Springtime makes you want to throw open the windows and spend more time outside than ever. However, before you can fully enjoy the season, you need to catch up on maintenance with your home to prepare it for the warmer weather. Here are 10 major things you should focus on once spring rolls around in your climate.
1. Clean Up Your Lawn
Before you start any planting or do any major maintenance for the year, make sure to clean up your lawn. Go outside and remove any dead leaves, tree branches, twigs and other debris that may have popped up over the colder seasons. Paying more attention to your lawn by adding landscaping and refreshing it can add more curb appeal to your home.
If you plan to add more to your lawn, consider aerating it. Over time, the soil becomes compacted due to foot traffic and other maintenance means. Aerating is the method of making small holes in the ground so air and water can reach the grass’s roots. It’s a healthier option for your lawn overall, allowing it to grow stronger than before. It’s also the ideal thing to do before planting more grass seed to ensure that it germinates correctly.
2. Spread Mulch
Once you’ve prepared your lawn, you’re ready to add mulch. Mulch will help suppress weeds and retain moisture, both of which benefit your plants and spring blooms and allow them to grow unimpeded. A proper organic mulch can also add visual points to your flowerbed, helping everything look uniform and neat.
3. Clean Out Your Gutters
After a long winter full of debris, it’s time to clean the gunk out of your gutters. Next time it rains, try to notice if the water drains through the downspout as it should. If not, you need to make repairs as soon as possible. Water too close to your home can lead to foundational damage and issues with siding or wood. The sooner you inventory your drainage, the faster you’ll be prepared for April showers.
4. Wash Your Windows
Your windows have seen a lot over the past few months. With storms, snow and any other inclement weather that may have affected them, they’re definitely in need of some care. Removing the dirt and grime from your windows can also help more natural light shine into your home, which also gives you a better view of the outside. You can spray off dirt and debris with a garden hose, but for more detailed cleaning, go in with a window cleaner.
5. Work on Your Garage
As the weather warms up, you may want to work outside a bit more. If your workspace is in your garage, you’ll need to ensure that you can open and close the door at will to enjoy the weather. Open and close it a few times as a test. Loud noises could mean there’s a problem with one of the parts in your door, so you should consider getting it looked at by a professional. You can also examine the outside of your door. If the paint is fading, you could add painting your garage door to your spring projects.
You should also take time to organize your garage. Now that the weather is warming up, you’ll likely want to do things to beautify your property. Organizing your tools is a great way to feel ready to tackle any home improvement project that pops up in your brain in the next few months. That way, you can reach things when you need them and won’t waste your energy trying to find them when you could be working on something to make your home more beautiful.
6. Pressure Wash Your Home
Your home and the concrete driveway might need a good pressure washing to remove all the muck of winter. If you live in an area with an abundance of pollen, you may want to wait until levels are lower, or else you may be spraying pollen away all season long. When you think it’s a good time to spray away the dirt of past months, find a pressure washer that fits your needs,
A few places you may consider pressure washing are as follows:
- House Siding
- Driveway
- Sidewalk
- Patio or Deck
- Outdoor Furniture
Make sure to protect yourself when pressure washing and handle equipment carefully. Adjust the strength of your pressure washer depending on what you’re cleaning. For example, your furniture may require a gentler setting than your driveway.
7. Clean Your Home
You need a clean interior to match your new, clean exterior. Spring cleaning is a great way to banish the winter mustiness that might still linger in your home. Following a checklist can help you refresh your home while still enabling you to spend time in the nice, warm weather. Open the windows while you clean — it’ll be a much more pleasant experience.
8. Change Your Air Filters
Life is too short to be breathing the same stale air. If your air filter is dirty, your HVAC unit might be working harder to control your home’s temperature. A home with pets should aim to replace air filters every two months or so, but you can replace them about three to four times a year if you don’t have someone in your house with allergies. That way, you’ll always be breathing the cleanest air and can enjoy your indoor hours.
9. Add Caulk Where Needed
Winterizing your home might have been important to you if you experience cold winters. However, you must also ensure your home is ready for the spring weather. When it gets warm outside, you may notice your energy costs rising as you attempt to cool down your home. Before it gets too hot, inspect the cracks and crevices of your home, including your windows and doors. They may need caulk to seal any gaps where hot air may leak in or cold air escapes.
Around 90% of homes don’t have enough insulation, which means you’ll pay a higher energy bill. Use caulk in any spaces you can feel air coming through. In just a few weeks, you’ll be grateful for it.
10. Check on Your Roof
Because winter storms can be difficult to predict and handle, you may need to search for any roof damage. You don’t need to climb on top of your house to look at everything. Just eyeball it for any issues like loose shingles or damaged pipes. Always call a professional to handle any damage — they’ll take care of it better than you can, so you won’t have to worry.
Enjoy Spring Without the Stress
When you practice preventative maintenance, you deal with any problems before they arise. While it might be tempting to ignore everything and make plans all spring, remain diligent in caring for your home. That way, you’ll know that every part of your home functions as it should and looks as beautiful as possible. Thanks to your preparation, you’ll be able to enjoy spring and summer to the fullest.