Top Ten Spring Home Maintenance Things To Do Before Summer Sets In

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Each year in the springtime countless homeowners dust off their drapes, clean up those cobwebs and get ready to take on the rest of the year. But aside from just cleaning on the surface and maybe organizing stored items – spring is a great time to come up to speed with your home maintenance needs. Here is our top ten list of things to do in your home before summer rolls around.

Replace Windows or Fix Them
Windows are not just the pretty face of a home, they are built and designed to keep the elements out, heat and cool air in and provide plenty of light throughout your home. Windows with broken or weak seals, tracks that don’t allow for smooth function or inefficient in terms of energy should be replaced or repaired for maximum usage.

Install a New Heating/Cooling System and Replace Filters
A heating and cooling unit is the easiest way to save or lose lots of money month after month if it is not operating at maximum efficiency. Depending on the age of your unit, you may actually save more money in the long run by changing it out. Also, replacing filters is critical to optimal operation of your system.

Clean Your Air Conditioning System
A simple cleaning of your air conditioning system will help the unit to run efficiently while at the same time cooling your home better and faster. Exterior fan units can be hosed down in a sweeping manner from left to right while a professional should do the units inside the home.

Install More Insulation
Spring is a great time to add more insulation to those areas with less-than-ideal insulation. Whether in the attic, basement, garage or other areas – consider having a professional doing a walk-through to share parts of your home that could use additional insulation.

Switch Out Ineffective Appliances With Energy Star Appliances
Older appliances tend to be energy mongers and the first place you will notice that is on your electric bill. In fact, many energy companies will give you rebates for switching out appliances for newer, more energy-efficient Energy Star® appliances.

Repair or Replace Roofs, Gutters and Downspouts
Unless properly maintained, roofs can become a big problem and a huge repair. Depending on the life of your roof’s shingles you may need to have an inspection done to decide whether they should be replaced or the entire roof redone. With time, gutters and downspouts tend to get clogged and need to be cleared up for smooth use throughout the spring, summer and fall months.

Paint to Spruce Up Your Curb Appeal
Probably the easiest way to spruce up curb appeal is with a fresh coat of paint on the front door. Many homeowners also choose to change their exterior façade at this time of the year for a fresh change.

Prune Your Trees
Trees need to be pruned so they grow properly, received maximum sunlight exposure and water. Pruning trees also helps fruits and flowers to grow better as well as branches are more evenly distributed.

Mulch Plants and Garden Areas
Mulching flowerbeds, garden areas and planted spaces in your garden adds beauty to your home’s exterior as well as helps control weeds. It’s also a great way to frame your garden spaces. Spring and fall are the best times of year for mulching.

Replace Light bulbs
Most people neglect to maintain light bulbs through their homes. An easy fix, simply change out your lights for more efficient ones can save you hundreds of dollars. The new energy-saving bulbs come in a variety of shades from white to yellow, much like traditional bulbs.

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As you begin your home maintenance projects the most important thing to keep is mind is you will need estimates. Leave the guesswork out of the equation. When your contractor gives you an estimate to do something you can hold them to it.

As always, we’re here to help you with all your real estate needs. Call, email or text anytime you or someone you know is considering buying, selling or investing in property.

Cycling for a Cure

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On June 2 be sure to join us for the Saratoga Springs Tour de Cure, a bicycling ride - not a race - to raise funds to help find a cure for diabetes. By going at your own speed, you’ll be able to enjoy the gorgeous scenery.

The ride starts at the Saratoga Spring High School and includes five routes for all types of cyclers whether you’re an occasional rider or an experienced cyclist. The distances include 10, 25, 50, 62.5 and 100 miles as well as a three-hour spin for those who don’t own a bike. The 10-mile ride features a flat ride through Saratoga Spa State Park, while the 25-mile route is mostly flat with a moderate hill. The 50-mile route includes a few moderate hills, but is downhill for the last 15 miles. The 62.5- and 100-mile rides are for those who thrive on a challenge. A master instructor will lead those on stationary bikes in a party atmosphere.

To help the American Diabetes Association find the cure, come on out and ride with us toward our goal of $1.25 million! 

If you’re are interested in buying or selling your home, contact me at (518) 693-1742 or tia@tiasellsNYrealestate.com.