Home Improvement Tips for April 2020

April offers the opportunity to return to outdoor living since cold weather is on the way out of town. Prep your space for spring and summer by maintaining the home exterior and beautifying the lawn and garden. Once you do that, turn your attention indoors, especially in the basement to protect against possible spring flooding!  But, most importantly, be sure to take the time to appreciate the season.

  1. Check the Sump Pump

    Heavy rains cause soil to become saturated with water, and that water can leak into your home through window wells or a vulnerable foundation, causing flooding in your basement. A sump pump should be able to mitigate the problem, but only if it’s in good working condition. Now is the time to check yours to make sure that it’s in good working condition.  First, check the sump pump pit for debris and remove anything that doesn’t belong. Then, fill the sump pump with water to test the float and ensure that it starts and stops properly.  Be sure to take a minute to clean the impeller, the small filter on the sump pump as it is possibly the most vital part of the sump pump.  If it was to become clogged, it could cause the sump pump to stop working when you need it the most.
  2. Unclog the Downspouts

    Everyone knows that it’s vital to clean gutters in spring and fall, but all too often homeowners neglect clogged downspouts, which can cause problems when torrential rains hit. After clearing your gutters of leaves and debris, run an auger or hose into the downspouts to clear away blockages. Then, consider installing a leaf strainer over the downspout to prevent future buildup.

  3. Dry Out the Basement
    Basements are extremely vulnerable to leaks and excess moisture due to being below the grade.  That’s why it’s a good idea to run a dehumidifier in the basement, especially if you—or your off-season storage—spend a lot of time down there. The excess moisture can lead to mold growth, warped wood or paper, rust, and peeling paint. A dehumidifier allows you to control the indoor humidity level, and take extra water out of the air.

These are just a few of the tips and tricks you can do to bring exceptional value out of your house for the upcoming season. When the weather finally turns, your house will be miles ahead because you went out and did these top three projects.

The Top Three Home Improvement Projects for Spring 2020

Spring is here, and now is the best time to do some home projects to make your house ready for the coming seasonal changes. Here are three projects you can do to bring more value to your home this spring!

  1. Gut the Gutters

    Before spring showers inundate your house, you’ll want to clear your gutters of all the pine needles, twigs, leaves, and other organic material that accumulated over the long winter months. Give the gutters a thorough cleaning, and while you’re up there, consider installing gutter guards, which are screens or foam inserts that prevent debris from piling up in the first place. That way when the rain comes it will easily be diverted from your roof, and you won’t have to worry about repairing leaks!
  2. Pest Prevention

    By April, you’ll be ready for warmer temperatures—but so will all of the critters that are ready to hatch and find their way into your house. Do a little work up front to prevent pests like termites, ants, and silverfish from making themselves at home. Check for cracks in your siding, examine your roof for rotting or broken shingles, and seal things up tight so that unwanted creatures can’t get in.

  3. Power Wash
    After a hard winter and a wet, windy spring, your home may start to show signs of algae or dirt buildup on the siding, giving it a sloppy, rundown appearance. May is a good month for washing the exterior of your house, as you’ll have plenty of dry, sunny days that are perfect for the task. Just be sure to use the proper pressure so you don’t damage the siding. 

These are just a few of the tips and tricks you can do to bring exceptional value out of your house for the upcoming season. When the weather finally turns, your house will be miles ahead because you went out and did these top three projects.