12 SPRING Home Maintenance Tips

Spring is here and it's time to get your home ready for the warm weather ahead. Regular maintenance and upkeep will not only keep your home looking its best but also help to prevent costly repairs down the road. Here are 12 home maintenance tips to help you get started:

1. Clean gutters and downspouts: Clogged gutters and downspouts can cause water damage to your home's exterior and foundation. Clean them out to be sure they're in good working order.
2. Check for roof damage: Winter weather can take a toll on your roof, so inspect it for any missing, cracked, or damaged shingles. Have any repairs done promptly to prevent water damage.
3. Inspect windows and doors: Take the time to check for any air leaks around windows and doors and add weather stripping if necessary. This will help your home stay cool during the coming summer months.
4. Service air conditioning unit: Get your air conditioning unit serviced to ensure it's ready to keep you cool when temperatures rise. Protect yourself by completing this step, so you won’t lose your reprieve from the hot summer months.
5. Power wash exterior: Power washing the exterior of your home to remove any dirt, mildew, and grime that has accumulated over the winter is a great way to breathe new life into the exterior of your home. This also boosts the curb appeal of your home.
6. Clean and repair decks and patios: Inspect your deck and patio for any damage, such as loose boards or cracks, and make repairs as needed. Clean the surfaces and don’t forget to add a fresh coat of sealant to protect them from the elements.
7. Landscape maintenance: Cut back any overgrown shrubs or trees, add fresh mulch, and plant new flowers to enhance the look of your yard. Using Preen or similar weed control early in the season (February or March) can help you keep weeds at bay for a longer span into the spring season.
8. Clean and repair chimney: After all the use from this winter’s cold days call a professional and have your chimney cleaned and inspected to ensure it's safe to use. Repair any cracks or damage to prevent chimney fires next season!
9. Check appliances: Have your appliances inspected and serviced to ensure they're running efficiently and safely. This is also a great time to change out your fridge water filters to keep your drinking water fresh and delicious.
10. Paint and touch-up: Touch up any chipped paint on the exterior and interior of your home to keep it looking fresh and new.Be sure to complete this after power washing the exterior! I now it sounds obvious but…
11. Check smoke detectors: Test your smoke detectors on Daylight Savings in March and replace any batteries that are low. Do this and you avoid that wretched middle of the night beep! You know it always goes off in the middle of the night!!
12. Clean and organize garage and basement: Clean out your garage and basement and get rid of any items that you no longer need or use. Organize the items you’re keeping using a system that works for you to help you make the most of your storage space.

There you have it! By completing these home maintenance tasks, you'll be well on your way to having a beautiful, safe, and efficient home for the spring and summer months ahead. I’m off to remind my Hubs of the broken burner on our stove!!

Happy Spring everyone!

Cheers,