Tips for Getting a Jump-Start on Spring Home Maintenance

Spring is right around the corner, and it is time to not only start thinking about spring cleaning, but also to start some larger projects to get your home ready and running efficiently. There are many tips that can help you get a jump-start on spring home maintenance. Some of them include:

• Rake the lawn to remove old grass, leaves, twigs, sand, and any other debris that has landed on the lawn during the winter months. This will allow the grass to begin growing as soon as the weather begins to warm, and it can also prevent insects from taking up residence.
• Trim any broken limbs from trees and shrubs. Cut back any foliage that is coming in contact with the home or its foundation. Remove any old, outdated foliage that will need to be replaced as soon as the warm weather arrives. Get rid of any plants that did not survive the winter. Make sure there are no leaves or other debris in flower beds so that perennial plants can break through the ground without interference.
• Take down shutters that are in need of repairs or painting. They can be scraped, sanded, primed, and painted now so that they are ready to hang in time for spring. When removing anything next your home, like the shutters or even foliage, it’s important to look out for signs that other critters have made your home theirs.
• Fresh paint: If you’re not quite feeling up for outdoor work yet, now is a good time to take a look around your house and give rooms that are looking a little tired a new coat of paint. A good way to start is to go room by room, cleaning the walls and either making spot repairs anywhere they are needed or completely painting walls that need refreshing.
• Repair extra screens: Take inventory of any window or door screens that have tears or holes in them. While the weather is still chilly and you might not be ready to let the breeze in just yet, having this kind of damage repaired now will enable you to let in the summer breeze without worry of uninvited guests sneaking in through the cracks when the time comes.
• Lawn mower checkup: Before the lawn starts to grow and needs to be cut, now is the perfect time to take your lawn mower in for a tune-up. Local repair shops often run specials at this time of year and there is usually no wait to get an appointment. If any repairs are needed, you will have ample time to complete them before you need to use your mower.
• Garden planning: Now is a great time to peruse gardening catalogs and start to plan your summer flower gardens. Seeds and bulbs can be ordered now so that you have them in hand and ready to go as soon as planting season begins. Taking stock of your existing plantings and considering where you need to add more will give you an opportunity to choose plants that are best suited to your climate. Looking through catalogs and dreaming of your yard in full bloom is a great way to chase away the wintertime blues.
• Power wash: Once the days begin to turn warm, it is a great time to get outside and power wash the outside of your house, the decks, and patios. Once you’ve scoured the exterior of your home, you’ll be able to spot which areas need a paint touch-up.
• Check the condition of outdoor furniture: Take stock of your outdoor furniture and entertainment supplies. Are tables and chairs in good repair and do you have enough of them? Are outdoor umbrellas, lighting fixtures and grills in good working order? Are there any entertainment supplies that you need or want for the coming season?
• Swimming pool supplies: If you have a swimming pool, you may want to take inventory of any chemicals you have left over from previous years and organize them so they are easily accessible in your garage or shed. You may want to consider whether you will need to purchase any large items such as pool liners, filters, heaters, or solar covers this year. Knowing what you need to purchase can help you spot and take advantage of sales when they occur.
• Outdoor irrigation: Check your sprinkler system for proper usage and operation.  With warmer weather on its way, and less rain, you may even consider installing a timer for an automated process.
• Plumbing repair: Has even one of your drains been showing signs of clogging? Don’t let this problem escalate. If you’ve been noticing backup and Drain-o isn’t doing the trick, have a professional plumber assess the problem.
• Heating and air: Hopefully in preparation for winter you got your heating in working order. But when that San Diego sun starts to warm us up, you’ll want to be sure your air conditioning is running efficiently. If your current air conditioning system is outdated or sucking up energy and your money, spring 2012 is the perfect time to consider upgrading to a more energy-efficient and effective system.

Spring and summer are undeniably beautiful seasons in San Diego that offer themselves up for fun and relaxation. If you start now with routine repairs and touch-ups, tackling larger problems like clogged drains and dysfunctional air systems, and letting your creativity flow by planning your summer garden, you’ll be able to enjoy the investment that is your home all the more when temperatures begin to soar.