Top Homeowner Spring Maintenance Steps

Spring has sprung, and before you let the kids run wild and invite neighbors over for a barbecue you might want to make sure your home is safe. Matt Lederer, a Chicago based builder offers eight steps that can save you money, time and keep your family safe.

Spring Cleaning and Home Maintenance

“Spring is the season of rebirth and regeneration. The same is true for your home,” said Lederer. “Plan out your maintenance and seasonal projects now before the distractions of summer take over and you lose momentum. Don’t forget that Spring is the time to take advantage of contractor discounts before the season literally heats up.”

1- Examine your Front Door

Winter storms and normal wear and tear from use leave front doors looking dingy, straggly and weak. Replacing doors with a more energy efficient brand looks great and saves money on heating and air-conditioning bills. Sometimes a simple paint job will do wonders for an old door.

2- Clean Gutters

Gutters are a breeding ground for insects, mold, mildew and algae that can enter your attic and allow biological growths to enter your home. Scoop out debris and run water from the top to bottom of the gutter with a hose. Invest in a gutter cap or screen. Scrub out the inside with a brush.

3 -Check the Basement

Look over everything in the basement if you are lucky enough to have one. Check the water and sewer pipes for leaks, mold and pests. Address problems either with a water vacuum, dehumidifier or new gutter drains. Drain sediment from hot water heaters. Change your furnace filter.

4- Inspect the Foundation

Inspect the foundation of your home for large cracks and shifts in the blocks. Seal large cracks and gaps between the foundation and earth with caulking. Any standing water should be removed.

5- Clean the Grime

Remove grime, pollen, fungus, mold and mildew from any wooden deck or walkways. Scrub the surface with a deck cleanser or this homemade cleaning formula: Add one cup of powdered laundry detergent to a gallon of hot water, and add 1/2 cup of chlorine bleach to kill moss or mildew.

6- Paint

Carefully scrape, prime and paint peeling spots on outside trim or woodwork. You’ll protect wood against summer’s heat and moisture and prevent a more difficult paint job come fall.

7- Reseal

Caulk and other sealants safeguard your home against rain and snow at vulnerable points such as cracks and open joints. Scrape out old caulk using a tool. Clean and disinfect with one-part liquid chlorine bleach to three parts warm water.

8- De-Clutter

Hardware stores offer a range of affordable shelving solutions to help organize and de-clutter a home. Throw out junk and place keepsakes in labeled shoe boxes. They are angular, easy to stack and fit nicely on shelves and under beds.

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