As warmer weather approaches, it's time to get your spring cleaning list in order. While many of us will use this time to declutter our homes and give them a good, detailed cleaning inside, don't neglect the outside of your home. Use spring cleaning as an excuse to boost your home's curb appeal, along with its value. Here are six ideas to help you do that.
Power Wash
Power wash outdoor surfaces to remove dirt and grime that may have built up over time. This is a quick way to revitalize the appearance of your home. Wash siding, brick, or wood to remove the dirt and grime, but be careful with delicate surfaces. Power washing will make an old fence look much newer. Make sure to research how to clean any particular surface so you don't do any damage. You can also call a professional if you don't mind spending a few hundred dollars.
Inspect Roof
Inspect your roof to make sure there are no issues that can become bigger problems. House Logic has a good roof inspection checklist, which includes checking for things like cracked caulk or rust spots on flashing, shingles that are buckling/curling/blistering, missing or broken shingles, cracked and worn rubber boots around vent pipes, missing or damaged chimney cap, masses of moss and lichen, and black algae spores.
"If you find piles of colored grit from asphalt roof tiles in the gutters, that’s a bad sign," says House Logic.* "Those sand-like granules cover the surface of roof shingles and shield them from the sun’s damaging ultraviolet rays. Check the age of your roofing and see if it's nearing the end of its life cycle."
You might feel more comfortable hiring a professional to do your roof inspection.
Wash Windows
Cleaning your windows can go a long way toward making your home look nicer. Just as with the overall exterior of your home, dirt and grime can build up over time. Eventually, your windows may appear cloudy or streaked. Washing them inside and outside can make them look better and improve curb appeal.
Clean Gutters
Clean your gutters. Clogged gutters can lead to water damage, foundation issues, and pest infestations. Clean them at least once each spring to remove leaves, twigs, dirt, and other debris. You can do this yourself if you're comfortable using a ladder. Wear gloves to protect your hands. Check for signs of leakage or damage while you're at it, and make repairs if needed. There are professionals who will clean and check your gutters if you'd rather hire someone to do it for you.
Seal Driveway
Sealing your driveway is an often-overlooked way to improve the curb appeal of your home. Asphalt and concrete can crack over time, and the more this happens, the less attractive your driveway can become. Sealing is a project you can potentially do yourself, as long as you give yourself the time to do it properly.
"Driveway sealing preparation can take a full day (including drying time), and it’s tedious," notes Family Handyman.** "The driveway sealer application phase is much faster, taking only a few hours per coat for a typical driveway. Most driveway sealer manufacturers recommend two coats with a minimum drying time of eight hours between coats, so this driveway sealing project will fill an entire weekend."
Make Your Lawn and Landscaping Look Great
Beyond making your house look clean and shiny, your lawn and landscaping are perhaps the most important parts of great curb appeal. Keeping them well maintained can make your home very attractive, especially to prospective buyers.
Remove any weeds, leaves, and dead grass left over from the winter months. Aerate soil, reseed your lawn, and fertilize if necessary. Trim overgrown areas along walkways and flowerbeds to make everything look neat. Water and mow regularly. Trim bushes, hedges, and shrubs, and remove dead or damaged plants to make room for new growth. Add flowers and new mulch or pebbles to improve the look. Add other decorative elements, such as borders, statues, and planters to make an even bigger impression. If all this maintenance is a bigger job than you're prepared for, call in professional landscapers who are well-trained.
Spring cleaning doesn't have to stop inside your home. The season is a great time to take care of essential maintenance outdoors to improve your curb appeal and potentially increase the value of your home.
** https://www.familyhandyman.com/project/how-to-seal-an-asphalt-driveway/