Spring is here and like most homeowners, I’ve been spending time opening windows and clearing the (literal) cobwebs from my home. The air is a bit warmer, the light lasts longer and although my yard will need some help recovering from the winter chill, it feels good to step outside. Spring cleaning is a ritual for many homeowners, we feel more inclined to change our decor and tidy up from the long winter of near-hibernation. But spring cleaning is also a ritual because many people suffer from pollen-related allergies; the sneezing and snuffling motivates us to clear the dust and the clutter. Cleaning companies are busier as homeowners desire a thorough clean (windows, carpeting, appliances, etc.). It’s the perfect time of year to scrub the corners and crevices of the home.
Allergens can be the fault of blooming trees and plants and can easily make it’s way into our homes. Allergens can also come from the home itself: dust mites, insect droppings, pet dander, mold and mildew are all known contributors to respiratory issues. If your family is suffering from constant itchy eyes and sinus issues it’s a good idea to thoroughly clean the inside of your home. Be sure to use non-toxic cleaners (you can find easy and inexpensive cleaning recipes here) so you don’t further aggravate a family member’s sensitivities. You’ll love your home more if it’s not making you physically sick!

Here are the most common rooms to address if you are suffering from allergies:
KitchenFirst and foremost, be sure you are regularly wiping down surfaces including the hard-to-reach areas like behind appliances or inside cupboards. Paying attention to the accumulation of dust and debris in these “hidden” areas will help you spot early signs of insects and other pests. Pet hair and dander also love to gather in the corners and recess of the kitchen. Clean out the vents so that smoke and steam are ventilated properly during cooking. Mold and mildew are a constant battle in the kitchen where moisture, temperature and food gather together. Make it a habit to regularly clean out the refrigerator and pantry. Wipe down the rubber seals on your refrigerator, freezer and dishwasher. Regularly wipe down the garbage can and surrounding areas. Homeowners usually enjoy a clean kitchen and unfortunately many of us use toxic chemicals to create a sanitary environment. These chemicals are often irritating to sinuses, lungs and skin so consider using these easy-to-follow and inexpensive natural cleaners.
BathroomMold and mildew will be your biggest chore in the bathroom. To make things easier, keep a small tub of non-toxic cleaning products in the bathroom so you can quickly clean on a regular basis. Replacing plastic shower liners with a resistant liner can help. As does making sure you have a properly installed bathroom vent to help suck out the moist air. Dust and dander can also accumulate in the bathroom so wipe down surfaces once a week.
BedroomThe biggest chore in the bedroom is addressing dust mites and other allergy-triggers. Pillows and mattress covers should be replaced every 1-3 years. Some pillows don’t wash very well so read the label if you plan on washing them. Using a high-quality pillow cover and pillow case can help extend the life of your pillow. Vacuuming regularly under the bed, where dust bunnies accumulate is important as is keeping the surfaces near where you sleep (like your nightstand) dust-free.
Attic & BasementIf your attic or basement are used for storage you’ll want to check your belongings for dust accumulation, mildew and pests. Because these areas are usually walked through or inspected, it’s an opportune place for things to grow and accumulate. Cleaning and organizing these spaces is the best way to start the process. If you notice a lot of dust and debris be sure to wear a HEPA mask so you don’t inhale unwanted toxins. Call a debris hauling company if you have a lot of items that should be removed permanently from the home. Instead of storing items in cardboard, consider purchasing clear plastic boxes. They are easier to stack and it’s easy to see from afar what the boxes contain. Storing the boxes on inexpensive shelving will also help you consolidate items. Any plumbing in the basement should also be inspected for leaks as mold and mildew can quickly gather in a basement.

If Spring has come to your neighborhood then you might be in the throes of warmer weather and more hours of daylight. This is good news for homeowners who may find they have a bit more time, and motivation, to get out into the yard or work on the house.

Not sure what your home or property needs done this month? Looking for someone to do these projects for you? Here are some ideas to get you motivated and get your to-do list done!

House cleaning
Let a professional tackle your spring cleaning! Aside from the usual housecleaning tasks, consider having your carpeting, upholstery, drapery and windows cleaned as well as outdoor patio items like your grill or outdoor furniture.

