Spring is here at last! Sure, the calendars say so, but all the signs are around us, too: It’s staying brighter later, clothing is getting shorter and more colorful, and the sounds of lawnmowers and landscapers can be heard at just about 8 a.m. every Saturday! Because spring is a time for rebirth and renewal, it’s a time most of us choose to get to work on our homes—both outdoors and in. And even in a tough economy, you can still do plenty to your home to keep it feeling fresh and new. Here are 10 low-cost and simple ways to improve your home in preparation for the spring and summer months
1. Rome Wasn’t Built in a Day
…It is possible however, to build a backyard deck or patio in a day. All it takes is a trip to the lumberyard, a hammer and a box of nails. If do-it-yourself craftsmanship isn’t in the cards for you, you can hire someone to install a deck for you.
2. Live Off Your Own Land
There’s nothing juicer than a hand-picked tomato from the vines growing in your own garden. Be sure to pick a section of your yard that gets full sun all day to ensure the best growth. Research your vegetables before planting them to see if they are best suited in a grounded pot, hanging pot, or trained to vine to save space.
3. Warm it Up to Cool it Off
By adding a layer of insulation to your attic, you can significantly reduce the cost of keeping your house cool through warmer months.
4. Spring Cleaning
Be sure to clean and change any air filters, or baseboard heaters throughout your home. By using washable filters, you can save money that gets wasted on buying replacement filters.
5. Peek Around Up Top
Go up to your roof and check out any damage this tough winter may have caused. Checking on your roof is as important as a check-up at the dentist—if you don’t check your roof every few months or so, large decays will result in a vacant wallet.
6. Be an Artist
The most simple of face-lifts for any room is to give it a new color. Painting is relatively inexpensive, and doesn’t take too much time. It is also a way for the entire family to get involved.
7. When it Rains, it Pours
Be sure to clean out all gutters from fall and winter debris. April showers certainly will fill the gutters; make sure the downspouts are turned away from your home to avoid flooding.
8. Detective Work
Avoid a potential disaster and get in the habit of routinely checking batteries in all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors throughout your home. Be sure to keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and that it is not expired. Spring is an optimum time to check these things…because, admit it, you haven’t looked at your fire extinguisher in years, have you?
9. Bug Off!
As it warms up and the humidity rises, so will the amount of bugs in your backyard. Be sure to check for any holes in window and door screens to keep any disease-carrying bugs like mosquitoes out of your home.
10. Put a Spotlight on Your Dollar
Try to keep the lights off during the day and open curtains to let sunlight illuminate your home. By changing bulbs to florescent or energy-savers, you can significantly reduce your expenses and still have a bright yard or interior at night.