The arrival of spring brings many fun projects to get your home ready for the warm weather and your outdoor activities. Following is a list of the top ten spring home improvement and maintenance tasks you should attend to now so you are prepared for that first sunny day.
Step 1: Turn on outside water spigots
They should have been turned off so they do not freeze in the winter therefore you have to turn the spigots back on.
Step 2: Clean your gutters
Gutters need to be kept clean and clear from leaves and other debris so they do not overflow. This could flood your foundation and cause leaks in your basement and ceiling.
Step 3: Change your air conditioner filters and test your ACs
AC filters collect dust and airborne particles when the AC is running. Replacing the filters keeps the AC clean and adds life to the unit. Also, running the AC before the season allows time to repair them so they function properly when you need them.
Step 4: Organize your closets (put your winter clothes away)
This saves space in your closets and makes finding what you need easier.
Step 5: Organize your garage
Installing new shelves, putting away winter gear and shovels, and getting yard tools and summer backyard equipment ready also conserves space and keeps necessary spring/summer items handy.
Step 6: Clean your windows and screens and check operation of windows
Since your windows have been closed all winter long and the build up of air particles (dust) have formed on your windows and screens, it is important to clean them so the dust doesn’t circulate around your house when you open them up in the spring. Also, after a long, wet winter, your house can settle and disrupt the operation of your windows. Make adjustments as required before it is too hot outside.
Step 7: Fill your BBQ gas tank and be ready for your parties
Most BBQ gas tanks do not have a gauge on them. Instead of finding out the hard way, have your tank filled before the season starts. Also, find out the weight of an empty tank and full tank and you can determine when you need to fill the tank throughout the season.
Step 8: Paint walls and ceilings in kitchen
Keeping windows closed in the winter with all of the indoor cooking can discolor your walls and ceilings. A fresh paint job brightens up your home for the new season.
Step 9: Car Care
Give your car a spring cleaning as well. Now that winter is over, your car could use a good bath to rid itself of all salt and sand that have built up on the interior and exterior of your car. It is also a good time to check your tire pressure and adjust the pressure for the upcoming summer months. Also, check all your engine fluids and top off as required. An oil filter replacement is also a great idea.
Step 10: Lawn and Yard Care
Before your grass and weeds begin to grow, give your lawn some food. A fresh start with a pre-growth fertilizer and weed killing will go a long way. Be sure to rake your lawn and flower beds as well before you start planting and feeding your lawn.
Bio: Barbara Kavovit was the founder and chief executive of one of the largest female owned construction management companies specializing in interior renovations in New York City. In 2001 Barbara established Barbara K! Enterprises where she was the innovator of a line of ergonomically designed home improvement tools which she marketed to women. Barbara's newest venture, Barbara’s Way, uses her construction, products for women, marketing background and expertise to further her mission: create products and provide guidelines or tips to enable their easy use and thus empower women to resolve problems in those areas of the home where they may not have felt confident before.The evolution of Barbara’s Way’s products coincides perfectly with the home-improvement movement and the increasingly prominent role women are playing in it as both decision maker and participant. Her products encourage women to be more self-sufficient, more cost-efficient, and more independent. Learn more at www.barbarasway.com.
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