April Home Maintenance Checklist

April Home Maintenance Checklist

April is a time of renewal – especially for gardeners who are eager to get outside and start breathing new life into their backyard oasis. This month, our checklist is all about preparing for the sunnier seasons ahead. We’re also sharing a few sustainable solutions in honour of Earth Day 2016. Get into the spring cleaning spirit with our April to-do list!

Clean and repair gutters and downspouts.

If you didn’t check this off your March to-do list, add it to April’s home maintenance tasks to prevent costly water damage. Remove any debris lingering in gutters and make sure water flows freely through downspouts. Tighten sagging gutters and seal any leaks.

Prune tree limbs and shrubs.

Branches too close to your home’s exterior shell can damage your siding, windows and roof. Rodents and insects may use overhanging branches as easy access into your home. Be proactive by pruning shrubs and trees away from the house.

Clean and organize garage and/or shed.

The garage can turn into a dumping ground for random odds and ends that have no specific home. Spend a Saturday sorting through the “stuff” and thinking up smart storage solutions. It’s amazing what a few shelves, cabinets, and hooks can do to mask unsightly clutter.

Inspect outdoor furniture.

If your outdoor furniture is still sitting in storage, now’s the time to get it out. Give everything a good clean and inspect each piece for any damage or wear and tear from last season. For those items beyond repair, start looking for replacements. Home stores are now fully stocked with outdoor goodies. Get a jump start on shopping so you’re ready for your first outdoor gathering.

Inspect outdoor equipment.

Your outdoor essentials may need a little TLC. Make sure your gardening tools are clean and free from rust. Sharpen any blades worn down from last season. Inspect your grill and ensure it’s ready to be fired up at a moment’s notice. Stock up on fuel for your lawn mower.

Clean windows.

Your home’s windows probably took a bit of a beating during the winter months. Clean windows – inside and out – to remove any grime, fingerprints and residue. For those hard-to-reach areas, hire a professional who will get the job done safely.

Purge.

We know this isn’t the first time we’ve recommended a purge, but for many homeowners, each month sees new items being brought into the home. Go through winter clothes, old sports equipment, tools that are taking up space, and toys the kids haven’t touched in years. Anything collecting dust should be thrown out or given to a local donation drop-off.

Go green.

Did you know Friday, April 22, 2016 is Earth Day? April is the perfect time to think of ways to “go green” at home. It can be as easy as shutting off lights when you leave a room, shopping at your local farmers’ market for fresh produce, making a conscientious effort to use less water, and cutting down on waste. A few simple changes can make a big difference on our environment.

Rejuvenate your home’s interior and exterior by tackling this month’s to-do list. For more home improvement inspiration and to find out about sustainable renovations for a “greener” home, check out iloverenovations.ca. Happy April!