Spring Home Fun 101

Whether you are a new or experienced homeowner, the change of seasons probably means two words: spring cleaning! Even in California, and especially after this stormy season, there is much to do right around the time that the clocks change. While your first instinct might be to grab your flip flops and head to the beach…getting those home projects done now means WAY more fun later, right?

We scoured a few of our favorite sources for helpful reminders and top tips for getting your home back in shape for sunny days and spring/summer nights. We call this list ‘Spring Home Fun 101’ because no one wants to read something with ‘cleaning' or ‘maintenance’ required…right?!

Crack Attack. Dry sunny days are the perfect time to inspect those areas susceptible to moisture and make sure they remain the best barriers they can be. Re-caulking exterior problem areas, patching driveway openings and having a pro peek at any foundation settling (masonry cracks) are great places to start! Some of these projects are DIY with a buddy or solo, others require an SOS call from a pro! The size and location of the opening as well as the surrounding material will impact the process and product you need – so remember that all caulking is NOT created equal!

Sharpen, Tune & Test. These are the tasks that are small and easy to fix until they get overlooked and become big & annoying! (Have you ever needed to replace the smoke alarm batteries at 3am due to incessant beeping…we have.) This is a great time to play Inspector Gadget and sharpen those garden tools, tune-up that gas grill, examine those outdoor hoses and faucets, change the batteries in all carbon monoxide /smoke detectors and service the AC unit. Ignorance isn’t bliss when it comes to setting yourself up for comfort, convenience AND safety.

Look Up & Out. Weeping windows and shifting shingles will not be happy if unattended to through next winter. Weep holes are those tiny openings in vinyl windows with a big function (think a rainwater outlet!); the simple fix is to clean out the debris with an appropriate sized wire probe or compressed air. Be sure to examine weather stripping around the window, and note any condensation inside the panes that indicates breakage of the seal.  Roof repairs may be needed if you see nail pops or cracked shingles. Don’t forget about flashing, leaky gutters and potential sun damage; do seek a professional inspection from a qualified roofer.

Consider Ground Forces. Dirt, decks and lawns are the true solid footing of long summer days and hot summer nights! With the drought behind us, a green lawn might be something you can now look forward to! With spring rains still upon us, the use of compacted soil can save low areas from flooding, and checking your deck now can help you find the wobbles and wiggles that cause problems later.

Three Great Articles

11 Essentials for Your Spring Maintenance Checklist (The Family Handyman)

Spring Home Maintenance Checklist (Bob Vila)

10 Home Maintenance Tips for Spring(HGTV)

Three Great Checklists

Spring-Cleaning That Won't Take Over Your Life: 8 Hours, Start to Finish

Spring Time Home Maintenance

Caring For The Most Neglected Parts Of Your Home

Cheers to sunny days with time for play!

Mark & Jason