If you haven’t already checked these items off of your spring check list, this is the time to do it! But, shouldn’t you first have a list of items to “check off”? Of course! In today’s article – Top 5 Spring and Summer Home Maintenance Tips – we want to create a checklist for you and get you busy taking your home from kooky and chaotic, to clean and presentable.
1. Pruning and Shrub Maintenance
Anybody with over an acre of land can testify, that after each winter, there are sticks everywhere – lining the driveway, on the roof and in the gutters, and sticking out of the shrubs. With the weather warming up, now would be a good time to grab the wheelbarrow and pick up large sticks and debris lining the property. Additionally, we suggest grabbing the chainsaw (or if you are too scared, call somebody) to cut overhanging branches that could potentially cause problems in the future. If you’re not confident in doing this, we suggest getting in touch with your local arborist. Just doing this task will spruce up your environment at very little cost.
Suggested tools:
- Wheelbarrow
- Chainsaws and Handsaws
- Hand Pruners
- Rake
- Best Friend or Loved One
2. Inspecting
Okay, this is not the time to wait for the inspector. After cold winters and wet, rainy springs, many things happen to a home – most notably to the roof. Well, we suggest grabbing a ladder and taking a peek at what’s above the edge of the roofline. Look closely to see if any shingles have come loose, or note any damaged flashing around chimneys. Carefully inspect the gutters and downspouts to ensure drain filters aren’t clogged and/or leaves are clogging up the flow of water. Removing unwanted debris from these will not only make you feel better when you’re inside on a rainy day, but also will save you TONS of money if something goes awry.
Suggested tools:
- Ladder
- Binoculars
- Thick Gardening Gloves
- Lightweight Rod (For Gutters)
- Hose w/ Nozzle (or Pressure Washer)
- Bucket
- Trusty Assistant
3. Cleaning
Whether you’re simply tired of the dirt or just preparing to paint and make structural repairs, getting the outside of your house (and surrounding surfaces like decks and porches) clean is sure to make you and guests feel happy. Perform a full inspection of siding, decks, furniture, windows, grills, pool area, driveway, and garage, and make it a priority to give these items a bit of TLCC (Tender Loving Cleaning Care). Nothing says slovenly like a sun-rotted patio chair or spider-web infested grill – get on it!
Suggested tools:
- Pressure Washer and/or Hoses w/ Nozzle
- Large Plastic Brush w/ Extendable Handle
- Method All Natural Soaps (All-natural Cleaners)
- Small Plastic Brush
- Large Bucket
- Best Judgment…
4. Painting
Oh boy! You either hate it or you love it. Whether you have brick or wooden fences lining the driveway or yard, or simply ready to cover up the hideous exposed brick foundation, get some creative juices flowing and make a statement this year. We recommend take your time to plan, prep, prime, and paint surfaces, as painting will likely not be done the following year. Painting is a great way to transform a damaged element into a fresh and notable fixture, which adds perceptive value to the property. Want to make an even bolder statement? Add planter boxes and flowers close to those freshly painted areas.
Suggested tools:
- Primer and Paint
- Brush and Paint Tray
- Roller and Roller Extension
- Gloves
- Tape
- Pinterest (for ideas!)
- Painter Friends
5. Prep Garden
Okay, it isn’t too late to prepare for your garden. If you do not already have a garden or do not know very much about gardening, befriend a gardener (preferably a neighbor) and ask for advice. To get going, designate an area for your garden by marking it with paint – choose any shape you desire (e.g. rectangle, square, circle, hexagonal, etc.). Pick weeds and remove any debris in the area, and begin using a spade or shovel to test and turn the soil. Defer to the rototiller for further help after this step, and move on to the fun part. Fun part: pick and choose the type of flowers or plants you want in your garden! There’s so much to choose from, so think about what you want to eat/can/store this year, and make a deliberate decision!
Suggested tools:
- Orange Marker Spray Paint
- Spade and Large Shovel
- Gloves
- Rototiller
- Gardener Friends
Seriously though, if you follow all of these maintenance tips, you’ll have a bustling yard that people will want to enjoy. We recommend following this task list by first starting from the top and making your way down to the garden section. It’s getting pretty late in the year for most of this stuff – we suggest hurrying up!
