Springtime home checklist.

April home checklist for improvements.

It's finally Springtime. A time to open the doors and windows. To hear the birds and feel the fresh air. To help you get a jumpstart on your to-do list, we've created this checklist: 

Fix the fence

Spring is FINALLY HERE — the perfect time to get outside and tune up the yard. How’s your fence? If yours looks worn, you might just need to scrub and hose it off, then apply a fresh coat of stain or paint.

Swing the gate

Garden gates tend to sag over time. Then they stick, or the latch no longer works. To get a gate working like new, first check hinges. If screws are loose, tighten them or replace them with ones that are slightly longer and thicker. Next, check the gate itself and tighten up anything that’s loose.  

Clean and reseal the driveway

The majority of Northern Illinois residents have asphalt driveways. If you have an asphalt driveway where bare stones show, now’s the time to reseal it. You can hire the job out for about 25 to 30 cents a square foot, or do it yourself with sealer that costs $20 to $30 for a bucket that covers 350 square feet. 

Freshen up outdoor furniture

Dining outdoors is one of the great pleasures of spring and summer. Now’s the time to prepare by getting outdoor furniture in tip-top shape. 

●Teak: If the wood is blotchy or black with mildew, scrub with a teak cleaner and a synthetic or brass pad. One-part cleaners are safest; they don’t rough up the wood. Rinse and let dry. Then apply teak oil if you want the wood to stay its natural color. Skip the oil if you’d rather have wood that ages to a mellow gray.

●Wrought iron: If you see rust damage, scrub off as much as possible, ideally down to bare metal, with a wire brush. Scuff up other areas by sanding lightly. Paint with rust-inhibiting primer, then repaint.

●Strap or plastic wicker: Remove brittle plastic and weave on new vinyl strapping. A lattice pattern with a double wrap on the frame is more durable than simple horizontal straps.

Clear your indoor air

If you haven’t already done so, have your air conditioner serviced and install a fresh filter. Even if you don’t need air conditioning yet, you might want to run the fan to filter out pollen.  

Schedule window washing

April is usually a good time to wash windows, but with a harsh March this year, it’s probably better to just schedule a window cleaning and have the work done in May. For DIYers: Use a squeegee, not rags. Overlap passes and wipe off the blade after each one. 

ADDITIONAL SUGGESTIONS: 

• Take down your storm doors and windows. 
• Check exterior of your home for paint/repair work.
• Check your smoke alarm batteries.
• Clean your fireplace. Oil the fireplace accessories.
• Inspect, repair and vacuum your window screens.
• Clean your drapes and window treatments. 

It's Springtime. A clean time. A fresh time to enjoy things as new again. 

For your home construction projects, please visit: www.incrediblebuilders.com