We're getting a little antsy with all this sunny, warm weather here in New Jersey! It's as if spring has already sprung along with the clocks moving forward. Today, we're going to share some helpful hints and tips to kickstart your home maintenance tasks for spring. Get ahead of the game now before warm weather is in full swing, this way you can maximize your relaxation come summer! So, check out our list of 7 essential tips and tricks for Spring Home Maintenance.
Inspect and Refresh Decking and Exterior Woodwork
Thoroughly give your decking a once over and keep your eyes peeled for water stains, warping, loose or rusty or bent nails, and any signs of mildew. If you notice any boards are splintered or rotting out, remove them and replace them ASAP. Pound in any extruding nails and ensure they're level with the board to avoid injury. Give the decking and wood surfaces a thorough power washing if applicable, then consider re-staining and sealing or repainting and sealing the exposed wood surfaces. Repeat this process for wooden fencing, exterior handrails, trellises, gazebos, and other wooden structures along the exterior of your property. Consider applying a wood conditioner and wood oil to any surfaces not in need of repair, just to protect and moisturize the wood during warmer weather.
Service The HVAC Unit
As the weather warms up, it's important to make sure your HVAC unit is in proper working condition before you really need it this summer. First, we'll be replacing the air filters to improve effectiveness, reduce energy costs, improve airflow, and prevent costly damage to the unit. Next, we'll be cleaning the vents inside your home (generally on the floor or ceiling). Following those two interior inspections, we'll be taking a trip outside to remove any winterizing covers and inspect the unit thoroughly. Clean around the AC unit and check for signs of wintering animals (nesting materials, fur or feathers blocking any vent, etc) as well as dirt and debris built up over the season. Clean the unit's grill and trim any shrubbery or overgrowth of plants around it. Check the refrigerant lines are undamaged and clear, and if not, you'll need to schedule a service call. Inspect and clear out the drainage hole on the unit. Consider scheduling a routine maintenance appointment in spring, as technicians are usually the busiest during the hottest weeks of the year.
Clean the Dryer Vents
Cleaning your dryer vent should at least be done annually, but some folks who do frequent laundry or have pets in the home may wish to do it seasonally for maximum safety and efficiency. If you're noticing your clothing is taking awhile to dry, the outside of the dryer feels hot during operation, lint is building up around the vents or trap, or you smell something burning or smoky, it's definitely time to clean those vents! First, disconnect your dryer and unplug it, then pull the dryer back about 12” from the wall. Disconnect the dryer duct from the back of the dryer (you may need tools to remove the clamp) Clean the back of the dryer to remove any lint, then vacuum the duct using a hose attachment. Once you've done that, you'll want to remove the exterior vent cover and clean that from the outside using a shop-vac. Reconnect the ductwork and any coverings, attach the ducts back to the dryer, put the dryer back in place, and plug it back in. It's recommended to run a 10-20 minute cycle on air dry just to check for sealed connections.
Inspect and Clean the Gutters.
Gather a ladder and some sturdy footwear, because it's time to inspect your gutters for damage on the exterior. Ensure the gutters are properly affixed to the house and mounting brackets are in good condition. Next, starting with the area near the downspout, move debris using a small shovel, gloved hands, or a scoop. Flush out the gutters with a hose to remove remaining detritus. Clear the downspout and check for clogs, which you can remove with the hose or pressurized water stream. Flush the gutters after any clogs until they run clear. You may need to use a brush or scraper to remove stubborn clogs! Consider installing gutter guards if you have a lot of trees in the area, as this can help prevent future clogs and mess. You can also hire a professional gutter cleaning service if you're not able to do the job yourself.
Check Outdoor Water Supply.
Perform a visual inspection of each water spigot, hoses, and exterior faucets; you'll look for cracks, rust, or signs of wear and damage. Carefully turn on the water source and check for leaks around the area and at the site of any hose connections. Check the hose for signs of cracking or splitting if it was stored outside in the colder seasons. Repair or replace any leaks or damaged components immediately to avoid costly repairs and water damage to your home.
Perform a Service and Maintenance Check on All Power Tools and Landscaping Gear.
Check your ride-on and push mowers for signs of damage or dry-rot during storage. Make sure to change any oil as needed, add lubrication to moving components, and stock up on gasoline (but make sure you store it in a ventilated, secured space with a lock to keep away from pets and children).
Spruce Up your Lawns.
This is a great time to revitalize your grass or clover lawns. Give grass lawns a thorough raking to rustle up any dead grass or detritus. Apply an even layer of a quality fertilizer as a powder or liquid (if you have pets or children, check the labels for a non-toxic, organic option for safety) Choose a mix of seed that's proven to grow in your region, and make sure it includes some shade tolerant and drought tolerant varieties here in New Jersey. If you've got a lot of foot traffic, you'll also want something that's “trample tolerant” as we say, which can withstand a high amount of running kids and even pets. If you have any bald patches, make sure to overseed the areas.
Pinto Carpentry is proud to service most areas of New Jersey for bespoke interior handrails and custom stair builds. We accept residential and commercial build projects, and there's truly no job too big or too small, we do it all! Our schedule is filling up quickly for late spring and early summer, so don't delay in scheduling for your consultation and custom personalized quote. We give all of our clients equal focus and provide custom quotes to your unique project needs and material requests. You can count on us to deliver unmatched results that will stand the test of time! Just reach out to us about a custom quote and we'll get you scheduled for a consultation and estimate ASAP. We can’t wait to work with you, and aim to give each customer the same personalized time and care as the next!
At the time of publication, please note that we are booking new railing and stair installations for Late Spring (end of April, early May) 2025. Please be patient as we are entering yet another busy season as well as the holidays upcoming. As a family run business, we pride ourselves on giving our customers the utmost attention to detail and personalized care.
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