If the sight of the mercury creeping upward fills you with spring fever, we’re with you. We, too, are restless for the toastier and longer days that are just around the corner. But before you can kick back on a balmy evening with a crisp glass of rosé or a cool IPA, you’ve got to get your home in shape.
The month of March—when temps are beginning to rise but before those April showers—is the ideal time to get down and dirty with those maintenance projects, says J.B. Sassano, president of Mr. Handyman, a commercial and residential repair, maintenance, and improvement franchise. March “home maintenance projects can extend the longevity and improve the quality of your home, inside and out,” he says.
So where do you start dusting off winter’s residue? We’ve got a handy checklist of home maintenance chores that will get your home ready to rock when the weather actually gets warm. And if you’re struggling to muster up the energy to tackle these chores, we’ve provided tips for how to do them faster and easier—or with the help of a pro. Because, hey, you’re busy. With that in mind, here’s something to think about, nay, DO this month…
Clean the Siding
Task: Get rid of dirt and grime that can cause mildew and shorten the life of your siding. As a bonus, the exterior of your home will look fresh and clean for spring.
Shortcuts: There are now a lot of different home pressure washing systems available at moderate prices (some you just attach to your garden hose), but if you want to go old school, a bucket of warm, soapy water and a long-handled brush are all you need. Rinse with water from a garden hose.
Call in the pros: Cleaning the siding on a two-story, 2,500-square-foot house runs $900 to $1,150.
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Photo Credit: Chuck Wagner / Shutterstock.com