It goes without saying, that it is a huge responsibility to maintain a home. Home ownership brings with it regular care and maintenance requirements that need to be done throughout the seasons. And, as tedious as they may be, the consequences of not doing these chores, could be detrimental to what is likely your biggest investment—your home. A home’s structure, efficiency, security, healthiness, curb appeal and even energy bill costs rely on proper maintenance and repairs. So, while we look forward to spring flowers, we need to address the weeds and other chores too!
So now is a good time to review your Spring maintenance checklist and establish your ‘to do’ list. And while spring chores are just that…chores, it’s not to say that they can’t be fun! We always like to emphasize that many hands can make lighter work. So, involve your family in these chores and if possible, make it fun! Nothing gives a person more motivation to get chores done, than a reward for doing it well. Give yourself and/or family a deadline and then have a party for all that hard work! Or be inventive and create a competition, with the winner establishing the reward … within reason of course!
As children we have heard about ‘spring cleaning’ but perhaps didn’t realize that it was part of the Spring home maintenance checklist. Pulling everything out of cabinets, drawers, closets, corners on every floor including all areas of a basement was not just to decide what should stay and what should go. It enabled home owners to inspect corners, ceilings, walls, floors, and crevices for signs of moisture, mould, cracks, evidence of unwanted rodents or insects, any superficial issues or other serious structural issues, etc.
Since winter and spring usually bring much precipitation, it is imperative that every homeowner inspects their home thoroughly to ensure that the outdoor moisture has not penetrated their home’s foundation and structure. So, start with one room and work all the way through your home to declutter your space and inspect those areas that may not always be visible. You may not enjoy inspecting dark corners of your basement…but those are spaces that need inspection. Assessing the integrity of your home’s structure and making any necessary repairs is vital to ensuring your home and family’s health and safety. After all, this is likely the place that you spend the most time!
One of the great parts of decluttering is that you have an opportunity to recycle belongings that no longer fit or suit your needs. With costs continually rising in all areas of the economy, you may benefit financially from the selling some of your no longer needed belongings. Or, if that option isn’t for you, you may be able to assist families in need. With the growing need for assistance, charitable organizations in the Niagara Region would gladly help you to re-purpose or redistribute your excess items to an individual or a family that could truly use them. Before you discard it, please check to see if the item could be re-used by someone else. By emptying your closet or donating those items you no longer want or need, you can fill someone else’s heart through your generosity. And let’s face it, recycling of still usable belongings can lower our overall carbon footprint. It’s a win/win!
So, after you have completed your deep cleaning…and we do mean deep, it will be time to address the other interior maintenance chores on your ‘to do’ list. You may want to save the exterior list for sunny and warmer days, because if you are out in the warm weather, chores don’t usually seem to feel so much like work. Just like the interior, you will need to check for signs of weathering, moisture penetration, cracks, evidence of unwanted rodents or insects, mould, algae, or other serious or superficial structural issues, etc. with the exterior elements of your home.
When you have completed your inspections, maintenance and repairs or replacements, you will likely be looking forward to getting your landscaping cleaned up too. It’s a good time to establish a plan for any garden updates, but keep in mind that you don’t want to start your planting until frost is no longer a risk.
While gardening is not something everyone loves, curb appeal is essential to every home. So, why not give yourself some motivation to complete the tasks. Imagine sharing your beautiful home and yard with your friends, neighbours, or family again for the first time since winter. You can always plan a party to enjoy it when the chores are done!
As we always emphasize, general maintenance checklists are a helpful starting place, but keep in mind that houses are unique in many ways. It is vital to every homeowner to take a thorough look around at their interior and exterior elements to ensure that they address any issues discovered. Simple repairs can become big replacement issues, if they are left unaddressed too long. Make sure you do a careful inspection of your entire home.
If you find a situation that you are not sure of, or are not qualified to fix yourself, such as but not limited to, plumbing or electrical repairs, call a professional! Get the job done right and done safely! We say this a lot but some jobs are just not DIY type projects.
If you are considering a renovation, addition or custom home build in the Niagara Region, call Vanderzalm Construction Inc. at (905)562-4463 or (905)684-5823. We would love to hear from you.
We wish you a beautiful spring season!