Spring is in the air! Are you ready?

February 14, 2017

Spring is in the air, and now is the time to get your home ready.

In winter, many parts of our homes can be neglected or not used as often because we want to stay indoors. From the interiors of your home to the exterior, getting your home ready for spring will ensure you’ll be ready to enjoy the warmer weather once it hits.

Space out your maintenance tips and by time spring is here, you will be able to enjoy the season!

Start on your exterior: The outside of your home has taken more wear and tear from the harsh winter, than the interior so start here. Walk around your home and examine caulking around windows and doors, as well as the wooden frames.  Replace old or cracking caulk. Sand down flaking wood frames and paint appropriately. Inspect the roof for broken or missing shingles, or tiles, and clean out gutters and downspouts at the same time.

The Garden: While it may not be time for you to start planting flowers and watering your lawn, it isn’t too early to ensure you will have ready your garden hoses, walkways, and adjacent areas. Replace cracked or old garden hoses, and rake away leaves, branches and debris from sidewalks, plant beds and surrounding areas. Pressure wash concrete and clean decking areas that have become dirty.

Interior spring cleaning: By now your windows – inside and out could use a cleaning. You will be surprised how much you can see out your windows, once they are cleaned. Clean off ceiling fans, and clean out fireplaces from use over the winter. Test your emergency systems in your home: home alarm, smoke fire alarm and carbon monoxide alarms if you have them, to ensure they are working properly. Most home owners forget to test these regularly; autumn and spring maintenance time is a perfect opportunity to ensure they’re in good working order.

Preparing your home for the spring is rewarding now, and 3 months from now!

Your home goes through changes as it ages, and climatic conditions change. Spring maintenance is a good idea for everyone, and even more important if you’re considering putting your home on the market . Home buyers want to ensure that all systems have been well attended and taken care of before buying a home. If you’re concerned you will miss something, hire a professional to inspect your home – they will cover the entire home from top to bottom. What are you waiting for? Get started, the warm weather is on its way!
 

Budget Savvy Style

October 2, 2013

Want to give every room in your home that something special?  - all it takes is a little imagination and a willingness to experiment (and possibly some painting, decorating and DIY). 

Print Wallpapers look amazing, but even putting a DIY store buy around the whole room will add up. Instead, spend your money wisely by creating a panel of paper on the focal wall - such as on a chimney breast or behind a sofa.




Hang a big picture In a room with walls that are largely plain, a very big canvas or fra...


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Leslie Henry Guide: Prepare & Paint Interior Woodwork

October 23, 2012
As with most painting jobs, thorough preparation is the key to a smart finish. Follow our easy step-by-step guide to painting interior woodwork, like skirting boards and doors, and make the most of your next room makeover.

You will need: 
Electric sander and abrasive paper
Wood filler
Filling knife
Paintbrushes
Clean cloth
Masking tape
Dust sheets
Bucket
Sponge
Sugar soap or detergent
Knotting compound
Quick-drying, water-based wood primer
Satin or gloss finish paint

Step One: Prepare Cracks And Knots
 

Repai...


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