Early Spring Home Maintenance Checklist II

About a month ago, I wrote a post called Early Spring Home Maintenance Checklist. Well, this is going to be part two, or II, of that checklist. The first was spring home maintenance that could be taken care of, regardless of how bad the weather might get outside. It is Minnesota, after-all, and I don't need to tell you how unpredictable it is. Remember the snow storm on April 11, 2008? Ugh. This is a list of stuff you can probably start doing now that it seems to be really warming up outside (knock on wood). The spring selling season is really gearing up, so following these steps to make sure your home is in tip-top condition could make a big difference in its curb appeal.

• Check and maintain roof shingles
• Unclog and Secure Gutters and Downspouts
• Inspect siding, brickwork, or stucco for deterioration
• Pressure wash siding
• Paint exterior if it needs it - before it gets too hot to do it!
• Inspect decks and porches for rotting and unsecured boards or railings
• Pressure wash deck & patios
• Examine putty/caulk lines & weather stripping around exterior windows and doors
• Check and Re-caulk Flashing
• Grade ground around house from up to down to funnel water away
• Inspect and seal asphalt or concrete driveways (use correct sealer for climate)

Though you might be tempted, like me, to get into doing some yard work, this brief article in the Star Tribune has some common sense approaches about what projects you might want to hold off on. It's no coincidence the day after this article was published I started my own little potted garden to tide me over. And there you have it! Some more spring maintenance tips to get you started on preparing for the home selling season.