As fans of the Detroit Tigers anxiously await the first pitch of opening day, one thing is certain – spring is officially here! You may be ready for the warmer weather and the start of baseball season, but is your home ready for the spring?
Here are 5 ways to prepare your home for spring:
1. Repair your Roof
Safely check your roof for damaged, loose or missing shingles by using binoculars. If your roof needs repairs, it may be best to hire a professional.
2. Clean your Gutters
Your gutters collect leaves, twigs, and sometimes even lost toys. Clean out all of the debris your gutter collects or hire a handyman to do the job.
3. Check you Air Conditioner
Dirty filters make your air conditioner work harder than it has to, which increases your energy costs and possibly damages your equipment. It is recommended that you replace your filter every three months. Inspect your filter and replace it as needed.
4. Wash the Windows
As the spring sun shines through your windows, you may notice how dirty they are. Don’t just windex your windows. Be sure to clean out the windowsills and window tracks as well.
5. Clear the Clutter
Let’s face it; most of us have accumulated clutter over the years. To make rooms appear larger and create more space, clear out the clutter! Start with one room at a time. Donate anything that you no longer use or need. The Salvation Army and the Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore are great places to donate what you no longer need.
Is your home on the market this winter? We have a few tips to help you brighten your home during these winter months and make showing your home more pleasant and enjoyable for buyers.
- Clear a Path. When snow begins to fall, be sure to shovel a clear path to the front door. Make sure the driveway and walkways are free of snow and ice. Tip: sprinkle a light layer of sand over the sidewalk and steps.
- Let There Be Light. Pull up the blinds and push back the drapes to let in as much natural light as possible. Turn on every light in the house as well to make your home bright and inviting. Tip: brighten dark rooms by placing spotlights on the floor behind furniture.
- Turn Up the Heat. Keep the temperature comfortable. You may want to set your thermostat one or two degrees warmer than usual and set it as normal, prior to the arrival of buyers. This will prevent the heat from loudly kicking on when the buyer is present.
Temperatures have begun to drop. Washtenaw County was blanketed with the first snowfall of the season. It is safe to assume fall weather is behind us. With the change to the winter weather, it is important to make sure your home is ready for the change of seasons by winterizing your home.
Check Your Furnace. Experts recommend that your furnace is cleaned and tuned annually. First, turn on your furnace to make sure it is still working. Check for worn belts, lubrication needs or any other servicing that may be required. Furnace filters should be replaced regularly. A dirty filter impedes air flow reduces efficiency and, in extreme cases, could cause a fire. Refer to your owner’s manual for safety instructions, or call a professional.
Check Your Chimney. Each year, thousands of fires originate in chimneys. Your chimney should be inspected annually. Buying a protective cap with a screen is one of the easiest ways to protect your chimney from flying objects as well as rain that can mix with ash and damage the chimney walls. Keep your chimney’s damper closed when your fireplace isn’t being used to keep cold air out.
Check Your Thermostat. An old thermostat that is off by even a couple degrees can result in a lot of wasted energy and money. Upgrade to a programmable thermostat. Typically, programmable thermostats are incredibly accurate and allow for easy programming of temperatures for different times of the day, helping you to save money and energy.
Check Your Smoke Detector. Take the time to change the batteries and check the operation of your smoke detectors. Install additional detectors in bedrooms if you don’t already have them. It is also a good idea to install carbon monoxide detectors throughout your home.
Trim Nearby Trees. Tree branches that hang near your roof, windows, or driveway can be dangerous. As snow and ice accumulates on tree branches, it will weigh them down, causing them to potentially break, which can lead to significant damage. Trim your branches to protect your roof, windows and cars in your driveway from significant damage.
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