Exterior cleaning
If your exterior siding, roof, gutters, patio, driveway and walkways need cleaning, try a professional pressure washing company. Removing moss and algae build-up is important not just for looks but for keeping these materials in good shape and ensuring a safe walk up to the house.

Landscaping services
If your yard needs some post-winter cleanup, consider hiring a landscaping company. They can deliver large quantities of mulch or gravel, remove debris from the garden beds, lay down new sod, and make your yard ready to support spring and summer growth.

Exterior projects
​Need to repair your deck? Want a new pathway in the yard? Does the fence need mending? April is a great time to book a professional to get exterior structural projects done. Getting these tasks done right will help ensure safety in your yard and can add value to your property.

Perform these simple maintenance jobs to fend off potential moisture problems, prevent costly repairs, and pave the way for a trouble-free summer.

Clean GuttersWhat? Again? Yup, consider this the early-spring edition of a twice-yearly (at least) outdoor maintenance task (a big reason folks love single-story houses). Look in gutter bottoms for loose granules that signal your asphalt roof may need replacing (see Roof Inspection, below).

Got gunk in the downspout gooseneck? Ream it out with a garden hose. Take off any nozzle and have a helper turn on the water when you’re ready. Shove the hose into the downspout to power out of gooseneck bends. Make sure your downspouts channel water at least five feet from foundation walls.

Inspect Your Roof If you’re cool with heights, do an inspection from a securely set ladder. If not, use a pair of binoculars. You’re looking for: curled and missing shingles, rusted and pitted flashing, and cracked caulk around pipe collars, skylights and other roof penetrations.

If your roof is relatively flat and you’re confident about working on a roof, do the repairs yourself. Steep roofs require safety equipment, such as a harness. If you’re unsure, opt for safety first and call in a pro. Expect to pay a licensed roofing contractor $100 to $200 for minor repairs; $300 to $500 to replace flashing and boots.

Repair PaintKeep painted surfaces in good repair by scraping off any chipped and peeling paint and spot painting exposed surfaces. “The worst thing you can do is leave wood exposed, because that’s when it will begin to rot,” says Brian Gummel, president of The Painting Company in Edgewater, Md.

Pressure wash your home's exterior and look for any chips in the paint. Exposed wood can rot, so give worn areas a new coat.

Trim Overgrowth Spring is a good time to trim branches of shrubs and trees away from your house —get an early start before leaves grow and while you can see individual limbs. Keep branches 5 to 7 feet away from your house so they can’t conduct moisture onto your roofing and siding. You’ll also help discourage squirrels and raccoons from exploring ways to nest in your attic.

Always use clean landscaping trimmers and cutters to prevent the spread of plant diseases. Clean off blades with a little bleach on a rag, and dry the cutting surfaces thoroughly. Keep tools sharp to prevent tearing bark.

Ensure Good DrainageGood drainage is the soul of a happy house. To keep your hacienda smiling (and help put the kibosh on mold, mildew, termites and basement leaks), check to make sure the soil slopes away from foundation walls at least six vertical inches over 10 feet. That’ll move rain and snowmelt far enough away to prevent problems.

Check Foundation VentsA house with a crawl space has vents along the foundation walls. The vents provide air circulation that helps dissipate excess moisture and prevent mold growth. The vents have screens that keep critters from taking up residence under your residence. The screens usually are recessed and become catch-alls for leaves, twigs and assorted debris.

Spring is a great time to clean out foundation vents and check screens for damage. Clean the vents by hand or a shop vacuum. Repair any damaged screens knowing that a rat can squeeze through a hole the size of a quarter, and mice can get inside a hole barely bigger than the diameter of a pencil!

