Although we’ve had some weather roll through recently that suggests otherwise, Spring is right around the corner! Spring is an important season for home maintenance, so we’ve highlighted some of our top tips to keep your home in great shape throughout the warmer months of the year.
1. Wash your windows and check window screens. The dirt and grime from winter can leave your windows in a sorry state. Boost natural light and take advantage of the longer days ahead by cleaning windows inside and out. A solution of two parts water to one part vinegar is recommended for a thorough clean. As you clean, check your screens for any breakage or holes.
2. Maintain and repair hardscaping around your home. With the shifting soil here in Texas, hardscaping can take a beating as the seasons change. Keep an eye out for uneven pavers and remove weeds that are beginning to grow between cracks and along stonework.
3. Clean up and freshen your landscaping. The hard weather of winter can do a number on your landscaping, and spring is a great time to bring things back in order. Need some landscaping inspiration? Here are ten ideas to get you started: https://vanpooleproperties.com/2021/05/11/10-landscaping-ideas/
4. Check your outdoor lighting and outlets. Make sure all outdoor outlets and lights are in working order, including porch lights, landscape lighting, and motion-sensing security lights. Replace bulbs or schedule repairs as needed.
5. Inspect your foundation. The drastic temperature changes we experienced this year can cause the ground below your home to contract, shift, and expand. Take a walk around your home and check your foundation for cracks and damage. If damage is discovered, consult a professional to inspect and repair any deficiencies to prevent further issues.
6. Seal damaged woodwork. The variation in temperature and moisture that winter brings can wreak havoc on your home’s woodwork. Staining and resealing fences, awnings, and molding around your home every few years will increase longevity and save you money in the long run.
7. Keep an eye on irrigation systems. A faulty sprinkler or irrigation hose that goes unnoticed can quickly cause big problems for your lawn and garden and drive up utility costs. Check these components regularly to ensure they are working properly and free of any leaks.
8. Check play equipment for safety. Over time, wood, ropes, and fastenings can degrade, making outdoor play equipment potentially unsafe. Check swings, zip lines, slides, and other structures for safety; repair or replace as needed.
9. Overseed and/or fertilize your lawn. If your lawn has thinned out over the winter or developed problem spots, overseeding is a quick and easy way to drive healthy growth.
10. Clean your gutters. Clogged gutters can cause damage to wood trim and not allow water to flow properly from downspouts, allowing water to pool around your foundation. Whether your clean them yourself or hire a professional, cleaning gutters before spring storms can save you future headaches.
11. Watch for standing water. Spring rains can create pools of standing water, which mosquitos love. Even a small planter that fills with water can become a mosquito haven, so take a walk around your property and identify potential problem areas. If you have a pool, running the pump will also help to keep mosquitos at bay.
12. Deep clean your grill. Grilling season is nearly upon us! Excess grease in your grill can accumulate over time and become a potential fire hazard. Giving your grill a deep cleaning before the start of the season will help it work more efficiently and prevent flare-ups. Clean the grates and interior with a grill brush and wash the exterior with warm, soapy water. It’s also a great time to deep clean your grilling tools and stock up on fuel!
13. Schedule an A/C tuneup. You’ll thank yourself for not waiting for a problem to arise alongside summer temperatures. Having a professional inspect and conduct a tune up of your cooling system is an inexpensive way to give you peace of mind that your units are in tip top shape.
14. Clear clutter with some spring cleaning. Start off the spring season the right way by conducting a hard clean of your home and decluttering your closets, cabinets, sheds, and garage. You can either host a garage sale (ask your neighbors to join in!) or donate items you no longer have use for.
15. Clean the walls and touch up paint around the house. Use a dusting attachment on your vacuum or an electrostatic duster to remove dust from walls, paying special attention to corners and baseboards. For a deeper clean, wipe down walls with warm, soapy water after dusting. Rinse with clean water, using a lint-free cloth. Touch up paint as needed on interior walls and trim.
16. Inspect your kitchen and bath fixtures. Keeping an eye on these areas can help prevent costly water damage and repairs later on. Make a plan to regrout or recaulk around counters and tile as needed. If you come across any slow leaks, have these repaired as well.
17. Conduct a safety check. Test batteries on smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, replacing them as needed. It’s also a good idea to periodically check for recalls of your home safety products; you can find up-to-date listings at Recalls.gov.
Have a spring maintenance tip to share? We’d love to hear from you! Also, if you need service providers for any of the above items, give us a call at 214-267-9222 today and we would be happy to refer to you pros that our clients have had great experiences with.
