Helpful Hints

The Portland [1Thing] site is a great resource for recycling tips, sustainable living and other ways to make your home and life a little greener.

The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) recommends using the following checklist to help homeowners figure out the areas to target for repair. Get these chores done and be prepared for a great summer.

  • Check for leaky or loose gutters. A gutter that isn't draining correctly can cause water to enter a crawl space or basement. Ensure that all downspouts empty at least eight inches from the foundation and that they are free of any debris.
  • Look for any low areas throughout your yard, and particularly near the foundation. If any are found, fill them with soil. Spring rain can cause a yard to flood, which may lead to foundation damage. Furthermore, when water gathers in a low area during the summer, it makes a perfect insect breeding ground.
  • Take a screwdriver and check the trim around your decks, railings, doors and windows. Spring rain can do significant damage, so now is the time to repair wood trim.
  • Perform a visual roof inspection. Look for any shingles that have become loose or lost during the winter. Any buckled or cracked shingles should be replaced, as should any with missing granules. Also, check the flashing around chimneys, skylights and plumbing vents and have a qualified roofer make any necessary repairs. If your roof is 20 years old or more, you probably want to start planning a budget to have it replaced soon.
  • Check the chimney exterior for cracks and damage, and have your flue inspected and cleaned by a professional.
  • Lubricate your garage door.
  • Concrete slabs should be inspected for movement or cracks. Cracks can easily be filled with silicone caulk. Give it a good power washing and then seal it before spring.
  • Firewood should never be stored close to the home. It needs to be 24 inches from your house and 18 inches from the ground.
  • Once the weather has warmed, check outdoor faucets for damage. Turn on the water and put a finger in the opening. If you can completely stop the flow of water, you probably have a damaged interior pipe that will need to be replaced.
  • Get ready for spring by firing up the yard equipment to make sure it's ready. Sharpen those blades and gas up the lawnmower. This will make yard work a lot easier when the time comes.

Portland Nursery suggests these gardening tips for Spring.

Follow these 10 Steps to a Total Yard Makeover.

Here are some home organization and spring home makeover tips.

House Beautiful suggests these simple tips to make over your home this spring.