What kind of projects are people doing around the house, now that the winter months are history and warm weather is ahead? For a lot of people, the list is very long. There are spring cleaning projects to tackle, of course. This often includes both indoor and outdoor areas. There might also be minor renovation and repair projects around the property that need to be taken care of. A lot of people are outside, keeping busy, and steadily crossing things off the to-do list.
But the whole process can be made a lot easier if you’re aware of some of the common mistakes and oversights people make. Getting your home and property ready for summer – and doing it right – can lead to real cost savings over the long run. It can also make your home a lot safer. So before you roll up your sleeves and get to work this weekend, consider the following 5 house maintenance tips for Spring.
- Maintain your gutters
Depending on where you live, Spring means snowmelt, rainfall, and plenty of debris. Gutters usually need to be cleaned during the Spring months – but cleaning isn’t the only thing. Many gutters have developed leaks, breaks, or other problems over the course of the winter. Gutters should be cleaned, checked, repaired, and even replaced where necessary. The integrity of your home (exterior walls, foundation, etc.) depends on it.
- Check your siding and windows
Siding is another crucial component of your home, yet many homeowners let season after season pass without giving their siding a proper inspection. You may find it less necessary to inspect your siding if it’s been recently replaced – however, it’s a good idea to perform a close inspection to make sure that the materials and the workmanship are holding up. If not, there’s a strong chance that you can make use of a manufacturer or contractor’s warranty to solve the problem at no additional cost. The same goes for windows, which are often battered and tested over the course of a long cold winter.
- Have your chimney cleaned and inspected
Chimney maintenance is a hugely important requirement to keep your home safe and functional. If you’ve been using the fireplace a lot during the course of the previous winter, having your chimney cleaned and inspected is one of the most responsible things you can do as a homeowner.
Springtime home maintenance – done the right way
It’s a common myth that DIY is always the cheaper route. Depending on the task, hiring a professional can actually be a more affordable route by far. Gutters, siding, roofing, masonry, and window installation are all areas where the right contractor can make things a lot easier on you and your wallet. But how do you find “the right” contractor? How do you sift through the mountain of local service providers and find the ones that deliver the best results?
Start by looking at online reviews and testimonials – this is almost always a good gauge on what kind of skill and professionalism is actually involved. Also look at things like the Better Business Bureau, which rates contractors based on their performance. If you’re going to save money and time by outsourcing those critical springtime renovation and repair projects, you want to make every dollar count. Finding a reputable contractor is the surest way to do just that.