As the weather heats up, we’re all in the mood for some relaxation in the sun. Springtime in the South means neighborhood cookouts, outdoor block parties, pool openings and plenty of opportunities to enjoy a cold sweet tea on the front porch. While we’re all used to dusting and de-cluttering the inside of our homes around this time of year, it’s easy to forget that the outside of your house can need just as much work – if not more. Over the winter, it’s easy to forget about these chores and let things slide, but now that everyone is back outdoors, it’s time to consider a few exterior spring cleaning ideas.
If you’re like most Atlanta homeowners, you love showing off a pristine yard to others in your neighborhood but after spending so many months insid
e, all of these exterior spring cleaning ideas can seem overwhelming. The first step is always the hardest, but once you get going, you’ll be glad you did. After all, once the exterior spring cleaning is done, you will benefit from your efforts all summer long.
The best place to start is to take a survey of your yard. Walk to the opposite side of the street to take in the full view, and make note of what needs work. When you see your home every day, it can be easy to miss these small concerns. However, if you take a different perspective you can pick up on what needs to be fixed. Here is a helpful checklist:
- Porch and Deck – Check to see if these areas need a repairs, or a fresh coat of stain or paint. Remove insect nests and wash off all patio furniture.
- Driveway – Inspect your driveway and look for areas that need repairs due to chips and cracks, and unsightly oil spots. Consider a good driveway cleaning and scrubbing.
- Siding – Review the outside of your house to see if there are areas of built up dirt, pollen and grime. Consider pressure washing or brightening it up with a new coat of paint.
- Gutters – While many people only clean them in the fall, here in the South your gutters may need to be cleaned out twice a year. Check for leaves, pine straw and other items that may create clogs.
- Lighting – Exterior lighting is easy to overlook. Check all light bulbs and locate ones that need to be replaced. Remove bird, insect or rodent nests and clean all fixtures for a brighter shine.
- Garage – Inspect your garage from top to bottom. Consider adding shelving for easy storage and organization, and check for oil stains along the floor. You may benefit from acid etching and applying floor epoxy.
Another one of the best exterior spring cleaning ideas is to gather up your family, friends and neighbors and turn your exterior cleaning into a group project. Take turns helping each other with yard work and other outside chores. After all, many helping hands make for less work, and it can be a great way to bond with others in your community.
Finally, consider which exterior spring cleaning ideas and projects would be best left to professionals. While DIY home improvement is a great method of saving money, there are some tasks that you simply cannot complete without the tools and experience of an expert. Our Atlanta House Painters can assist you with these more demanding projects – such as pressure washing your home exterior and driveway areas to remove built up stains, and livening up your house with a fresh coat of paint for a reasonable price. After all is said and done, you can simply kick back and enjoy the season.
What activities are you looking forward to this spring?