The weather is warmer, the days are longer, and we are all glad to welcome spring! Whether you’re planning on putting your home on the market this summer or not, investing time and money in home maintenance this time of year is very important. Properly repairing and maintaining your home will help it maintain value, curb appeal and help prevent more costly repairs in the future. Here are 5 spring home maintenance projects you should tackle first: 

• Gutter cleaning & repair.

The repetitive freezing and thawing that occurs all winter can do a number on your eavestroughs. Plus, they might be full of debris like leaves, dirt and twigs from the fall. Ensuring your gutters are clear of debris and properly attached to the house will allow them to effectively drain and remove water fromaway from your home. If your gutters are clogged or damaged, water from rain can fall down the side of your home and pool around your foundation, leading to potential water damage in your basement. Paying attention to your gutters should be on the top of your spring home maintenance list. Learn how to repair gutters.

• Roof inspection, repair or replacement. 

Winter can take a major toll on your roof. While you’re up there cleaning the gutters, give your roof a visual inspection and look for any damaged or missing shingles. You can also check the flashing and seals around your chimney and other vents. If you notice damage, or if your shingles are all peeling and coming away from the roof, you should invest in roof repair or replacement this spring. 

• Get your HVAC system serviced. 

Your furnace has been running hard all winter and your air conditioning is just about to start up for the season. Spring is a great time to have your heating and cooling system inspected and tuned up. Make sure your AC is running properly and efficiently this summer, so you won’t experience a spike in your energy bills. 

• Repair the deck or build a new deck addition.

If you have a deck, check for rotting or damaged boards in the decking and any loose boards in the railing. Those boards should be replaced, and any loose railing or fasteners should be tightened to ensure the deck is safe for another summer season. Deck builders can help with deck repair, or if you want to install a new deck this spring, they can design and build a deck for you. Deck additions have a good return on investment and might be a wise upgrade if you’re planning to sell your home in the future. Need some inspiration for your new deck? Read more articles about decks.

• Lawncare and landscaping. 

Your summer yard care regime should start with a thorough spring clean up. That includes removing all leaves and debris from the lawn, aerating, seeding, fertilizing and watering it. For the rest of the season, commit to regular mowing, watering and a weed or pest control program to keep it looking great. If you want to revamp your yard this season, a landscaping company can help you design and build the perfect outdoor oasis and add value to your home.