While the bitterly cold weather facing most of the United States right now might make it seem otherwise, early spring is only a few months away, which means it’s almost time to do some spring cleaning. Winter weather, neglect, and routine wear and tear can do a number on your house during the winter months, leaving homeowners with a sizable to-do list when the temperatures start to rise again. Still, there’s no better time of year if you’re looking for an excuse to get started on some home improvement projects and take care of essential routine maintenance on your property. If you’re not sure where to get started, let’s go over three quick tips to help you get your house ready for spring.
1. Have your HVAC system inspected.
Make sure your HVAC system is functioning properly before the spring weather begins to heat up. As a general rule, experts recommend having your HVAC system inspected at least once per year no matter what part of the world you live in, but it’s especially worth it if you live somewhere prone to cold weather, frost, and snow, winter weather can be hard on any appliances or fixtures in your home. Having your HVAC unit operating at peak efficiency will also save you money when it comes to your energy bills, so there are plenty of incentives to taking care of yours.
2. Upgrade your kitchen.
Whether you just want to make some smaller upgrades or overhaul the kitchen, you can’t beat having a nice, clean space for baking in the spring. If you ever sell your home, an updated and well-kept kitchen is a huge selling point for buyers, so you may find that a kitchen renovation provides a solid return on investment depending on your budget and what fixtures you choose to focus on. If you’re looking for more modest design changes, consider adding a backsplash and changing out your countertops or cabinet doors for something more modern, but you can do as much or as little as you want.
Smart appliances are becoming more and more popular and can make your experiences shopping for groceries and cooking much more convenient. For those who spend a lot of time in the kitchen, maybe it’s time for a new refrigerator that you can sync with your smartphone or an oven where you can watch your cooking from anywhere in the house with a live-streaming camera. For those comfortable with a substantial renovation, the sky is the limit.
3. Clean your gutters.
No one likes doing the gutters, but you can end up with severe and substantial damage to your home if you don’t keep them clean and well-maintained. Clogged gutters can lead to water damage to your roof or even the foundation of your house, as well as becoming a breeding ground for pests like rodents. While this is a task that you can do on your own, and usually doesn’t take too much time depending on the size of your home, it’s always best to consult a professional if you’re unsure of what you’re doing or notice any kind of issue that may require repair.
If you live somewhere with intense cold weather, the warm air and sun associated with springtime usually couldn’t be more welcome when it’s time for the change of seasons. If you’re a homeowner, the seasons changing also means that it’s time to take care of your house and ensure that everything in need of repair is in working order, especially your HVAC system, which you’ll inevitably need as it gets closer to the heat of the late summer. No matter where you live or what type of home you own, the end of winter is always the best excuse to reduce clutter, do some productive home maintenance, and get ready to enjoy the warm weather on the first day of spring.
