Spring is almost here. Before you get excited about the warmer weather and start inviting guests over for outdoor cookouts, here are nine ways you can prepare your home for spring.
Inspect Your Gutters and Downspouts
After several months of snow and ice, gutters and downspouts can become dirty, clogged, or damaged. Prepare your home for spring by inspecting your gutters and downspouts for damage and cleaning them thoroughly to eliminate debris. Doing this will prevent rainwater from pooling around your home’s foundation, which causes leaks and mold.
Change HVAC Filters
Air filters can get dirty and clogged over time. Replace your air filter to improve the efficiency of your HVAC system and enhance the indoor air quality in your home. While you’re at it, have your HVAC unit inspected by a professional to check that it’s ready to keep you comfortable during the spring.
Prepare Your Home for Spring by Fixing Cracks
Harsh winter conditions may have caused cracks to form in your foundation, walkways, and driveway. Check these areas for cracks and patch them to prevent water from getting into your house and causing damage.
Reseal Window Edges
Winter ice can cause window sealant to wear out. Inspect your window edges for any worn-out sealant and reseal with caulk. Also, inspect wood trim for signs of rot and repair or replace if necessary. Doing both these things will prepare your home for spring showers and prevent water from entering your home. Plus, it will help keep drafts out and lower your energy costs.
Clean Outdoor Furniture
As the weather warms up, you may start looking forward to hosting guests outdoors. Before you invite them over, ensure your outdoor furniture is in good shape. Wipe down all outdoor furniture to get it ready for the spring, and don’t forget to clean cushions too.
Prepare the Grill for Spring
After a long period tucked away, your grill has probably gathered a lot of dirt. Prepare it for the spring by cleaning it thoroughly to eliminate dirt and rust that may have developed during the cold months. Cleaning the grill will not only make food taste better, but prolong its lifespan too.
Test Alarms
Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they’re working correctly. Replace batteries if necessary. Ideally, you should replace your batteries every six months and replace the devices every ten years.
Service the Lawn Mower
Prepare your lawn mower for grass-cutting with a tune-up. Drain and change the oil, lubricate the fittings, sharpen the blades, and scrape grass and mud off the underside. While you’re at it, inspect other lawn care tools like garden shears and sprinklers.
Prepare the Lawn for Spring
Once all your lawn care tools are ready, you can spruce up your lawn. Rake the lawn and aerate it if necessary. Then, seed the lawn to fill bare patches. Ideally, fall is the best time for overseeding, but you can do it in spring if your grass is patchy. Afterward, get rid of weeds before they get a chance to multiply and apply fertilizer.
Follow these nine tips to prepare your home for spring, and enjoy a carefree spring knowing your home is in good shape.
Assurance Home Services provides home inspections for homebuyers. Contact us to schedule an inspection in Greater Charlotte, NC, and Rock Hill, SC.