Early spring is a fantastic time to upgrade your home after the cold summer months when everyone has been stuck inside. While each home is different, use these suggestions to improve your home and enjoy your living space even more.
Kitchen Remodel
Early spring may be a great time to upgrade your kitchen. You may want to put in a new kitchen floor that is easy to care for along with giving your kitchen a fresh coat of paint. You may also want to put in new kitchen appliances. When you do, consider those using the latest technology. You can find refrigerators that will help you determine which foods are fresh and which ones need to be thrown away. You may also want to get an oven that senses what you are putting in it and cooks the dish to perfection automatically. If you do not already have a dishwasher, then now may be the perfect time to put one in.
A Room Addition
If you felt cramped up all winter, then early spring may be the perfect time to add another room to your home. If you live in an area with high winds, consider having it built with curved walls so that the wind will not damage it. Decide what size of room meets your needs the best. Then, get the code work filed so that you can start the work on the first warm days of spring.
Install a Deck
Before summer arrives is a great time to get a head start on those summer parties that you will want to hold. Start by installing a deck. You can add features to your deck to make it the ideal gathering spot for guests throughout the summer. Choose to have it built from materials that require very little care. You may also want to consider which features you want to incorporate. For example, you may want to install a grilling area or an outdoor kitchen. You should also consider the lighting. Generally, you should have task lighting, general lighting, and mood lighting.
Air Conditioning
You know those beautiful spring days will not last long before summer’s hot temperatures arrive. Therefore, take a look at your home’s air conditioning. Call a technician to get it tuned up. If you have hot and cold spots in your home, then get them fixed so that you do not spend the summer months turning up and down the thermostat. Consider the size of the air conditioner that is right for your home. If your air conditioner is older than ten years, then having a new one installed will often pay for itself in the unit’s efficiency.
Roofing
Winter can be hard on your home’s roof. If you have an asphalt roof, then look around for signs that the coating has come off with winter rains and snowstorms. Get up in the attic for an inspection to make sure that there are no wet spots as this would indicate that water is getting in somehow. Then, head up on the roof to make sure that all shingles and flashings are still in place. You may also want to trim trees away from your roof. If you see any signs of mold or mildew, then you need to take steps to get it stopped because it will weaken your roofing materials and let water into your home. You also need to get your gutters cleaned and ensure that they are firmly attached to the downspout so that water moves away from your home.
Foundation
Spring is a great time to check your home’s foundation. Stand at each corner and see if the walls look straight. If not, then your foundation may be shifting. Additionally, examine your foundation for stair step cracks. These cracks indicate that your foundation is giving way from the weight placed on it. If you have doors in your home that are hard to shut and open, you may have foundation issues. Likewise, if your windows are not closing and opening correctly, then your foundation may be shifting.
Exterior
Consider the outside of your home. It may be time to give it a whole new look by installing new siding. If your home is painted, then consider painting your home a different color. If you have a brick exterior, check for any mortar repairs that need done. Almost every home can benefit from a pressure washing in the spring, but be sure to use the right mixture of soap and water for your home’s exterior surface. Doing so can help these surfaces to stay more durable long term. Start at the top and work your way down while being sure that you get all the soap washed off your home.
Windows
Spring may be the perfect time to install new windows at your house. Choosing double-pane windows allows you to enjoy energy efficiency while still letting light in. Look for those that have a plastic film in the middle because if they get broken, then the glass will stick to the plastic and not shatter everywhere. If you live in a hot area, then consider installing shades over your windows on the west and south side of your home to block out the sun’s heat while still letting light into your home.
Landscaping
You will want to spend some time landscaping your property in the spring. Consider planting water-friendly flowers that will bloom throughout the year. Depending on the type of trees on your property, spring may be the perfect time to prune your trees. Consider planting a specimen flower and surrounding it with complimentary flowers for a flowerbed that will look fabulous. In almost all cases, you should cut away any diseased branches before the disease spreads across the tree or to nearby trees.
There are many ways that you can upgrade your home this spring. Prioritize your list of home repairs and upgrades. Then, create a schedule to get them done. Decide which ones you can handle on your own and which ones you need help doing. You may also want to consider having the whole family work together on some of these projects.
If you’re renovating your roof this spring, read more helpful tips here!
