With spring finally here, now is the best time to get stuff done around your house. And we’re not talking about just some light spring cleaning — although that is a good idea, too. There are plenty of projects to do around the house, especially after a long, hard winter. So to get your house in its best condition this spring, here are a few projects to consider.
Check for Cracks Around Windows and Doors
Spring means warmer weather, which eventually means air conditioning. So when you’re opening up your windows and doors to let some fresh spring air inside, take a quick peek to see if there are any cracks or damage around the frames. Even the smallest crack can be problematic. Not only can cracks quickly escalate to further issues, but cracks let cooled air out, which increases your energy use. So make sure any noticeable cracks are properly sealed.
Clean Your HVAC Unit
And speaking of air conditioning, now is a great time to make sure your HVAC unit is clean and functioning properly. You should change the filter in your unit every three months. So if you haven’t done that in a while, make sure to do it now. You should also check the hose connections and the drain pans. If something isn’t working properly, you should schedule maintenance and repairs now to avoid getting left in the heat when warmer weather comes. Additionally, you may want to consider having your ductwork cleaned. Contaminants, like dander, dust, and pollen, can be re-circulated through your home five to seven times every day. This can ultimately be bad for your health, especially during allergy season. So make sure everything is cleaned and ready to go.
Make Roof Repairs
After winter is over, it’s always a good idea to give your siding and roofing a solid inspection for damage. Unfortunately, roof damage is commonly seen in the spring from harsh winter weather and winds. With more than 600 gallons of runoff happening for every inch of rain that falls on a 1,000 square foot roof, weather damage can happen during bad weather. So take a look at your roof — are there any missing shingles? Do you see signs of water damage? If anything seems damaged it’s important to get it taken care of sooner rather than later. With spring bringing plenty of rain, the last thing you want is to have a leaky roof.
And while you’re fixing your roof, you may also want to consider updating your rain gutters. Heavy rains can do a lot of damage if a home doesn’t have proper rain gutters. Rain can leak into the basement, damage the house’s siding, and erode the soil protecting the foundation. So if your gutters are old or outdated, consider giving them an upgrade. And while you’re changing your gutters, you may want to consider adding security cameras to your roof and around your house. With the installation of video surveillance helping to avoid 67% of burglaries, there’s no reason not to invest in a security system. Since you’re spending time on your roof anyways, now is a good time to install security cameras.
There are sure to be plenty of tasks and projects you need to do around your house now that the weather is getting nicer. But consider keeping these projects at the top of your “to-do” list to improve your home.
