Click here to watch the video
Spring is a transitional season with lots of temperature ups and downs. But the highs are gradually outpacing the lows, meaning it will soon be safe and comfortable for you to go outdoors again.
But before you dive into the joys of spring, you have something to do at home. Here are 16 things to cross off your home maintenance to-do list this season, both inside and out.
1. CHECK YOUR GUTTERS
You’ve probably already done this in the fall, but it’s not leaves you need to check this time.
Courtesy: Lee Plett, Submitted
The winter has been its usual bumpy self across the country, but some provinces received more than normal or, in the case of Newfoundland, epic snowfall. When the spring melt starts, you’ll want to make sure your gutters aren’t filled with too much snow or ice so that the inevitable snowmelt is channeled through them and away from your home.
2. CHECK YOUR SHINGLES
Likewise, parts of Canada experienced some very windy conditions for some of the winter. Spring is a good time to check in on the literal roof overhead to see if any repairs are needed before the spring and summer rains arrive.
3. SCAN THE BASEMENT FOR LEAKS
Spring is a wet season, and the melting period is a good invitation to go downstairs to see if there are cracks in the walls through which melt water can enter. Pay particular attention to signs of mold.
4. INSPECT THE ROOF
As below, so above! Proceed to the attic (safely and with the help of a friend or spouse) to check for signs of leakage. Another thing to watch for: signs of unwanted animals that managed to sneak in during the winter.
5. SERVICE YOUR AC AND FURNACE
Spring is a season of transient temperatures, so this is a good opportunity to ensure both your AC and furnace are in working order, with some providers even offering one free service call per year.
While you’re down there, you might as well take a quick look at your dryer vent and make sure to keep it clear.
6. DIVE INTO SPRING CLEANING
You’ve been cooped up for months and now the temperatures are high enough for you to open the windows and let in some fresh air, it’s the perfect opportunity to give the house a good cleaning! Here are six of our recommendations for the best ways to spice up your home (and also keep allergens down for those who suffer).
Don’t forget that decluttering is part of cleaning, and apart from the mental benefits of having a tidier home, it’s also a method of keeping allergens to a minimum.
SEE BELOW: FIVE THINGS YOU FORGET TO SPRING CLEAN
Click here to watch the video
7. ADJUST YOUR THERMOSTAT
Spring temperatures can vary, but ups and downs will offer more ups than downs. Adjust your thermostat while it’s heating up to get an early start on managing energy costs.
8. CHECK SMOKE ALARMS AND FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
All this home maintenance won’t amount to much if a fire breaks out in your home. Use the change of season as another opportunity to check in on your smoke and CO2 alarms and replace the batteries if necessary.
Don’t forget your fire extinguisher too, which should be serviced and inspected regularly.
9. CHECK FOR STRUCTURAL RAILS
You’ve already swept the basement for leaks, now it’s time to go outside and take a look at your home’s exterior, paying special attention if you already saw signs of leaks underneath. Any cracks you discover should be monitored and sealed when you have the opportunity.
10. CHECK FOR ROWS IN YOUR DRIVEWAY AND/OR YARD
In fact, you should apply this step to any outdoor giftable surface. You’d be surprised how much you can extend the life of your driveway by being careful to seal cracks and refinish every few years.
11. GET AHEAD OF TIRE MAINTENANCE
If your home has a deck, it has spent the last few months exposed to snow and cold and at the very least needs to be looked at. Be prepared to at least pressure wash it and look for signs that it needs to be repaired or sanded and sealed. Just like with your driveway, you’ll want to do yourself a favor in the future.
WATCH BELOW: EFFECTS OF FREEZING RAIN PROVIDE STRANGE PERSPECTIVE FROM BELOW DECK
Click here to watch the video
12. CHECK EXTERIOR LIGHTS
You’ll be spending a lot more time outside as the nights get warmer. You might as well check your exterior lights and replace bulbs that need replacing. This applies to both main house lighting and smaller garden or corridor lighting.
13. CHECK YOUR EXTERIOR FAUCET
Hopefully you remembered to shut off the water supply to your outside faucet, then open and drain it before the temperature dropped below freezing. Now they’re back above freezing, it’s time to restore the water to that faucet and take a moment to let it run a little while you check for signs of cracks in the pipe.
You don’t want to find one AFTER you’ve just spent some time driving it to water the garden or wash your car.
14. GETTING READY FOR SEA!
Houseplants are fine, but for the more horticulturally oriented, nothing beats getting into the ground in the spring to give your garden the best possible start.
We asked an expert about spring gardening and tips. See his advice below:
Click here to watch the video
15. CHECK AND SERVICE YOUR LAWN MOWER
Your lawnmower and other power tools you need to take care of your garden have been sitting in a cold shed for months. In addition to gassing up your lawnmower, it needs more service in the form of an oil change, new spark plugs, sharpening the blades and more. Consult your lawnmower’s manual for the best way to care for it.
16. GET OUT YOUR OUTDOOR FURNITURE AND BARBECUE
Once you get the ball rolling in your yard, you’ll want to start hosting family and friends. Get out and clean your outdoor furniture, then focus on your grill, cleaning it thoroughly and replacing the propane tank if necessary.
As for cleaning the grill, believe it or not, an onion actually does a pretty good job of it. Check it out in the video below:
Click here to watch the video
Thumbnail image courtesy: CDC/Unsplash