Spring is here! Granted, we didn’t have much of a winter this year in Ulster County NY, but the outside of your home will probably still need a little spring cleaning after a long winter’s nap. The exterior of the home as well as the surrounding property will need to be checked for any damage and cleaned up of winter’s debris. A little light cleaning and some fresh materials can do wonders to transform your home. Taft Street Realty presents the 2012 Spring Exterior Home Maintenance Guide. A little something to help you clean up and welcome the spring season, while at the same time protecting your Ulster County real estate investment.
Making Repairs and Cleaning Up After Old Man Winter
Hudson Valley winters can be harsh and punishing on a home. They also tend to leave behind a mess when finally yielding to the springtime. Take the time to give the outside of your home a check-up, and repair any damage and/or wear and tear. After any repairs, a little yard clean-up can have your home's exterior looking good as new! Where should you start?
Roof – Probably the most important part of your home to check after the snow and ice melts. Check for any loose shingles or signs of damage. It’s best to address any roof issues now before they grow into bigger problems.
Gutters – Equally important, gutters will most likely be filled with dead leaves and debris leftover from winter. Clean out all of your gutters and unclog your drainpipes in preparation for those spring showers that are most likely on their way. Snow, ice, and water combined with clumps of dead leaves can grow heavy and weigh down gutters over the winter. Check to make sure sections of your gutters have not loosened, cracked, or broken free due to too much weight over the winter.
Driveway – Driveway maintenance in Ulster County NY is often overlooked, but don’t underestimate how much a neat and clean driveway improves the curb appeal of your home. If you have a paved driveway, check it for potholes and cracks, which develop over the winter as ice expands and then melts. Like the roof, it’s also best to fill any cracks or potholes sooner rather than later as they will only get worse. If you have a gravel driveway, you may have unintentionally been shoveling away the top layer of your driveway as you shoveled or used a snow blower after a snowfall. A fresh layer of gravel replaces any lost during the winter and creates a fresh and clean look for your driveway.
Fence Posts – Have a bad habit of loosening up in the wet ground as it thaws. If you have a fenced-in garden or one lining your yard, check the posts and make sure they’re not too loose in the ground. If you have wooden fence posts, check them for rot and replace as needed.
Dead Flowers – Deadhead the flowers around your property. It will make them look better and more tidy, but more importantly it will direct the plant’s energy from producing seeds to creating new foliage and flowers.
Yard Debris – Rake and bag all of the dead leaves and branches in your yard. (*Note - Don’t burn them! A 2012 Ulster County burn ban is currently in effect) Not only are the dead piles unsightly but removing them will help the grass underneath to grow. It is also wise to remove dead leaves and debris before it gets very hot, because they can dry out and create a dangerous fire hazard.
Flower Beds – After you’ve cleaned up your property, take a bag of fresh mulch or wood chips and put a fresh layer in all of your flower beds. It is a quick and easy way to clean up and brighten your yard for the spring!
Tick Alert! - We're officially in the 2012 Ulster County Tick Season. As you're working in your yard, check yourself periodically for ticks. When you're all done and back inside, check yourself again thoroughly as you wash up. Did your dog or cat keep you company in the yard? Better check them for ticks as well.
Celebrate Spring in the Hudson Valley!
Spring is beautiful in the Hudson Valley! It's also when the local housing market picks up, as buyers start to come outside and view properties. No matter if you're selling a home in Ulster County and want to make a great 1st impression, or your just doing your regular annual spring cleaning, use these tips to fix up your home's exterior and give it a fresh new look for spring!
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