There’s nothing quite like the warm weather and smell of blooming flowers that come with springtime. While you may have grown used to cozying up indoors during the colder months, now you can start spending more time tending to your garden, playing with your kids in the yard, and kicking back on the patio while enjoying the sun.

But in order to fully enjoy your time outside (and potentially save yourself from having to pay for expensive home repairs in the future), you will need to perform some basic home maintenance. To help you get started, here are some key areas to tackle this spring, brought to you by Greenbrook Design.

Roof

Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against the harsh winter elements, not to mention it’s a critical part of your home’s structure. Each spring, walk around your home and thoroughly inspect the roof. Leaks and missing/broken shingles are signs that attention is required.

If you wait too long before getting your roof repaired, you risk extensive water damage and/or the need for a full replacement. If you have a leak, you might be able to temporarily patch it until the pros arrive. Take a flashlight to your attic to see if you can locate the source of the leak. Then, if you can reach the hole, use roofing tar to cover the hole with plywood or a shingle.

Gutters and Downspouts

Chances are you have leaves, sticks, and other debris clogging your gutters and downspouts, which can lead to undetected water damage. With a heavy-duty ladder and some gardening gloves, remove any unwelcome materials from your gutters and downspouts to ensure that water will properly drain away from your house.

Lawn Care Equipment

As early as possible, bring out your power lawn equipment to clean it and make sure everything runs smoothly. Also, put fresh motor oil in and sharpen the blades on your mower. If necessary, take your mower, weed trimmer, and any other type of equipment in for repair so that it’s ready to perform well for the next few months.

HVAC System

Any time the seasons change, it’s important to replace the filters in your HVAC system. Not only does this help to keep your home healthy, but it also reduces the strain on your HVAC. And when your HVAC is working harder than it should, it can significantly shorten its life expectancy and result in a much higher utility bill.

Foundation Vents

Similar to your gutters and downspouts, your foundation vents can accumulate a lot of leaves and other debris throughout fall and winter. This can block the airflow through the vents, which can lead to a number of other problems, such as water damage, mold, and pests. Clear all the debris away from the vents, and if necessary, wash and vacuum the vents or replace them.

Exterior Paint

Walk around your home and look for any cracked or peeling paint. Inspect your siding, handrails, porch rails, front door, and any other painted areas. With a few materials, you can easily freshen up the paint in these areas and add major curb appeal to the property. Plus, ensuring these areas are covered with paint will help to protect your home from the elements.

Springtime is meant to spend outdoors, so make sure you perform all the basic maintenance necessary to whip your home into shape. Check your roof, gutters and downspouts, lawn care equipment, HVAC system, foundation vents, and exterior painted areas for any work that needs to be done. In no time, your home will be primed for the warmer months!

Looking to remodel your kitchen or bathroom? Let Greenbrook Design help! Visit our website to see inside our showroom or call us at 980-404-9600.