To-Dos: Your April Home
Checklist
Hello friends,
1. Keep mosquitoes at bay. Having warmer
weather and longer days means we’re entering mosquito season. Take preventative
measures by regularly checking your property for standing water and emptying
it. Any open containers (empty flowerpots and saucers, a wheelbarrow) can
become a mosquito breeding grounds when filled with rainwater, so store items
like these upside down or in a shed.
2. Inspect paths and driveway. Repeated
freezing and thawing can take a toll on asphalt and concrete. Check your
driveway and paths for cracks, scheduling repairs as needed.
3. Clean out trash cans and recycling
bins. Take empty cans outside and spray them with a hose to start. Sprits
inside and out with the cleaning spray of your choice. Let the bins sit for a
few minutes before scrubbing them with a stiff-bristle brush. Rinse with the
hose and leave them upside down to dry.
4. Check safety devices. Test batteries
on smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, replacing them as needed. It’s also a
good idea to periodically check for recalls of your home safety products.
5. Clear Clutter. Create more space in your
home by clearing out unloved items. If you have a lot to get rid of, set a date
to hold a yard sale. Or contact a local charity to schedule a pickup – some
will send a truck free of charge if you’re donating large items like furniture.
If you have a lot of one type of item (for example, books or baby clothes),
look for a consignment shop in your town where you may be able to sell them.
6. Schedule cooling-system maintenance.
If you have central air conditioning, be sure to schedule professional
maintenance before the start of summer. A properly maintained system cools
better, uses less energy and lasts longer.
7. Spruce up the front porch. Clean the
porch floor, exterior windows, windowsills and front door. Wipe cobwebs from
the ceiling and high corners. Lay down a fresh doormat, and plant a pot of
flowers. If you have porch furniture, clean it off and wash the cushions.
8. Test sprinklers and irrigation
system. Don’t let the first sign of a malfunctioning irrigation system be a
drooping garden! Take the time this month to test each part, adjusting or
repairing as needed. And if you don’t already have drip irrigation for your
garden, consider putting it in – a property installed system can save time and
water.
9. Wash windows. Welcome the spring
sunshine by clearing dirt and grime from windows inside and out. After cleaning
the glass, take an extra moment to wipe the window frame and sill.
10. Clean and inspect screen doors and
windows. Pollen and grime can also build up on window screens, so it’s a good
idea to clean them once a year. For a quick cleaning, leave screens in place
and vacuum with a dusting attachment. For a deeper cleaning, remove screens
(mark which is which if cleaning multiple windows) and gently scrub with warm,
soapy water. Rinse and let dry. Before putting up window screens and screen
doors, inspect each one for holes and rips – even small tares can let in
mosquitoes. If you find any holes, repair them with a screen patch kit
(available at most hardwood stores).
11. Clean out the garage. Can you park
your car in your garage? If not (or if it’s a tight fit), it may be time to
make some more space. Clear out the junk, and schedule time to take unused
paint, motor oil and other hazardous items to a recycling center that accepts
them. (If you’re not sure where to go, search Earth911 to find a center near
you.) Once your garage is cleaned out, consider adding a wall-mounted storage
to keep things neat and off the floor.
12. Wash siding. Using a regular garden
hose, attach a siding cleaning kit (available at most home improvement stores)
to clear away winter grime from your home’s siding. If your siding could use a
really deep cleaning, it can be tempting to use a pressure washer to get the
job done quickly.
13. Clean gutters and downspouts. Having
your home’s gutters and downspouts cleaned (and repaired if necessary) is one
of the first important tasks to schedule this season. Clogged gutters during a
rainy spring can cause water to pool, potentially damaging the roof and siding.
14. Boost curb appeal. Spring is a
wonderful time to make upgrades to your home’s exterior, and even small changes
– like putting up bold house numbers and a shiny new mailbox – can make a big
impact. If you’re planning to put your house on the market this spring,
increasing curb appeal can help lure in potential buyers, making it especially
important.
15. Maintain wood decks and fences. Keep
outdoor woodwork in top shape by staining or resealing it each spring. Check
gates, fencing, decks, railings, pergolas and other outdoor structures, and
make repairs as needed.
ERA Skyline Real Estate
3376 Harrison Blvd.
Ogden, UT 84403
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