As the temperature rises, homeowners across the United States are getting a jump start on home maintenance projects. Spring weather offers ideal conditions for roof care, outdoor painting, and planting in the garden. It’s also considered a peak real estate season in Austin and throughout the country as buyers gear up to settle into a new home during the summer.
However, with home prices in Austin decreasing during the last year (Zillow reports the average home value is down 5.7 percent from a year ago), taking steps to increase a home’s value is critical. While some projects need a professional, there are others that you can handle on your own to help improve your home’s value and even help sell your Austin home fast.
Clear Gutters and Check the Roof
Homes can take a beating during winter storms, and spring is the best time to ensure everything is still in one piece before summer storms hit. Key areas to check are gutters, which may have become clogged during peak rains, and your home’s siding to match for water damage.
The roof is another area to inspect, but you may want to hire a professional to ensure you aren’t missing anything. If you see water damage, broken shingles, or detached gutters, you’ll want to hire a professional to make repairs. Getting ahead of damage before it becomes a more significant issue will increase your home’s value to avoid expensive maintenance projects.
Safeguarding Your Home from Unwanted Intruders
Incorporating pest control measures into your spring maintenance routine is vital for preserving your home’s value. Identify and seal potential entry points, maintain cleanliness, and implement natural deterrents to keep pests at bay. Schedule professional inspections and maintain your yard and garden to minimize pest attraction. Safeguarding your home from unwanted intruders ensures a comfortable and pest-free living environment.
Prune and Declutter the Garden
To help spring blooms look their best, it’s time to declutter the garden. Trimming weeds can help make way for new bulbs, and bare patches in grassy areas can be filled with a rock garden. When adding new plants, consider going native, and ask at your local garden store for tips to increase the odds of your garden withstanding the seasons.
Power Wash Windows and Exteriors
Spring cleaning isn’t just for inside your home; cleaning outside can refresh your house quickly. Power washing can add brightness to the inside of your home by clearing away debris from your windows and can also be the first step when deciding if you need to repaint. You might be surprised at how power washing can make your home look freshly painted, which will appeal to potential buyers.
Update Caulking
After washing your windows, you may notice a draft or leaks, which means it’s time for new caulking. Replacing caulking is an inexpensive maintenance project that can reduce heating costs and prevent future window replacement projects.
Give Your Front Door a Refresh
Real estate agents talk about curb appeal as how the outside of your home appeals to potential buyers, and updating your front door is a DIY way to increase curb appeal. Painting your front door in blue, yellow, or red hues will add a pop of color and interest. Adding potted plants beside your door can also give it a spring refresh.
Before the heat of the summer, spring maintenance projects can help to increase your home’s value.
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