Every year around this time, television is flooded with commercials from home improvement retailers and brands selling and promoting all kinds of deals to entice us to start spending our hard earned money in their stores. There’s a real reason for this sudden surge in home improvement awareness, and the simple fact is that as homeowners, we tend to do more DIY, home improvement projects in the spring than any other month of the year. So if you’re a homeowner, what should you do this week? Here’s a quick list of the most important home improvement tipsandhome maintenance tasks you should keep in mind this week to get your home ready for summer.
Window check
Windows can suffer in cold temperatures, especially wood windows. It’s worth spending a few minutes checking your tires and levers for signs of wear. If you see any holes or cracks, it’s best to fill them now or the problem will only get worse. Just clean out all the holes and then smooth it out with sandpaper before applying the wood filler. Once the putty has dried, sand it before applying a good quality outer coat. When considering window replacement costs, this can be a useful exercise.
Drain inspection
During the winter months, most gutters are under stress, arches become loose and cracks can appear. Check for signs of wear. If you see one, all parts, down tubes or brackets will need to be replaced with new ones. It’s a simple process, but not for those who don’t like heights. Think safety first and always get help if you are climbing a ladder, as having someone secure the ladder will give you the safety you need. It’s also a good idea to keep both hands free, so wear a tool belt.
While not a substitute for a licensed home inspection, doing one yourself can give you a good idea of the condition of the property. Here are some tips for doing your own home inspection.
- Check the perimeter of the house and assess the track for damage. First of all, check the drainage. Also check exterior railings, stairs, and porches. Wood rot and chipping is a clear sign of structural problems. Use a level to make sure posts and ladders are level horizontally and vertically.
- Check the roof for signs of damage. Missing shingles can be easily repaired, but a low-pitched roof that collects water is a warning sign.
- Find out if there are any tree-dwelling creatures near you. White fungus growing on the outside of the tree indicates high moisture levels, which can cause damage and be a sign of a termite infestation.
- Check from inside the house for cracks or bulges in the ceiling and walls. These areas are the first indicators of internal problems.
- Inspect water systems and check faucets, toilets and drains. Pay special attention to the type and condition of the pipes under the sink, watch for rust and look for mold deposits on the pipes hidden in the walls.
Just as you test the product line and the market before investing, do a home inspection. A pre-closing home inspection will give you an idea of the type of home you are buying in advance. While you might be comfortable doing home repairs at your own expense, you need to determine the exact condition of the home. Schedule an appointment to view the home. This can usually be done before an offer is made and a purchase contract is signed. Another cold weather spot is your patio and deck area. If they are in shady or semi-shady areas, they can attract moss or lichen, which can make your patio or deck areas slippery when wet. So it is recommended to remove everything with a good quality pressure washer. This can affect any stains or surface treatment, so be prepared to re-treat after washing. To give a new look to your home get help from DIY home ideasand enhance the look and value of your home all the time.
