Part 2: Outdoor Projects
Winter can take a toll on the exterior of your home. With home prices as high as they are these days, preparing yours for spring not only helps maintain its value but also improves its aesthetics and ensures it’s ready for the changing weather.
PLAN TO GET READY FOR SPRING MAINTENANCE
Who doesn’t enjoy getting some fresh air after a long winter? A clean home and well maintained property will set the tone for many enjoyable memories outdoors. In Part 1, we outlined several checklists and discussed many suggestions regarding the cleaning and preparation of the inside of your home for the warmer weather. In Part 2, we’re headed outside!
Preparation and Shopping List
Begin by creating a realistic schedule, prioritizing what tasks you want to tackle first. Buying the proper supplies and tools might be necessary.
- Glass cleaning products
- Lawn trash bags
- Tools (rakes, hoe, spade, pruners, caulk, paint, brushes, ladder, weatherstripping, exterior touch-up paint and basic hand tools like screwdrivers, pliers, hammer, saw, etc.
- Garden supplies (fertilizer, garden seeds, flowers and mulch)
Check the Roof, Gutters, Attic & Chimney
- Look for curled or damaged shingles and replace as needed.
- If you neglected to do it in the fall, remove leaves, twigs and debris from your gutters to ensure proper drainage away from the house. Install gutter guards if needed.
- Examine downspouts to make sure they’re clean and able to direct water at least 8 feet away from your home’s foundation.
- Inspect for water leaks or water damage in the attic and make sure the roof vents are clear. Contact a certified professional to inspect and clean the chimney.
Assess All Windows and Doors
We mentioned in Part 1 of this article the need to check the condition of the caulking and weatherstripping around all windows and doors. This can be the point of significant air infiltration, so:
- Check for cracks and gaps in caulk and weatherstripping and re-seal where necessary.
- Clean windows thoroughly inside and out.
- Ensure all locks and handles are functioning correctly. A little graphite or silicone spray will free up sticky locks and latches.
Foundation and Basement
- Check for excessive humidity in the basement or mold growth and install a dehumidifier if necessary.
- Inspect foundation for any cracks in the concrete or blocks and seal them to prevent water damage and to prevent uninvited pests and insects from entering.
Garage and Driveway
- Lubricate rollers on garage door and the chain or worm-gear mechanism on the opener for smooth operation.
- Check the weatherstripping on the bottom of the door to ensure a tight seal when the door is down.
- Inspect and repair cracks in the driveway and reseal if necessary.
Lawn and Garden
- Fertilize, aerate and over-seed the lawn as needed to promote healthy, new green growth.
- Maintain landscaping by trimming bushes and trees, raking up leaves and lawn debris, and planting new flowers or shrubs.
- Repair any loose or damaged fence posts and panels.
- Prepare and enrich the garden soil for planting.
- Choose plants, herbs, and vegetables that thrive in your climate.
- Clean and sharpen garden tools.
- Check hose spigots, sidewall vent pipes, A/C refrigerant lines and the silicone or caulking around them. I had a neighbor who experienced a serious mouse infestation while he was gone for a two months over the winter. Turns out the critters were getting into the house because the sealant and the insulation on the A/C refrigerant line had deteriorated.
Outdoor Living and Entertainment Space
These are my favorite things to get done. I consider this list the fun stuff because I know R & R and good times are right around the corner!
- Pressure wash the patio, deck, walkways, stepping stones and driveway to remove grime and stains.
- Wash and clean the outdoor furniture, cushions, tables and accents to remove any dirt or mildew.
- Thoroughly clean the burners on the gas grill, check the piezo ignitor, carefully inspect the gas line, fill the LP gas tank and test burn.
- Then, do the same with the gas firepit. Clean the lava rock or glass beads media.
- For wood firepits, remove ash and debris and inspect for any serious rust or deterioration.
- Carefully check the entire deck and stairs for loose boards and any nail heads or screws that may need tightening.
- Reseal wooden deck surfaces and stairs.
- Make certain that all railings are sturdy and secured.
- Consider adding lighting such as string lights or solar-powered lamps or lighting for ambiance.
- Create designated areas for games, lounging and kids’ activities.
- Consider investing in a shade structure like an umbrella or pergola with an outdoor fan for comfort during sunny days.
We’re Ready For You . . . . Welcome Back Spring!
With these suggestions, you’ll be ready to head into the new season, ready to enjoy all it has to offer. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, gardening or simply relaxing outdoors, taking care of these projects now will help you enjoy the warmer weather to the fullest. Let the anticipation of the change of seasons and that refreshing spring air inspire a fresh start for you and your family!
