Tips for Getting Your Home Ready for Spring

Welcome to spring! Longer days, warmer temperatures, and spring flowers are finally here. While we all eagerly await all that spring and summer has to offer in Vermont, it’s a good time to think about what you need to do around the house to get ready. If you plan ahead and get started now on your spring maintenance tasks, you’ll have more time to relax and enjoy yourself when the mud is gone and the sun is shining.

Here are a few things you can do to get your home ready for warm weather:

Take A Look Around Outside

Winter can be tough on your home, and we’re often not outside as much to notice when damage occurs. It’s a good idea to walk around your home and inspect your roof, chimney, siding, gutters, foundation, windows, etc. so you can see what might need repair. Keep in mind that qualified contractors are in high demand, so it’s a good idea to be proactive about finding potential problems and calling to get on the schedule before their calendars fill up.

Clean Your Gutters

Leaves, sticks, and other debris have probably accumulated in your gutters over the winter. If your downspouts are clogged, you’re at risk for water damage and flooding. Make sure water is flowing freely so that you’re prepared for those spring showers!

Get Your Decks & Patios Ready

Now that the snow has melted, check your decks and porches for warped or cracked boards and loose nails. Check your patio for cracked concrete. Clean up any debris that’s accumulated, and figure out if you want to pressure wash before you dust off the patio furniture and bring it out of storage.

Tune Up Your Lawn Mower

Before you know it, the grass will be growing. Get ready now by sharpening your mower blades, draining and replacing the oil, and making sure everything works properly. Don’t forget to get gas!

Clean Up The Yard

Ice, snow, and wind can be hard on your landscaping. Now is a good time to take a walk around, pick up broken tree limbs, stray branches, and leaves, and prune your bushes before new growth starts.

Let the Sunshine In – and the Fresh Air

If you have storm windows up, or have sealed drafty windows with plastic, you can start thinking about taking those down and putting in your window screens. It’s a good time to clean your windows, too, to allow as much of that spring light inside. Check your screens for holes and damage and make repairs or purchase replacements as needed. Replace any air filters in your HVAC system or range hood to keep your inside air as fresh and clean as possible. While you’re at it, clean out your dryer vent – lint buildup is a fire hazard. Oh, and don’t forget to test your smoke and CO detectors, and change out the batteries if needed.

Check Your Air Conditioning

This may seem like a silly task when it’s still cool outside, but you’ll be patting yourself on the back later when your AC is ready when you need it. If you do discover your window units are no longer functioning, or your central system needs repair, you’ll have time to schedule service or shop for a good price on a new unit.

Check Your Attic & Basement

Look in the attic to see if any insects or rodents took up residence during the winter months. Check your insulation for signs of mold. Make sure your basement is dry, and if you have a sump pump, make sure it’s in working order. Inspect your foundation for cracks and leaks.

Plan Your Spring Cleaning

A lot of people like to do a thorough spring cleaning every year; it’s a nice feeling to start a new season with a clean home. Get your to-do list ready and get a jump start on those tasks so you can spend more time outside when the weather turns warm.

Happy Spring!