Spring is here, and these home care tips will help you get your house ready for the season. With warmer weather and longer days, it is the perfect time to tackle some maintenance and get your home in tip-top shape. Here is a simple plan, from the roof down to the garden.
Outdoor spring home care tips
Start outside, because winter is hardest on the outside of a house. Snow, ice and wind can all leave their mark.
- Clean Gutters and Downspouts: Spring is the perfect time to clean your gutters and downspouts. Clearing out any debris or leaves will help prevent water damage and keep your home looking its best.
- Check Your Roof: Spring is a great time to check your roof for any signs of damage or wear and tear. Look for loose or missing shingles, cracks in the chimney, or any other signs of damage.
Safety comes first with both jobs. Use a sturdy ladder, and never work on the roof alone. If the roof is steep or high, hire a roofer instead. Of all the home care tips here, these two protect your home from the most costly kind of damage: water.
Heating, cooling and fresh air
Next, move inside and look at the systems that keep you comfortable. These home care tips are quick, and they pay off all summer.
- Inspect Your HVAC System: Before the summer heat arrives, it’s a good idea to have your HVAC system inspected and serviced. This will ensure that it’s working efficiently and help prevent any breakdowns during the summer.
- Clean and Replace Air Filters: Spring is the perfect time to clean or replace your air filters. This will help improve indoor air quality and reduce allergens in your home.
Book your HVAC service early, since technicians get busy once the first hot days arrive. Also, write the filter size on the furnace itself so you buy the right one next time. A clean filter helps your system run with less strain.
Safety checks that take minutes
- Check Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly by testing them and replacing batteries if needed.
This is the fastest item on the list, and it is the most important one. Press the test button on each alarm, and replace any batteries that are weak. Many families tie this job to the change of the clocks, so they never forget it. The Government of Canada and your local fire service share more home safety guidance. Put simply, the best home care tips are the ones that keep your family safe.
Windows, garage and garden
- Clean Your Windows and Screens: Spring is the perfect time to clean your windows and screens. This will help improve the natural light in your home and keep bugs out.
- Organize Your Garage: Use the warmer weather as an opportunity to organize your garage. This will help you find items more easily and create more space for storage.
- Plant a Garden: Finally, consider planting a garden this spring. Not only will it add beauty to your home, but it’s also a great way to enjoy the outdoors and eat fresh, healthy produce.
These last jobs are the fun ones. Open the windows, sort the garage, and get your hands in the soil. Before you dig, check the City rules on yard waste and trees on the City of Mississauga website. In short, these home care tips make your home brighter, tidier and more pleasant to live in.
Why spring home care tips matter when you sell
Good upkeep does more than make spring pleasant. It also protects the value of your home. Buyers notice clean gutters, a sound roof and a tidy garage. Meanwhile, a home inspector will look closely at the roof, the HVAC system and the safety alarms. My post on why home inspections are crucial explains what inspectors check.
So, if you plan to sell this year or next, keep a simple record of the work you do. Receipts and dates show buyers that the home has been cared for. When the time comes, my guide to setting an asking price that sells can help you plan the next step.
By following these spring home care tips, you’ll be well on your way to a clean, healthy and beautiful home. Enjoy the season!
Talk to a Mississauga real estate agent
Do you have questions about caring for your home, its value, or buying or selling in Mississauga? I am happy to help, so please reach out through my contact page or call 416 908 5600. A. Q. Mufti, Sales Representative, RE/MAX Real Estate Centre Inc., Brokerage.
