Spring is here and that means this is a great reminder to freshen up your home! Whether you are someone who keeps a meticulous home year-round or you suffer from the typical chaotic life that spills over into the home you live in like most of us, Spring is a great time to consider getting around to some of those annual chores that will help to maintain your home.
When buying a home keep in mind that a common guideline is to budget 1% of your home's purchase price for annual maintenance. Other factors to consider include your home’s age and the square footage of your home. Older homes may require more maintenance as well.
Here are some ideas to help you get started:
#1 Declutter
o Now is a great time to take an inventory of everything you have lying around your home from clothes to the endless amount of pillows accumulating on your sofa.
o If you have not used it in the last 6 months, you probably no longer need it. Time to toss.
o Start to sort items into three piles – (1) to keep, (2) give away/donate, (3) throw away.
o You might even consider having a garage sale to add a little spare change to your entertainment fund. Check out our previous blog article for information on how to host a stellar garage sale.
#2 Deep Cleaning
o Empty all of those kitchen cabinets, the top of the refrigerator and wipe down all of the surfaces with soap and water. You would be surprised how much gunk accumulates on these surfaces when we cook regularly.
o Power wash the exterior of your home and the concrete surfaces around your home removing dirt, mold and debris.
o Clean out gutters to ensure they work properly.
o Washing your windows also helps to freshen up the look, feel and efficiency of the home. Make sure the screens and dirt in the window sill are cleaned as well. This will prevent your windows from starting to stick.
o Cleaning upholstery in your home can also help to freshen up any potential odors that remain in upholstered surfaces.
#3 Exterior Maintenance
o Check your roof or hire an inspector to check it for you. Regular patching of loose tiles or missing shingles can help your roof to last longer. Make sure there is no foliage draping over your roof as well to avoid potential damage during storms.
o Have decks or fencing repaired, refinished or resealed where needed.
o Lawn care – is it time to fertilize again?
o Pest inspection – are those pesky ants back? It might be time to call the pest control company
#4 Interior Maintenance
o Appliance Maintenance – clean out and repair any items associated with your appliances.
o Kitchen Vent/Range Hood – change filter and clean out.
o Dryer Vent – check for any lint and clean it out.
o Carpet – deep clean carpets, rugs, sofas, etc.
o Wash walls
o Patch and repaint walls or areas that might need some rejuvenation.
o Inspect grout and caulking and seal any visible cracks.
#5 Safety Checks
o Ensure the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors work properly and batteries are new.
o Fire extinguisher – if you don’t have on then get one. If you do have one, make sure it is not expired.
o Seal any vents or openings that expose your home to critters.
o Emergency Kit – it’s always a good idea to have an emergency kit ready to go should you need one. Here is a list of some items you should consider putting together.
#6 Professional Inspections
o Electrical Inspection - Have your electrical system inspected for safety and efficiency.
o Plumbing Inspection – Have a plumber check for leaks, pressure and temperature. A septic inspections might also provide you with some peace of mind.
o HVAC Inspection - Have your HVAC Inspected annually to ensure the most efficient heating and cooling. This might include checking insulation and ventilation.
If you like to clean your home seasonally, here is a great article that shares how to divide the tasks up by monthly, seasonal, yearly and tasks that are less frequent.
Happy cleaning!