Checklist: Spring Cleaning
Tips from Real-Estate-Agents.com
reprinted courtesy of ServiceMagic.com

The joy of emerging from your home after a few cool months
can quickly be negated when you see the things in need of repair.
Use this list to help keep your spring cleaning projects in order:
Indoors
- Check the walls and woodwork. Repaint dark woodwork with
a brighter color.
- Make a list of anything that needs painting or staining.
- Have your air conditioner or evaporative cooler serviced
and replace all filters.
- Have ducts and vents professionally cleaned.
- Identify the small things like leaky faucets or loose cabinet
doors. Have a handyman make all repairs at the same time to avoid
multiple visits.
- Clean or replace grout or caulk in bathrooms.
- Have carpets professionally cleaned.
- If you have ice dams on your roof in winter, call a contractor
to install new roof vents.
- Dust and clean light fixtures and ceiling fans.
- An attic or whole house fan might be an appropriate solution
for drawing warm air from the lower levels of your home.
Outdoors
- Inspect the entire exterior of your house.
- On wood siding and trim, look for paint that is lifting or
peeling, for splitting wood or areas where the wood grain is
separating ("checking") from water getting into the
wood.
- Having a professional painter waterproof and paint your house
now will fill gaps and help your wood siding and trim last longer,
saving you money in the long run.
- On stucco, if you can rub a chalky residue onto your hand,
oxidation of the paint or color coat is reducing the stucco's
insulating value.
- Sweep off all spider webs and dirt from the exterior window
sills and clean the glass.
- Remove storm windows or doors, and replace with clean screens.
- Power wash, sand and reseal your deck before it is exposed
to the heat.
- Replace splintered or worn deck boards.
- If you are thinking of adding a porch or deck, now is the
time to call a professional.
- Make plans to install a new sprinkler system or walkway.
- Spread mulch around shrubs and flowerbeds for a clean looking
yard.
- Remove debris that may have settled in gutters during winter.
- Ensure that the downspouts are directing water away from
the foundation of your house.
- Check the roof for loose or damaged shingles and contact
a roofing contractor for repairs.
-- Tips courtesy of Service Magic