Winter is halfway over and Spring is just around the corner. Hard to believe when there is an ice storm pounding down on us. Still, now is the time to start planning your home maintenance projects. Performing regular maintenace not only preserves the value of your home but it can also help you avoid major repairs in the future. Chores are never fun or something we look forward to but they go a long way in enhancing the quality of your home. A well maintained home also improves your re-saleability in any market. Spring is a time for cleaning and preparing for Summer's intensive tasks. It is also a good time to start hiring contractors to repair those items you can't do yourself or don't have time to do. Getting your project on their schedule early can sometimes even save you money.

First of all walk around the outside of the home to see what damage has been done by Winter storms. Looking up is the key here. What shape is the roof in? Any missing or curled shingles visible. You want to keep the roof in shape so you don't have water damage inside the house or under the eaves. How about the gutters? Anything sagging or loose? Do you need to get up there to clear them out of leaves and debris? What about the chimney - any missing bricks or mortar you should have fixed. Schedule the chimney to be professionally cleaned and inspected. Finally look at all the siding - what needs to be fixed, cleaned, painted or replaced this season.

Next thing to do is look at the yard like you are a visitor. What kind of impression would it make to a Buyer. Clear away last year's leaves and fallen branches taken down by Winter storms. Prune shrubs and trees. Pruning shrubs/trees away from the house/driveway and mulching around them gives a yard good curb appeal. Plan your Spring planting now. Are you going to add any new perennials, put in a vegetable garden or have attractive annuals decorating the yard.

So how did the deck fair over the snow season. Any loose nails, railings or rotted boards? Is it dirty or mildewed? Do you need to stain or paint this year? Should you rent a power washer to clean the deck or siding? The same goes for the front porch or entry way. Now onto patios and walkways - do you need to repair or replace is the question. Safety is the big issue with these projects.

The fence - Is it still standing? Do you have broken fence boards or does it need a fresh coat of paint. Do you want to replace the fence this year with something more attractive; or higher; or made of man made materials.

Get ready to wash the outside of the windows, screens and window sills. Is it time to paint the trim? Plan it into your schedule just like a business appointment. Speaking of windows - is it time to replace them is a big question to ask yourself.

Finally make sure the air conditioning unit is in good working order and vacuum the main condenser coil at the top of the unit. Also check all vents that they are clean and clear, especially the dryer vent is free of lint. Stop a fire before it starts with this chore.

Owning a home is the largest financial investment most people have, so it is in your best interest to be diligent with home maintenance. Spring is the perfect time for planning and cleaning. So make your list now and start checking off the tasks at hand. Soon the daffodils, forsythia and crocus will be in bloom, well looking outside today I certainly hope that is the case!

Shannon Aldrich, Keller Williams Coastal Realty, Portsmouth NH

Buy or Sell, Shannon Serves You Well

"Your Seacoast Second Home & Vacation Home Specialist"