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4 home improvements to get started on before spring
As we transition into spring, we start to get excited about the warm weather. We purge unwanted items and plan trips during the summertime. Warmer weather also means we need to kick our summer body fitness into gear and be ready for the beach! We generally cut out all the sweet treats and junk food, so that we start eating healthier. We also go to the gym like it’s nobody’s business to get nice and toned. Heading into spring is also a time to get your house ready for the warm weather. Early spring is the perfect time to tackle those projects that you left hibernating over the wintertime. Here are 4 home improvements to get started on before spring.
1. Clean out your gutters
The first of our four home improvements is cleaning out your gutters. As a home owner, you should clean our gutters before and after winter. It’s important to clean the gutters of the debris before winter to prevent damage to your roof. Uncleared gutters before winter can lead to roof damage, ice dams, and cracks in the foundation. During the wintertime, gutters will collect more debris. When the weather starts to warm up, it becomes the perfect time to clear them again. Clearing the gutters in the springtime is often overlooked and seen as unnecessary. However, gutters can often become damaged during the wintertime due to extreme weather and ice.
Without properly working gutters during the peak season for rainfall, homes are pretty defenseless. Damages to the roof and foundation can also occur during the spring season if gutters are not properly maintained. Heavy rainfall can erode the soil around the foundation, which can then lead to leakage into the basement. Taking a look at gutters once the weather warms up ensures there is no debris in them or damage to them. This can save home owners from spending money on repairing even bigger damages that could have been avoided.
2. Check for roof damage
Along with gutter health, it’s important to check the roof for any damages. The roof is one of the first lines of defense in protecting your home against the elements. One little issue to the roof can cause a whole lot of damage to the rest of the house. Water can seep through small holes and gaps in the shingles on the roof. Damages to the roof shingles can lead to water damage to the attic and walls. Extra humidity in these areas can lead to mold growth and rot. When you’re climbing up to check and see if the gutters are clean and in working order, check and see if the roof and shingles are still intact. Even shingles that are slightly out of place from a winter storm can have a negative effect on the health of the rest of the house.
3. Add ventilation
During summer months, Haligonians are subject to living in a very humid climate. Everything feels sticky and taking a shower just doesn’t give you the satisfaction of feeling clean. As air warms up, it becomes more humid. There is more moisture and water in the air as we enter into spring and summer. If this isn’t vented properly it can start to cause some damage to your home. By adding efficient ventilation to the rooms with the most moisture, home owners can combat the buildup of moisture through proper air circulation. Ventilation to rooms that typically are home to the most moisture can add value to the home. Kitchens and bathrooms are always at the top of the list for the major home improvements and are also areas where you will find extra moisture in your home.
4. Inspect HVAC units
If your property has an HVAC system installed, you should make sure to inspect your system. HVAC units not only provide heating and cooling to properties, but they also remove moisture from the air. When checking that the property has proper ventilation, take a moment to inspect the HVAC unit. Spring is just the beginning of the warmer weather. Doing a maintenance check before it gets even hotter helps prevent breakdowns during peak times in the summer.
If the property doesn’t currently have an air conditioning unit installed, it may be time to consider installing a unit. There are plenty of options for AC, including mobile units that you can put into storage in the winter months. The spring is a great time to look into these before the summer rush. You can read more about staying cool here.
It’s always good to keep It simple
Narrowing the list down to four home improvements is impossible. However, home renovations during the spring don’t have to be big projects. Chances are, you have a list of little tasks you want to tackle around the house. Knock off a couple of those tasks this springtime. Small renovations can still add value to the property without breaking the bank. Something as simple as a fresh coat of paint can totally transform a space. This can make your space feel brand new, and allows you the chance to redecorate!
Spring is the perfect time to tackle those pesky home projects you’ve been procrastinating on. Renovations to the kitchen and bathroom are always good places to start since they increase the value of the home the most. When you’re ready to kickstart your spring renovations, talk to one of our mortgage specialists at Clinton Wilkins Mortgage Team. We will help you figure out the best way to finance your home improvements this spring. You can give us a call at 902-482-2770 or get in touch with us here!