The cold winter months might be over, but sadly your home and garden maintenance does not stop there if you own your property or are renting. Changes in the seasons and unpredictable weather pose a whole new set of issues and problems if you have your own property, especially if you are the owner of a listed or heritage home. Now that spring is on the way; it’s the perfect time to ensure that your house is prepared and safe against the elements, while you can make sure that your garden is planted out and weeds are cleared well in time for the summer months when you will be ready for entertaining.

First, make sure that you draw up a list of which areas of your home need the most attention. You may have found that your guttering and drains have become cracked and worn due to the cold and ice. Check in your loft to ensure that you have no unwelcome visitors, as field mice and birds enjoy using attic space and cladding to create their own nests. If your door or window frames are old, then the wet winter weather could have caused them to rot, or even worn away the current paintwork. Your garden will need some serious love and care, in particular, if you are keen to plant your vegetable garden ready for the summer and autumn months. If you own a greenhouse, then you will need to make sure that you clear away any moss and replace broken panes, ready in time for seedlings.

When it comes to outdoor maintenance, the spring months are ideal for you to review your property and set aside a few weekends to ensure that your home is giving the attention that it needs. The warmer weather also provides the perfect opportunity for you to get outdoors with your entire family so that your whole clan can get involved in your home maintenance projects. So be sure to follow these essential spring maintenance tips to ensure that the outside of your property and garden are ready for you to enjoy.

Check the outdoors of your property
If you are unable to see your roof from the road, or from your neighbours’ property, then you may want to enlist the services of a roofer or builder to check for missing and broken tiles. Make sure to replace these ready for any summer storms or gusty May winds. If your home is painted on the outside, then you will also need to get up the ladder and check for any corrosion or rotting patches. Although not as damaging as on the inside of your property, if these areas are not painted or fixed then you could have to foot the bill on a larger restoration job. Be sure to dedicate a weekend to clearing your guttering and checking that your pipework is clear and in full working order. You may discover a range of issues, from birds’ nests to old leaves and twigs that are currently affecting your draining. Finally, make sure that you check your masonry and ensure that the brickwork on the outside of your home is free from gaps and holes. Be sure to pay extra attention around your chimney stack, as you do not want to risk a chunk of masonry blowing off the roof causing damage to either your home or that of your neighbours. If you want to enjoy the summer months, then be sure to begin by giving the outside of your home a much-needed review.

Get in the garden
Now the weather is improving, you can begin to make the most of your garden once again, and take time at the weekends to ensure that you can begin to prep your green oasis for the summer. Make sure that you plant your bulbs in time for March and April, with daffodils and snowdrops proving popular during the spring months. Now is also the perfect time for you to grow your lawn, which will not have had any attention since before Christmas. Choose a day when your lawn is dry, and do not set your lawn mower on too low a setting. It is worth beginning gradually, or else you risk damaging the grass and could be left with dark and brown patches that will take months to grow over. Spring is also the perfect time to begin tackling any weeds currently residing in your garden. If you have beds that are against the wall of your home, then start at the back to tackle stubborn weeds that may have sunk their roots deep against your brickwork. Be sure to clear any beds from pests before planting out any new bulbs, or else these new plants and flowers will not stand a chance. Don’t forget to spray weed killer on your driveway, and along the curbside, to prevent any stubborn clumps of grass or weeds from springing up where they are not welcome.

Spring is also the perfect time to get your vegetable patch ready for the warmer months. Make sure that you turn over the old soil before you begin planting new crops. If you are looking to grow strawberries or raspberries, then make sure you provide these plants with wiring to grow up against. You will also need to cover any fruit trees with sacking as these can prove too tempting a snack for hungry birds. Finally, if you own a greenhouse, then make sure that you clear out any old beds and get rid of moss and broken windowpanes. Check that your watering system is in full working order so that you can begin to pot up your summer tomatoes and baby lettuces.

Get rid of pests
The warmer months also see nasty unwanted pests start to come out of the woodwork. From mice to fleas and even wasps, you can expect your home to become inundated with these unwanted guests unless you take action and get prepared. Make sure that you keep your home as clean and tidy as possible, getting rid of any waste food in secure containers outside of your home. You should also be sure to complete effective draught proofing, to ensure that no bugs and intruders find a way inside. Be sure to keep your bins closed, and make sure that you keep your grass short and well maintained to minimise the number of pests in your garden. If you currently have a pest control issue that needs resolving, then make sure that you call in the experts. Wasp nests and hornet nests can be dangerous if not effectively disposed of, so don’t try and tackle these yourself.

Check your drainage
Outdoor drainage emergencies can occur all-year round; however many homeowners do not consider that you are equally at risk during the spring and summer months. April showers and summer rains can put a lot of strain on your plumbing and drain systems, so make sure that you check that your septic tank is safely covered over and is clear from any potential blockages that could result in disaster unless they are properly treated in time. If your home has an old and dated septic tank, then it may be time to consider other alternatives to help keep you and your loved ones safe. Consider checking your soakaway, the end step in the sewage treatment system. Companies such as Proseptic Drainage Solutions offer a range of Soakaway Replacements to meet your property maintenance needs. So if you cannot remember the last time you checked your sewerage system, then now may be the ideal time to do so before its too late.

When it comes to home maintenance, we are all too quick to pay attention to the inside of our homes, painting, decorating and replacing furniture even when it isn’t necessarily needed. However, if you want to continue enjoying your property, then it is vital that you give the outdoor of your home the attention that it needs this spring, in particular, if you have suffered a harsh winter. Make sure that you draw up a list of which part of your home need the most attention, in particular, if you own a listed or heritage property. Begin by reviewing the outside of your house, clearing gutters and replacing any broken or missing roof tiles. Now you can pay attention to your garden, by clearing weeds and cutting the lawn. If you own a vegetable patch, then be sure to start planting up your vegetables and fruits in time for the summer months. You should also be sure to check your home for any unwelcome pests and vermin that may have made themselves at home during the colder months too. Be sure to store your bins safely away from your house. Finally, check your home drainage and sewerage system, to avoid any unwelcome accidents. Remember that you need to keep the outside of your home and garden in tip-top condition so that you can make the most of your property for the summer, and many years to come.

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