With the winter months behind us, it’s time to give the outside of your home a little attention. Get ready for the warmer weather and outdoor entertaining with these outdoor home maintenance tips for spring.
Clean The Gutters
Gutters are a wonderful thing. They keep water from draining onto the foundation, or finding its way into your home through doors, windows or siding. In order to work properly, they need to be free of debris. Over the course of the fall and winter, lots of leaves and dirt accumulate in gutters. Springtime is the ideal time to get into the gutters, and clean them out so they can work their magic throughout the spring and summer.
Windows And Screens
Most of the time, people don’t realize how dirty windows are until they wash them. After the winter with snow, sleet, and rain pelting the glass on the outside, windows are pretty filthy. Once washed you will be amazed at the natural light flooding into your home. Be sure to wash off those screens too. Screens on their own darken window areas, but if they are not clean, they keep out even more light.
Patio Furniture
Even if you washed off the patio furniture before putting it away for the winter, it will need another cleaning. After months of sitting unused in the garage or a shed, dust and dirt accumulates. At the very least, hose it off, but if you can, do a bit of scrubbing to get all the dirt off so it is ready to use on that first warm day.
Check Exterior Vents
Every home has vents that open to the outside. Spring is a great time to have a quick look to make sure the vents are free from debris. If any of your vents have covers to keep critters and things out, make sure they are still there, and are properly attached.
Look For Peeling Paint
After a winter like this last one with several cycles of bitter cold followed by above freezing temperatures, exterior paint has taken quite a beating. Check out the painted items on the exterior of your home. If you find peeling paint, scrape and repaint to keep a fresh, clean look.
Clean Off The Front Porch
Get out the broom and sweep off the front porch. Make sure to wash off any outdoor items on the porch, and put away the holiday decorations. Check the bulbs in your outdoor lamps, and make sure they too are free of dirt and cobwebs. Remember, the front door area is what makes the first impression when someone visits your home.
Turn On And Inspect The Irrigation System
Once the threat of frozen pipes has passed, turn on your irrigation system, and make sure it is in proper working order. Even if you had it professionally winterized, now is the time to check for leaks caused by frozen lines. By doing this as early as you can, it will be easier to get a repair appointment if you need one.
If you’re in the market to buy or sell a home this spring, be sure to reach out to your RE/MAX Results agent and visit results.net.