The DIYer's Blog

Spring always brings its share of surprises. As the snow begins to melt in Northern and Middle Areas, and early flowers blanket Southern landscapes, homeowners quickly discover cleanup projects in every direction including up and down. Besides the obvious need to clear gutters of leaves and dirt, expansion and time often loosen trays from buildings pointing out the need for repair or replacement in order to keep them from overflowing onto rooftops (where shingles may have loosened or blown away). Outdoor drains and window wells need to be cleared of debris and made ready for Spring rains, also.

Inspection of the seasonal toll will need to include wear and tear on cement, pavers and asphalt driveways where timely small repairs can avoid larger more expensive ones.

Leaves that fell after the final yard clean up need to be raked and removed to avoid extensive lawn repairs. Pre-emergent weed and feed ranks high on every lawn-lovers list. Bulbs for fragrant early blooms.

Inside and out peeling paint, dingy wallpaper and dirty siding beg attention with a power wash, paintbrush or new paper facelift.

Foxholes need filling … and spraying any new growth of poison ivy and poison oak is an absolute.

Screen in, storm windows out is a perfect time for washing windows throughout the house and mending or replacing screens for all important ventilation.

Floors need refinishing? Carpets worn or dirty? Decision time is all the time when you own or rent a home, and there are so many choices and so many product claims. How can you keep up with it all?

Whether it is time to change the water filters, the outdoor dryer vent, or most important of all–the kitchen hood vent, planning can make the difference between doing a lot of stuff, and staying on target with routine home maintenance tasks.

A homeowner’s annual journal is a good starting place. Which projects got major attention last year and can perhaps be moved down a little on the list? What was the replacement date on the last furnace filter? Did you remember to reset the humidifier control for the weather change?

When managing the family home let nothing slip through the cracks can come back to bite you. Write it down. Make notes of any concerns or planned improvements. Remember to check for city, state, or township ordinances that might affect your project.

Keep your home and family safe with regular attention to housekeeping details. Replace smoke detector batteries on a strict schedule. Repair steps, stair treads or handrails as soon as problems are discovered.

Planning a new home or major renovation? Compare the latest designs and innovative materials. Dare to dream as you check out all the possibilities. Even the most sought after building materials get better and more affordable with current technologies.

Whether you need to replace the deck, plant new trees or re-plumb the whole house, for the latest in how to’s and a full array of handy products and services, homeowners can find ideas on the “Home Improvement News And Information Center” website at www.HomeImprovementTime.com/consumer

Courtesy: Home Improvement News and Information Center

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