Spring is pretty much at our doorsteps, and with that in mind, it’s time for you to spruce your home a bit. Whether you just want to make it more aesthetically pleasing or comfortable or just want to increase its resale value, it doesn’t matter. What does matter is that you roll up your sleeves, and get to work.

Work on your gutters

Let’s start with the most annoying and nasty part – your gutters. Namely, your gutters have been working hard all winter to direct all that rainwater and snow away from your foundations. However, this also means that they may be damaged or worn by the harsh weather, or they may have ended up clogged. For this reason, you should get to work as soon as possible.

Know that gutters and drain pipes are not as costly to replace as you would think. On the other hand, the actual damage clogged and broken gutters can cause can be very expensive. While you’re at it, you should also install gutter guards, so that you minimize the chance of foreign debris clogging them up.

You need to stay safe when working on your gutters. So, remember how and where you put your ladder. Keep it on firm ground, don’t let it buckle, and keep it away from doors.

Check your windows

First, check on the wood trim. Probe it a bit, see in what condition it is. If the wood is already damaged or exposed, it can get much worse when spring rains come about.  See if the windows sill or frame has any damage. Perhaps it collected water or ice, or it simply cracked from the cold. Whatever the issue may be, you should think about replacing them.

This is also a fine opportunity to actually get them upgraded and replaced. The summer will just be too hot, and you will let all the cool air out and the warm air in. And of course, the winter would be too cold. So wait just a little while longer for the weather to warm up, and then get to work.

Don’t forget about your yard

It’s not enough to just leave your yard as it is once winter has ended. You want to even out your yard before those spring rains come about. Namely, these can lead to yard flooding, which can, in turn, damage your foundations. One of the main reasons this can happen is when you have uneven, low areas in your yard, especially near your foundations. You want to fill these out with compacted soil as soon as possible. Also, keep in mind that stagnate pools of water in your yard can lead to the creation of breeding grounds for insects, so work on these as well.

Check your outside faucets as well. The cold winter may have damaged them. There is a quick way you can check on them though. Turn on the water, and then place your thumb over the opening. If the water stops, we have bad news. It means there is a hole or leak somewhere inside the pipes.

Just because you’re working in your yard, doesn’t mean you should not pay attention to your surroundings. Namely, you can hurt yourself if you get your leg trapped in a whole. Or, you may damage your hands if you don’t wear proper gloves. Furthermore, anyone who hit their foot with a shovel, or dropped a tool on their toes, can speak volumes about just how important steel cap boots are.

Fix up your roof

The winter may have done some damage to your roof. It’s up to you to fix it up properly, or at least check if you need to invest in some professional assistance. See if there are any loose, buckled, or cracked shingles that you have to replace. Furthermore, the flashing around your vents, chimney, and skylight also needs to be checked on. Remember, unless you really know what you are doing (and be honest here) you should hire a professional to help you out.

Have your chimney cleaned out by a professional chimney sweeper. Inspect the whole thing for cracks and bird nests. Any crack or damage can be disastrous in the long run. Fill cracks with crack filler or silicone caulk, but if you can, power wash the whole thing first.

Remember to never climb up on a roof if you’re not feeling well. Also, walk around with shoes that have heavy, rubber soles, which have some nice grip on them.

Conclusion

Spring is the perfect time to work on your home. Get all your work done now, and get it done soon. Check on your gutters, see if they need to be replaced or just cleaned. Work on your roof, see if you have to replace shingles or check on your chimneys. Don’t forget about your yard as well. Our point is this – get to work, strike while the hammer is hot, and stay safe while doing it.

Author Bio:

Liam Smith is a young and aspiring Australian blogger with a passion for everything related to home, design and lifestyle. He has a B.Sc. in Interior design and is an avid reader.