Here in Michigan, spring is fast approaching, and that means that most of us are planning for a spring cleaning weekend. Typically that means shaking out the rugs, polishing the floors, and maybe even a little steam cleaning, but it’s also important to remember the outside of your house when you’re making that spring cleaning list. Any custom home will need a little cleaning done on the exterior this spring too. If you’re not sure where to start on your outdoor spring cleaning list, here are a few ideas to get you started, and to make sure your custom home is in perfect shape for the rest of the year:
HAVE GUTTERS CLEANED
The first step in any spring home maintenance plan is to clean out the gutters. It’s a universally disliked job, and you will have to break out the ladder, but your custom home will thank you when you’re done. Cleaning out the gutters protects your home’s exterior and foundation from water damage, and ensures that shiny custom home stays looking like new for years. If you’re really having trouble bringing yourself to clean out the gutters, know that there are plenty of professionals out there who offer gutter cleaning for a small fee. Your roofer is probably the first and best person to talk to.
INSPECT THE ROOF
Speaking of your roofer, now is also the time to see what sort of shape winter has left your roof in. Falling tree limbs, hail, and many other weather disasters associated with winter can tear off and damage shingles, leaving your home exposed to the elements. While you’re working to prep your custom home for spring, be sure to take a close look at the roof, and give your roofer a call if you see any issues. The faster you get roofing problems fixed, the less damage you’ll have, and the less you’ll have to pay.
BREAK OUT THE POWER WASHER!
Nothing makes you feel more like Tim the Tool Man than power tools. If you’re ready to get your handyperson on this spring, break out that power washer to clean up any dirt and debris winter has left behind. Power washing your siding will leave your custom home bright and shiny, but that’s not all the power washer is good for. It’s also great for your sidewalk, paved driveway, patio, and deck or porch. Bring it out to spiffy up hard-to-wash, durable, outdoor surfaces.
CLEAN OUTDOOR FURNITURE
Nothing says warmer weather than breakfast or dinner out on the patio. But, you can’t eat on the patio until your outdoor furniture comes back out. Give furniture that’s been sitting in the garage or basement a good wash with a little soap and warm water to get rid of dust, dirt, and cobwebs, or, if it’s durable, simply spray furniture down with the hose and leave it in the sun to dry.
CLEAN THE GRILL
BBQ season is right around the corner, so you’ll want to have your grill looking spic-and-span for your outdoor evening parties. Scrub the inside of the grill with a heavy wire brush, consider soaking removable grates in a soapy solution, and don’t forget to disconnect the propane before you do it. Just 15 minutes of dedicated grill cleaning time will have your grill looking 10 times better.
CLEAN OUT THE GARAGE
Winter can be tough on the garage. It’s the place where everything gets thrown when the cooler weather starts to set in, and since it’s so cold out there, not much gets done with it through the chilly months. While you’re spring cleaning your custom home, don’t forget to dedicate a little bit of time to your garage. Organize it, put stuff back on the shelves, and you might end up with enough space to park the car!
AIR OUT THE HOUSE
During the winter, your custom home is shut up as tight as can be to keep warm air in, and cold air out. While that works really well to keep you and your family toasty, it means you’re pretty much breathing in recirculated air by the time spring arrives. As the weather warms up, take advantage of a clear day to open up the windows and doors to let fresh air circulate back through the house.
GET YOUR GARDEN READY
A final fun step of preparing your custom home for the spring is to get your garden ready for planting. Whether you have raised beds for vegetables, dedicated spaces for annuals, or a few pots for tomatoes and peppers, now is the time to make sure you have good rich soil for planting. Bring out the rototiller if need be, or simply add some nutrient-rich topsoil to your garden before you head out to buy seeds and plants.
If you’re tired of spring cleaning the same old house every year, it might be time for an upgrade. Considering a new home? Make it the house of your dreams with Whitmore Custom Homes. We’re a trusted, local West Michigan custom builder dedicated to creating the home you’ve always wanted. Check out our gallery for photos of past projects, or contact us online for more information about our custom home building process.
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