Get Your Home in Shape With These Spring Home-Maintenance Tips

Preparing your home for the hot season is the best thing you can do to save money and have peace of mind. From replacing the batteries in your smoke alarms to opening up your pool, spring is the ideal time to start getting your home in tip-top shape before summer settles in for a few months.

Start mowing

Now that winter has come and gone, it’s time to wake your yard (and equipment) back up. Rather than waiting until the grass needs to be cut to bring out the mower, go ahead and check that it is running properly so it is ready to go when you are. However, your grass won’t need to be cut if it isn’t thriving. Consider having your soil tested to see what nutrients are missing, and buy fertilizer accordingly.

Check for cracks 

After a cold winter, all that winter weather freezing and thawing can wreak havoc on your driveway and pathways. Check for cracks, and call in a professional to assess the damage. Depending on the extent of the damage, you may be able to get away with a patch as opposed to total replacement. While you are checking the exterior of your home, take a look at your roof to check for any missing or broken shingles. If you have a sprinkler system or outdoor faucet, go ahead and give these a test run so that any problems can be fixed before that first heat wave hits.

Pool time

Now that temperatures are rising, it is time to open up your inground pool. Remove your pool cover, then raise the level of the water to mid-skimmer. If you winterized your pool, remove any winterizing plugs before you start adjusting the chemicals. Ideally, your chemical levels should be as follows:

  • pH — 7.4 to 7.6
  • Alkalinity — 80 to 120 ppm
  • Chlorine — 2.0 to 4.0 ppm

Once the levels are where they should be, break out the vacuum and start cleaning up the dirt and debris that have made their way in over the fall and winter. After all the hard work put in cleaning up the pool, don’t forget to make sure it is a fun, safe space for all family members.

Grill safety

Before you fire up in the grill for a cookout, make sure you inspect your grill thoroughly to prevent a fire. If you have a gas grill, check the supply tube for debris and bugs, and test the gas line for leaks using water and household dish detergent (if you see bubbles, you have a problem). During use, keep a fire extinguisher nearby, and don’t forget to clean it afterwards.

Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors

Did you know that you should check your smoke alarms every month and replace the batteries yearly? There is a fire risk no matter what season it is, and safety is always a priority. Alarms with up-to-date batteries will alert you to leave your home immediately in case of a house fire.

Carbon monoxide detectors are essential if you use gas appliances such as stoves. The detectors will sound if the levels of this natural, odorless gas increase too high in your home. These devices are not only cost-efficient, but can save lives.

There are many things you can do to prepare your home for the spring and summer. Make sure to check for winter damage, open your pool, and clean your grill. Also be sure to fertilize your yard and check alarms.

Picture via Pixabay