you can use a spring gardening checklist that is organized from early to late spring. Also, while you’re outside, don’t forget to clear any debris around your AC unit, which will help it run more efficiently.