Spring is here and maybe it even warms up now
Spring is here for quite a while already, but the last few weeks did not spoil us with warm weather. A few days here and there, but overall we did get a lot of snow and rain and below average temperatures. I personally are really ready for some 80’s now. This week now shows a significant improvement in regards to warmer temperatures and I plan on doing quite a few things around the house.
A friend recently suggested a new service called “Angie’s List” to me. What is Angie’s list did I ask and I got the following reply: Angie’s List is a service that helps to find high quality contractors, service companies and doctors. Visit their website here.
So, I went out to check it out and they have quite a few tips on their website that I think are worth sharing. These free tips are geared towards the home owners among us and I think there are quite a few money savers listed. Check them out.
- Check the exterior of your home for snow, ice or wind damage. Finding damage early will increase your chances of getting an early repair, as many home improvement companies begin their busy seasons this time of year.
- Inspect your crawl space for water accumulation or excessive moisture. Check for water damage on the sub-floor and joists beneath the kitchen, bathroom and laundry areas.
- Check out your roof. Depending on the style and pitch of your roof, you may want to use a ladder and a pair of binoculars to look for missing or broken shingles and other damage. If you don’t feel comfortable on a ladder, call a professional before the busy season begins.
- Check the weather stripping around doors and windows.
- Remove storm windows and replace with screens.
- Get in the garage and take a close look at your garden equipment and tools. If your lawnmower needs serviced, it’s a good idea to call now. Garden service companies will get busy in the next couple of weeks. Don’t forget to clean and sharpen other garden tools as well.
- Check the valve where water enters your house, outdoor faucets and valves to toilets, bathroom and kitchen sinks. Turn each valve off and on several times to identify any leaks.
- Get your carpets cleaned. Experts recommend a professional carpet cleaning every 12 to 18 months, but this can vary depending on how many people live in your home and if you have children or pets. Dirty carpet contains soil and other debris that will wear your carpet’s fibers. Schedule an appointment with carpet cleaners now to cut down on your wait time.
- Clean your gutters. Professionals recommend gutter cleaning in the spring and the fall. Clogged gutters can lead to water damage in your home.
- Remove wet leaves and debris from your deck, front porch and around your house. Use a garden hose on your siding and deck to remove the film left by dirty snow and rain. Attach a soft-bristled, long-handled car brush to the hose for some extra help. Use a mild cleanser to get those tough-to-clean spots. Allowing the debris to accumulate can trap water, lead to staining or mold build-up and create an ideal environment for termites.
As you can see, there is some good stuff to think about. If you are in need for a good contractor to get some of that work done, check out Angie’s List. Visit their website.
PS: I fired up my lawn mower for the season and last year it took me 15 minutes to get the engine going. To my surprise it started on the first try this year. My lawnmower is now 10 years old. I bought it at Home Depot for $179 and I think that is pretty good – $17.90 per year … not too shabby.
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