Homeowner Spring Checklist

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Home Improvement

As the sun begins to shine and the cold is replaced by milder weather, you’ll know it’s time to begin your spring cleaning and home maintenance routine. To ensure your home is ready for the warmer months ahead, follow this homeowner checklist that covers everything from energy savings to the latest landscaping trends.

Check your systems and energy usage

Before that first 90-degree day hits, you’ll want to check in on your air conditioning unit. Hire a professional to make sure everything is in working order. Alternatively, you can follow these five DIY steps, courtesy of Bob Vila:

  • Check for any leaks in the hose connections.
  • Ensure drain pans are draining freely.
  • Vacuum dust and debris from the unit and its base.
  • Be sure to change your HVAC filter every 1-3 months.

Clean up your gutters, eaves and roof

Even if you cleaned your gutters last fall, it’s still possible that debris accumulated over the winter. Set aside time during the weekend to clear your gutters or hire a professional to do the job. Pricing for this task can depend on the size of your house, so get an estimate first to secure a price you’re comfortable with.

Spring is also a great time to have your roof inspected and repaired. If you suspect winter snowstorms may have damaged shingles or seals on your roof, now’s the time to set up an appointment with an expert.

Freshen up your landscaping

Is yellowed grass bringing you down? In just a few short weeks, you can bring it back to life again! Follow these simple lawn care tips to save your lawn from the effects of our harsh midwestern winters:

  • After the ground is fully dry, rake the lawn to aerate the soil.
  • Spread lawn seed in patchy areas.
  • Sprinkle water on the seeds weekly until they sprout.
  • Aerate soil three times once new grass appears.

Give your home’s exterior a facelift

Spring is an ideal time to get rid of grime on the exterior of your home. Pressure washing the outside siding of your home can help remove dirt and other stains that may have accumulated throughout the winter. Hire professionals to do the job, or save money by renting a pressure washer and making it a do-it-yourself project.

In addition, these mild-weather months are an optimal time to repair cracks or holes in your driveway or sidewalks. Concrete repair kits can be relatively inexpensive, but you may need help from a professional if you are working with asphalt.

Pay attention to your garage

Now is a good time to take a look at your garage door, too. Whether the face of your garage simply needs a good washing or it’s time to replace your garage door entirely, you’ll want to make sure it’s looking sparkly clean for spring.

Once the outside of your home is ready to go, spend some time organizing your garage. This may be especially necessary if you have extra tools laying around from your spring yard work. Here are some quick tips to approaching garage organization:

  • Sort your items by category, such as sports, gardening, cleaning, etc.
  • Pick all belongings off of the ground and rehome them in labeled bins.
  • Invest in shelving or extra storage containers to create more space.

Considering selling?

If you hope to sell in the spring, this spring homeowner checklist will help set you up for success. Even in a digital world, curb appeal is still super important to buyers. For more specialized advice on how to renovate your home or get it ready for the market, get in touch today.

 

Add a Little Curb Appeal 

The weather is warming up, neighbors are outside more often, and now is the perfect time to boost your curb appeal. A few minor projects can bring all-new energy to your exterior and add value to your home, whether you’re looking to sell or not. Here are five affordable ideas to get you started:

  • Finishing touches: Consider painting your front door and any trim a vibrant color, add trendy outdoor seating to your patio and make sure all outdoor fixtures match.
  • Landscaping: Add plants and lights to any walkways leading to your front door, as well as planted or potted flowers, and replace any old mulch.
  • Exterior cleaning: Rent a power washer to clean your home’s siding, and hand-wash your windows, inside and out. Don’t forget about your gutters and downspouts, either!
  • Perform maintenance: Check for any issues with your shingles, straighten your gutters and patch any cracks in your driveway.
  • House numbers: Are your house numbers looking faded or tarnished? Replace them. Better yet, upgrade to a laser-cut wooden plaque or other trendy address display.


Once your home is sparkling again, your curb appeal will soar (whether you’re planning to sell soon or not).

 

Ready to see just how much you could get in a sale from today’s busy market? Reach out today for a no-obligation comparative market analysis.