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Spring is a transitional period with many temperature fluctuations. But the highs are beginning to outweigh the lows, making it safe and pleasant to get outside again soon.
But before you jump into the joys of spring, you still have a few things 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 to watch out for this time.
Courtesy: Lee Plett, Submitted
Winter was its usual uneven self across the country, but some provinces received more than normal or, in the case of Newfoundland, epic snowfall. As the spring melt begins, you’ll want to make sure your gutters aren’t filled with too much snow or ice so that the inevitable snowmelt will channel through them and away from your home.
2. CHECK YOUR SHINGLES
Likewise, some parts of Canada experienced very windy conditions for some time during the winter. Spring is a good time to literally check the roof over your head for any repairs needed before the spring and summer rains hit.
3. SCAN THE BASEMENT FOR LEAKS
Spring is a rainy season and the melting season is a good time to go down to see if there are any cracks in the walls for meltwater to seep in. Pay particular attention to signs of mold.
4. INSPECT THE ATTIC
As below, so above! Go into the attic (safely and with the help of a friend or spouse) to check for signs of leakage. Another thing to watch out for: signs of unwanted animals sneaking in over the winter.
5. MAINTAIN YOUR AC AND OVEN
Spring is a season of transient temperatures, so this is a good time to make sure both your air conditioner and furnace are in good working order, with some providers even offering one free service call per year.
While you’re down there, also take a quick look at your dryer opening and make sure it stays clear.
6. DIVE INTO THE SPRING CLEANSE
You’ve been cooped up indoors for months, and now the temperatures are hot enough to open the windows and let in some fresh air. This is the perfect opportunity to deep clean the house! Here are six of our recommendations on how best to jazz up your home (and also keep allergens down for those who suffer).
Also, don’t forget that tidying is part of cleaning, and aside from the psychological benefits of a tidier home, it’s also a way to keep allergens to a minimum.
SEE BELOW: FIVE THINGS YOU FORGET WHEN SPRING CLEANING
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7. ADJUST YOUR THERMOSTAT
Spring temperatures can be variable, but the highs and lows will feature more highs than lows. Adjust your thermostat as you warm up to start managing energy bills early.
8. CHECK SMOKE DETECTORS AND FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
All that house maintenance won’t matter much if a fire breaks out in your home. Use the change of seasons as another opportunity to check your smoke and CO2 alarms and replace the batteries if necessary.
Also, don’t forget your fire extinguisher, which should be serviced and checked regularly.
9. CHECK FOR STRUCTURAL CRACKS
You’ve already swept the basement for leaks, now it’s time to head outside and take a look at the exterior of your home. Be especially alert if you have already seen signs of leaks on the ground floor. Any cracks you discover should be monitored and sealed when given the opportunity.
10. CHECK YOUR DRIVEWAY AND/OR PATIO FOR CRACKS
In fact, apply this step to any outdoor walkable surface. You’ll be surprised how much you can extend the life of your driveway by diligently sealing cracks and doing a surface repair every few years.
11. GET AHEAD OF DECK MAINTENANCE
If your house has a terrace, it has been exposed to snow and cold in recent months and at least needs to be checked. Prepare to at least pressure wash it and look for signs that it needs repairing or sanding and resealing. As with your driveway, you are doing the future a favor.
SEE BELOW: EFFECTS OF FREEZING RAIN GIVES AN ODD PERSPECTIVE FROM BELOW THE DECK
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12. CHECK EXTERIOR LIGHTS
You’ll be spending a lot more time outside as the nights get warmer. You can also check your outdoor lighting and replace light bulbs that need replacing. This applies to both main house lights and smaller small garden or path lights.
13. CHECK YOUR OUTSIDE FAUCET
Hopefully you’ve remembered to turn off the water supply to your outside faucet, and then open it and drain it before temperatures drop below zero. Now they’re above freezing again, it’s time to put water back in the faucet and take a moment to let it run for a while while you look for any signs of cracking in the pipe.
You don’t want to find one AFTER you’ve just spent some time watering the garden or washing your car.
14. GET READY TO GARDEN!
Houseplants are nice, but for horticulturists, there’s nothing quite like getting down in the dirt in spring to get your garden off to the best possible start.
We asked an expert for spring garden hacks and tips. Check out his advice below:
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15. CHECK AND MAINTAIN YOUR LAWNMOWER
Your lawn mower and other power tools you need to take care of your garden sat in a cold shed for months. Aside from fumigating your mower, it will need more maintenance in the form of an oil change, new spark plugs, blade sharpening and more. Consult your mower’s owner’s manual for the best care.
16. BRING OUT YOUR GARDEN FURNITURE AND BARBECUE
Once you get the ball rolling in your garden, you’ll want to start hosting family and friends. Get out and clean your patio furniture, then focus on your grill, give it a deep clean and swap out the propane tank if needed.
As far as cleaning the grill goes, believe it or not, an onion actually does a pretty good job. Check it out in the video below:
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Thumbnail image courtesy of: CDC/Unsplash
