Just as you would change your clothing for the warmer weather of the spring and summer months, it’s time to think about important items that need to be taken care of around the house this time of year. From regular maintenance, safety checks and energy-saving measures, is your home ready for the next six months?
Samantha DeBianchi from Bravo’s Million Dollar listing and the founder of DeBianchi Real Estate, offers these 10 tips to get your home ready for spring and summer:
– Seal doors and windows: As the weather starts to warm up, it’s time to make sure that doors and windows are properly sealed. You don’t want hot air seeping in through unsealed cracks which will make you run the air conditioning more and increase your power bill. Also, in certain parts of the country like Florida, for example, summer means rainy season, and you don’t want water getting into your home. While you’re at it, check gutters for leaks or clogs.
– Curb appeal: It’s time to get the grass green and add some color and beauty to the outside of your home. This is especially important if you are thinking of selling your home because it’s the first impression a potential buyer will get. Think about adding some nice plants and flowers, painting the front door and mailbox, pressure cleaning the driveway and roof, and even repainting the exterior of your home.
– Get the A/C checked: The last thing you want when it’s 95 degrees outside is for the air conditioning to break. Just as you would go to the doctor for an annual checkup, get you’re A/C system inspected. While you’re at it, if it’s been a few months since you changed you’re A/C unit filter, it’s time to do that to keep the air clean and ensure your system is running at full efficiency.
– Don’t forget about spring cleaning: The annual tradition of cleaning out your home is an important one not just for appearance, but for health reasons. There are all kinds of nasties living under beds, behind couches and up in the closets. When you do a thorough cleaning of your home, it looks nicer and it’s good for you, too. If you’re thinking of moving, a clean house is going to appeal to buyers over a dirty one.
– Prepare the patio: The warmer weather means barbeques and swimming. If the pools been sitting there all winter, get the water levels where they need to be. If the grill hasn’t been used since last summer, get it cleaned and prepped. Make sure your outdoor furniture is hosed off and ready for guests. Do this all ahead of time because the cold weather and lack of use of outdoor equipment can bring about problems.
– Have a hurricane plan: If you live in parts of the country that experience hurricanes, get prepared now. Stock up on water, canned foods, batteries, flashlights and other essential items now, while stores are stocked. Make sure your hurricane shutters are in working order. If you live in an evacuation zone, know where you’ll need to go if a storm comes. Don’t forget about your pets, either, as many storm shelters won’t allow them.
– Check smoke detectors: Anytime is always a good time to check batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. While you’re getting your home ready for spring and summer, take a few extra minutes to check your batteries in these items. It could save your life.
– Dryer vent cleaning: This is one item that too many homeowners neglect, and it’s costing them money and is downright dangerous. Lint builds up in the dryer duct, the dryer vent, vent trap and even in the dryer itself. This lint is not only a fire hazard but will make your dryer work harder and longer to thoroughly dry clothes which will also increase your electric bill.
– Check the attic: This is a good time of year to check your attic since it’s not freezing cold and not horribly hot yet. Take a quick look around for any wet areas on insulation which could indicate a leak. Check for cracks in your pipes. Watch out for any animal droppings which could mean you have a racoon or similar wildlife living with you.
– Make it feel like spring and summer on the inside: If the cold winter got you feeling blue, think about adding some bright colors on the inside of your home to reflect the warmer weather. Think bold and bright yellows, reds and oranges. You can go more extreme by re-painting an entire room or simply add these colors to your décor with rugs, pillows and throws to make the mood brighter. You can also change bedding sheets and comforters to reflect the change in season.