With winter behind us, the days are getting longer and warmer, making it the perfect time to spruce up the exterior of your home. If your house needs a little TLC, here are seven projects that can help you get it ready for the spring and summer.
- Pruning. If you’ve got trees or shrubs that haven’t been touched since the fall, now’s a good time to give them a trim. Cutting back dead, broken or low-hanging branches helps them stay healthy, looks better and can help prevent injuries.
- Landscaping. If you’ve been thinking about brightening up the exterior of your home, landscaping can make a big difference, and the possibilities are endless. You can include small trees, flowering plants, water features, stone pathways and a lot more. Whether you decide to add a few small touches or embark on a complete overhaul, be sure to select plants and other features that work well with the climate in your area.
- Windows. It doesn’t matter if your home’s been battered by snow and ice, covered in a layer of salt from the ocean breeze, or has the telltale sign of tiny fingerprints, spring is an excellent time to scrub your windows. No matter where you live, it doesn’t take much for them to get dirty. Cleaning your windows can brighten your entire home.
- Pressure washing. Grease, dirt and grime can build up on decks, patios, siding and driveways, making them look old and dingy. A thorough pressure washing can remove years of residue, improving their appearance in a matter of hours. Before you get started, make sure a pressure washer is safe to use on the surface you want to clean and choose an appropriate pressure setting so you don’t cause any damage.
- Painting. Over time, the sun, wind, rain and snow take a toll on the exterior of your home, leaving paint cracking and peeling. Spring is a great time to refresh tired-looking railings, fences, shutters and exterior doors with a new coat of paint.
- Patching and repairing. If you get a lot of snow and ice during the winter, you might notice cracks or patches missing from your sidewalk or driveway when everything melts. Even if you live in a more moderate climate, concrete and asphalt experience wear and tear over time. Taking some time to patch and repair holes can help prevent them from getting worse.
- Gutters and downspouts. When leaves, dirt and other debris clog gutters and downspouts, it can cause water to leak into your home instead of draining away from it. While the weather’s nice, take some time to clean them out to help prevent water damage.
If you’re interested in using the equity in your home to make some home improvements or you’re ready to buy a new house, one of our Licensed Mortgage Professionals can help. Give us a call today to review your home loan options.
