Things are starting to warm up and spring is hopefully just around the corner now. But as the sun returns and the first flowers begin to pop out the chances are that you’ll begin to notice things about your home that changed – and were maybe neglected – during the winter months that need attending to now. Or at least you should be on the lookout for them.
Whether you are planning to put your Waterloo Region home on the market for sale this spring or are just committed to giving it a little more TLC this year here’s a look at some spring cleaning and updating chores you should not let slip through the cracks, and should therefore start thinking about now.
Home buyers head out in the spring searching for a home that’s been taken care of despite any bad weather or snowy conditions, so working on your home right at the beginning of spring will keep things ready to go for the spring home sales season.
If you are staying put, freshening up your home’s interior and exterior will invigorate your home with spring energy so that you can enjoy the warm weather, and all the fun of the Waterloo Region spring and summer still yet to come.
1) Wash Windows and Freshen Window Treatments
Windows often take the brunt of winter weather, keeping out cold winds and catching winter dust, dirt, and even salt from the roads. Your first step when spring cleaning should be to wash the inside and outside of your windows. You’ll be amazed at how much more light can enters the space when the windows are clean!
Here are some tips for easy window cleaning:
Choose the right day to clean: It's best to clean windows on a cloudy day or in the early morning or late afternoon when the sun is not directly shining on the windows. Direct sunlight can cause the cleaning solution to dry too quickly, leaving streaks on the glass.
Use the right cleaning solution: Use a solution that is specifically designed for cleaning windows. You can either purchase a commercial window cleaning solution or make your own by mixing equal parts of white vinegar and water. Avoid using soap-based cleaners, as they can leave streaks.
Use a squeegee: A squeegee is the most effective tool for cleaning windows. Start at the top of the window and pull the squeegee down in a straight line. Wipe the squeegee blade with a clean, lint-free cloth after each pass.
Use a microfiber cloth: After using the squeegee, use a microfiber cloth to wipe the edges and corners of the window. Microfiber cloths are highly absorbent and will leave the glass streak-free.
Don't forget the window frames and tracks: Use a brush or vacuum to remove dirt and debris from the window frames and tracks before cleaning the glass. After cleaning the glass, wipe down the frames and tracks with a damp cloth.
Use a drop cloth: To avoid getting cleaning solution on the floor or furniture, use a drop cloth to cover the area beneath the window.
By following these tips, you can make window cleaning a quick and easy task, leaving your windows looking clean and streak-free.
Changing your window treatments is also an effortless way to bring spring pep into your home. Keep it simple by just washing or dry cleaning your current draperies, or take it one step further by updating heavy draperies with light and airy sheers.
2) Clear Your Gutters’ Downspouts
Dirty gutters are an eyesore and a liability not only for you but for potential buyers as well. Cleaning your gutters will take roughly 15-30 minutes, but will save you money in the long run. You can avoid flooding during spring rains by clearing gutters of all rubbish using a ladder, a small hand rake, and a hose.
Potentials buyers will see that you’ve taken care of your gutters and downspouts and gain an added sense of confidence that you’ve taken care of the rest of your home, too. If your gutters have seen better days now is the time to replace them. Replacing older gutters with durable, seamless new ones will prevent leaks and they won’t need replacing as often as sectional gutters.
3) Bring the Outdoors In
One of the most exciting things about spring is the burst of flower blossoms that happen around the neighbourhood.
If you will be selling your Waterloo Region home this coming spring season adding spring flowers can be a great way to brighten up your home staging and give it a fresh, inviting feel. Here are some tips on how to add spring flowers in your home staging:
Choose the right flowers: Select a variety of spring flowers that are in season, such as daffodils, tulips, hyacinths, and lilacs. These flowers are colorful and fragrant, and will create a warm and welcoming atmosphere in your home.
Use different containers: To add interest and variety, use different types of containers to display your flowers, such as glass vases, ceramic pots, or woven baskets.
Group your flowers: Group your flowers together in clusters of three or five to create a focal point in the room. Place them on a coffee table, side table, or on a windowsill.
Don't forget the entryway: Placing a vase of flowers in the entryway can create an inviting first impression for potential buyers. Choose a large vase or a tall arrangement to make a bold statement.
Keep it simple: You don't need to go overboard with flowers to create a spring-like atmosphere. A few well-placed arrangements can make a big impact, so keep it simple and don't overcrowd your space.
4) Lawn Care
The first thing that a potential home buyer sees is typically your front lawn. Once the snow melts, you’ll probably need to take some steps to get your yard back into shape. Start your lawn work by raking away any leaves, branches, and clutter that was hidden under the snow all winter. Prune and trim your trees and shrubs and then haul away compost debris.
Aerate your lawn using a soil conditioner product and reseed any damaged or bare parts of your lawn using grass seed and fertilizer.
5) Repair Roof Damage
Nothing is more intimidating to a potential buyer than a roof that needs some serious work. Keep up with small roof repairs so that you can avoid an expensive overhaul down the line. After a long winter, the first thing you should do is examine your roof and assess any damage, and while you’re up there, clear away any branches, leaves, moss, and other rubbish.
If you find an excessive amount of moss, mold, or other growth, you’ll need to treat your roof with chlorine bleach or copper sulfate. Replace any missing shingles and don’t hesitate to contact a roofer for a second opinion if need be.
6) De-Clutter for Spring!
Spring is the perfect time to pare down the clutter that’s been accumulating in your home. Before you get started, make a room-by-room plan so that you don’t feel overwhelmed by the prospect of de-cluttering your entire home—know that you don’t need to do everything in one day or even in one weekend.
Consider investing in drawer dividers and closet organizers to tame spaces that are prone to clutter. If you are planning on putting your home on the market, de-cluttering your home should be one of your top priorities.
7) Refresh Your Textiles
Re-energize your home by updating pillowcases, throws, and duvet covers. Choose bright pops of color that coordinate well with existing color schemes.
If you aren’t ready to invest in a new duvet or all new pillows, you can still freshen up your fabrics by giving them a good wash. Spring is the perfect time to shake off the dust that built up over the winter.
8) Repair Windows and Screens
Replace damaged and warped screens so that you can enjoy warm spring breezes without being bothered by bugs and other critters. If you had a particularly rough winter, you’ll want to recaulk windows and inspect them for water damage and rot.
If you notice condensation between layers of glass, replace the sash or the window. Maintaining your windows will help save you money on both heating and air conditioning and great windows are another big consideration for many home buyers.
If you do plan to sell your Waterloo Region home this spring - and it is a great time to do so - Team Pinto would be delighted to help you do so. Ou award winning team is always available to discuss how w can help you sell you home quickly and for top dollar, so why not contact us here, so we can discuss just how we can help you.
