March 1, 2008 - Top Five Super Easy Items That Should Be On Your To-Do List in March

It's March. The "dead of winter" is long past. Spring will be here soon! Really! (In the Myrtle Beach real estate market, the big thaw is already upon us!) So, to get ready for this great time of the year, here are the Top Five Super Easy Items That Should Be On Your To-Do List in March...

1. Go outside. (Don't be scared. Just do it.) Look around the outside of your home, especially up high, and scan for peeling exterior paint. Harsh winter weather can cause paint to chip, peel or flake, exposing the wood below to the elements. Touch up those spots now to prevent moisture problems later. First, scrape and sand any loose paint, then prime and add at least one top coat.

2. Yes, we know that your grass isn't growing right now... which is the perfect time to apply a pre-emergent fertilizer to your lawn (or, if you're up north, as soon as the snow melts). Do this now, and you'll have fewer weeds and healthier grass later. Not sure what to use? Your local nursery can recommend a fertilizer appropriate for your yard.

3. Take a close look at your home's foundation. Walk around the exterior and interior of your foundation (if you can) in search of cracks. Small cracks should be filled with caulk and monitored to make sure they aren't getting bigger. If you see large cracks, get an inspection done by a builder or structural engineer. This is less expensive now than later!

4. Check cement walkways and driveways. If you find a crack, clear out any debris stuck down there, then seal with caulk that's made for your type of surface (asphalt, concrete, etc.). Use mortar only if the crack is more than a half-inch wide.

5. Replace the batteries in your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors when you change the clocks for daylight saving time, which this year is on March 9th.