Inspection day is often one of the most exciting moments of home buying because it’s likely the first chance you have to go inside the home since you made your offer. It’s also usually the last chance you’ll have until a final walkthrough. But more importantly, it’s your opportunity to make sure you know what you’re getting yourself into when it comes to the condition of the home.
Home inspections can be reassuring, fun and exhausting all at the same time.
Home inspections don’t just provide you with a list of problems you want to negotiate with the seller to fix or something catastrophic that makes you back out of the deal altogether. It will provide you a detailed report that is something of a “new owner’s manual” for the home. It will include maintenance tips and schedules you should follow.
Inspection dayYou should plan on being there and your agent should be right there with you the entire time. Chances are the seller’s agent will be there, too to help get any quick answers the inspector might need. Block off the entire morning or afternoon. Home inspections take time and you don’t want to rush through it. During this time, follow along as much as you can. You don’t have to follow the inspector into the crawlspace – they bring protective clothing just for that – but anyplace reasonably accessible, you should go too.
You aren’t being a pest. (That’s a different inspection altogether. If you have any reason for concern, hire an additional pest inspection.) You’re being a student. Inspectors will explain your home’s systems and give you maintenance tips. Those should also be in the final report, along with pictures. But hearing and seeing it in person is helpful. The day of inspection will probably feel like a whirlwind of activity. You may be a little nervous about what the inspector will find. It will help if you make like a Boy Scout: Be Prepared.
Home inspection checklistYou should start preparing for a professional inspection when you initially tour the home, before making an offer. This will give you an idea if there are any areas you want the inspector to pay special attention to. A good inspector will address these issues in the report you pay for. Use this checklist to help figure out what to look for ahead of time and in the final report. If any of these items aren’t covered in the inspection report, ask why not.
Foundation: Look at the base of the walls and the ceilings in each room. Are there obvious cracks or apparent shifts in the foundation? Do the same around the outside. Are there any trees encroaching on the foundation?
Lot: Does the drainage appear to be away from the house? Are there any obvious soggy areas?
Roof: What is the overall condition? When was it last replaced?
Exterior: Does the house look like it will need repairs or repainting soon? Are gutters and downspouts firmly attached? Are there loose boards or dangling wires? Is there asbestos in the exterior material, which would require added costs if it needed to be repaired or replaced?
Attic: How does the interior of the roof structure look? Are there any signs of leaks?
Interior evidence of leaks: Check ceilings and around windows in each room.
Basement: Is there dampness? Adequate insulation? (If there’s a crawlspace instead of a basement, you might want to leave this for the professional home inspection.)
Electrical: Do the switches work? Are there any obvious malfunctions? Have the outlets been grounded? Is the panel updated and expandable for additional appliances or a potential remodel?
Plumbing: Any unusual noises or malfunctions? Has the sewer line been scoped to check for potential cracks?
Appliances: If these are included, what is the age and condition of the stove, dishwasher or refrigerator?
Heating/cooling system: Does it seem to do the job? How old is the furnace? If the system has been converted, are the old systems or tanks still in place?
Odor: Does the home smell? Can you detect what it might be and whether it could be fixed? Beware of musty odors which could signal a wet basement.
Full disclosureIn addition to your own eyes, ears and nose, you should get a seller’s disclosure statement before your inspection. Use the statement to help you pinpoint anything you want your inspector to look at. If they disclosed that they had a leaky window replaced or repaired, make sure that gets some extra attention from your inspector.
Disclosure requirements vary by state and sometimes local jurisdictions, so ask your real estate agent if you have any questions about what is included. Disclosure typically comes in the form of boilerplate documents with a series of yes/no questions for the seller to detail their home and their experience there.
One thing to look for is whether any unpermitted work has been done. If so, you could be on the hook for bringing the house up to code should you ever remodel. Even if that’s not even remotely on your radar, unpermitted work needs to be carefully inspected, particularly electrical and plumbing work.
Inspectors aren’t perfectWhat happens if your inspection comes back clean but you find problems after you move in? It depends. First, the inspection will only cover things they can see. They aren’t tearing out walls and don’t have x-ray vision so problems that are truly hidden aren’t really their fault. (Unless they missed what should have been obvious signs of a potential hidden problem.)
Look carefully at your contract. Will they pay for repairs of things they should have caught but didn’t? Or will they only refund your inspection fee? The bottom line is that you may end up taking them to court if it’s a big enough deal. So a leaky faucet? That’s just the joy of homeownership. A structural failure that leads to the home being condemned? Probably worth talking with a lawyer. But you should also understand that things happen. This is part of being a homeowner. An inspector can’t forecast the future. Sometimes stuff happens.