Maintenance Tips That Will Keep Your Home in Shape This Spring
Spring cleaning isn’t the only chore you have to check off the list as the weather warms. There are also plenty of outdoor projects to keep you busy. Don’t be alarmed, however, because home maintenance isn’t as daunting as it seems. Here are some things you can do to enjoy the rest of the season.
Call a pro for the big stuff
First, know your limitations. If it requires messing with your systems, it’s probably not something you want to DIY. Check around online for reviews and to get price quotes from professionals when it comes to projects involving your HVAC, electrical, plumbing, or foundation. Before you do any project, ask yourself this: If it’s done wrong, is my family in potential danger? If yes, put down the drill and pick up the phone.
Tools of the Trade
Speaking of the drill, don’t try and mastermind your maintenance endeavors without the right tools in hand. The Home Depot asserts that new homeowners should make stocking up on tools a priority. You’ll need the basics, which includes a set of screwdrivers, wrenches, a flashlight, and, of course, a good drill. You will also want to have an arsenal of accessories including work gloves, nails, screws, drill bits, and duct tape. Different jobs will also require extra materials. For example, you may need a caulking gun to seal the bathtub or windows.
Get to Work
When it comes to outdoor home maintenance, it’s best to start high and work your way down. One of your first goals as your trees begin to sprout leaves is to look for dead limbs. These will be bare while the others have come to life. If you have a pole saw, you can usually trim dead limbs up to about two inches thick. Dead trees should be addressed by a certified arborist or tree removal professional.
Once falling limbs are less of a concern, head to the roof. Do a visual inspection for loose materials. If necessary, replace damaged shingles. Keep an eye out for warning signs of rot in the wood deck below. This may look like a dip in the roof or feel soft and unstable when you walk over it. While you’re up there, remove leaves from the gutters. Common gutter problems to be on the lookout for include joint separation and vegetation growth. Universal Windows offers tips on how to DIY these problems and more in this post.
Another upper-level project to tackle while you’re on the roof is to clean your security lights and cameras. This may be especially important if you plan to head out for spring break and want to be able to monitor your home while you’re gone. Other security measures you can put in place include adding timed lights in a few rooms and installing padlocks on your garage and gate.
When you finally climb down from the roof, work on cleaning the windows and using a pressure washer to remove any dirt or algae that’s built up around the perimeter of your house. You can also take this time to inspect your windows and doors for cracks and to seal any area where bugs might find their way into your house. Next, trim the bushes or plants to encourage growth, but also to ensure they are at least 12 inches away from the house to further reduce pest intrusion. Spend an afternoon fixing holes and ruts in the lawn and repairing any broken or rotted boards on your fence and deck.
Depending on your home’s features and where you live, there may be plenty of other home improvements to handle throughout the spring. These are just a few of the basics but should be enough to get you started. You probably won’t have any problem finding other chores to keep you busy.
