Spring Home Prep Step 1. Schedule Gutter Cleaning & Roof Inspections

We know, this chore is kind of boring but it’s important. Winter storms and falling debris can wreak havoc on your roof and gutters. Schedule an inspection and cleaning to help prevent costly damage and keep your home in peak condition.

• Gutter cleaning. Plan to clean your gutters in early spring, once the snow has melted and before heavy spring rains begin. Clogged gutters can lead to water damage, mold growth, and even foundation issues if left unchecked.
• Roof inspection. Hire a professional to inspect your roof for any damage caused by winter weather. Look for missing or damaged shingles, leaks, nail pops, or structural wear. Catching problems early can save you from expensive repairs down the line.

Spring Home Prep Step 2. Set A Date for Exterior Washing

As an addendum to the roof and gutter inspections and repair, a good washing will make your house feel like new and enhance curb appeal with a welcoming façade.

• Softly wash your home’s exterior, driveway, and walkways. This will remove winter grime and mold and brighten up your property. We do NOT recommend “power” washing your house — it can lead to damage and leaks. A hose with an adjustable sprayer, a long-handled brush for hard-to-reach areas, and some outdoor-safe cleaner should do the trick.

Spring Home Prep Step 3. Perform Septic System Maintenance

• Hire a professional septic service. Identify any issues early on and get appropriate solutions.
• Pump it out more often than recommended. Using spring as your guide will help you remember. Keeping it clean is the best protection and ensures a long life.
• Add enzymes. Spring is a great time to use enzymes to encourage faster breakdown of winter waste.
• Watch for and proactively address issues. Pay attention to strange odors, slow drains, gurgling sounds, or a wet septic field before these issues become substantial, costly emergencies.
• Avoid planting trees or shrubs nearby. This minimizes the risk of root damage. Also, avoid placing heavy landscaping objects in the drain field.

Spring Home Prep Step 4. Start Planning Landscaping Now

This is one of our favorite projects! Cultivating living things that bring joy for a few extra months is always worth the time and effort. Early planning ensures your yard is vibrant and inviting as the temperatures rise. Here are a few landscaping projects to consider:

• Lawn care. Start preparing your lawn by fertilizing, which promotes healthier grass sooner, and using pre-emergent to help prevent the germination of unwanted weeds.
• Garden planning. Now’s a good time to start seedlings indoors to get a jump start on gardening and bring some greenery into the house. Native and hardy plants like herbs (basil, rosemary), tomatoes, and certain flowers (marigolds, petunias) transition well from indoors to outdoors.
• Tree and shrub pruning. To encourage healthy development, trim dead branches and shape trees and bushes before new growth starts. Make sure you research which trees and shrubs like spring pruning, and which prefer fall pruning. For example, oak, elm, birch, maple, and sycamore should be pruned in the fall to reduce the chance of disease.
• Mulching and edging. Freshen up your garden beds with a new layer of mulch to retain moisture and prevent weed growth. For no-maintenance beds, switch to granite rocks and never mulch again!
• Outdoor living spaces. If you’ve been thinking about adding a patio, deck, or outdoor kitchen, now is the time to plan and schedule installation so you can enjoy it all summer long. Contractors are still slow in February and early March, so it is advantageous to start now.

Spring Home Prep Step 5. Transition Your Home from Dark to Light

• Deep clean. Dust and vacuum unseen places, like under furniture, along baseboards, and upper and lower vents. Furnaces create a lot of dust that builds up fast.
• Swap out textiles. Change out heavy blankets and dark winter decor for lighter, brighter colors and fabrics.
• Improve indoor air quality. Open windows on warm days to let in fresh air, replace HVAC filters, and consider adding indoor plants, such as the Dracaena, for natural air purification and oxygen production
• Check seasonal systems. Test your HVAC before the heat arrives to ensure it’s running efficiently. It’s a good idea to have a twice-a-year maintenance plan with a reputable company for the best performance.
• Rotate wardrobes and donate. Wash and stow bulky winter coats and boots and bring out lighter clothing to prepare for warmer temperatures. If you didn’t wear certain clothes or coats all winter consider donating them.

Spring Home Prep Step 6. Get A Jump Start on Selling Your Home or Building a Home

Thinking of selling your house and building a customized home? Don’t wait until summer like everyone else! Starting now has many advantages.

• List your home in early spring rather than late spring or early summer. Most sellers wait until warmer weather when landscaping adds to the curb appeal, in June or July. However, with fewer houses on the market in early spring, you may get a higher price for your home and enjoy a faster process.
• Arrange for financing well in advance of making any move. Whether selling, buying, or building, securing all the loans and approvals needed weeks and even months before you begin the process will enable a more efficient, less stressful transaction. In February, lenders tend to be less busy so the process can go faster with more personal service.
• Start the build process now. When building, securing your parcel of land, designing your home, and signing a Build Agreement early in the year can lead to a faster move-in date, before the summer busyness. Materials prices can be slightly lower in the winter/early spring, and you may have an easier time getting your first choice on a plot of land.

Embark on These Spring Home Prep Projects Now & Have More Time for Fun

By taking the time to complete these seasonal tasks, you’ll feel the energy of spring in the air and set your home up for a smooth and enjoyable transition, without costly surprises. You’ll also have more time for outdoor hobbies and fun once the weather warms.

Whether you focus on exterior maintenance, landscaping upgrades, or interior refreshing, planning ensures you and your home are ready to enjoy every minute of the new season. Best of luck and let us know if you plan on building a customized home in the Troy, Missouri, area. Now is a great time to get started!