The Update

How to Prepare Your Home for Spring

Winter is on its way out, so spring’s on its way in. That means it’s time to stop hibernating and get your home ready for the season! Here’s how to do that in just five easy steps:

Step 1: Clean your Yard

Rake up all leaves, loose twigs and anything else your yard has collected over the winter. If you own a mulching mower, you can shred the leaves and allow them to compost on your lawn.

Step 2: Prep Your Grass and Other Plants and Trees

Prune all dead and diseased branches from trees and shrubs. Pull up weeds and crabgrass, making sure to get the entire root. Fertilize and seed your lawn to promote new, healthy roots and strong grass growth.

Step 3: Clear Your Gutters

Clogged gutters can cause big-time damage to your home. After a long winter, your gutters may be full of leaves, twigs and other debris. Use a gloved hand to clear your gutters of all objects and then flush the gutters with a running hose. This will also help you find any leaks that need to be repaired. Remember to be super careful when using ladders!

Step 4: Clean the Exterior of Your Home

If you own a pressure washer and already have the specialized cleaning solution to use with it, you’re ready to go. Otherwise, you can rent a pressure washer from a home improvement store, like Lowe’s or Home Depot, and buy the cleaning solution there as well. Load the washer with the solution and clean the outside of your home using slow movements. Let the solution rest for a few minutes, and then rinse it using the washer or a garden hose.

Step 5: Prepare Your A/C Units

Make sure your home is ready to handle the heat by inspecting your A/C units early in the season. Check your outdoor unit panels, removing all leaves, twigs and other debris that may have accumulated over the winter. Also check the interior of the unit to be sure it’s clear of any debris that may have blown inside. Finally, it’s a good idea to change your HVAC system’s air filter before you turn it on for the new season.

Your home is ready for the new season! Have a wonderful spring.

Need Help Funding DIY Home Projects? 

Do you have some plans to for your home this Spring? If you need some additional funding, think about an RGCU HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit). This is a fantastic way to use your home's equity to make improvements. A Home Equity Line of Credit is much like a credit card or any other type of open-ended credit. You can borrow money as needed, up to the credit limit, for a period of ten years.