8 Quick & Easy Spring Home Maintenance Tasks

We are so excited that spring is here! Before you invite the friends over for endless barbecue and Moscow Mules remember that in the game of home ownership a pound of prevention could save you thousands in repair costs. We have a list of quick and easy maintenance tasks that will save you money in the long run. Read the short list below and listen to the show for all the details! 

1. Walk around your house and assess its condition. Look for damaged downspouts, cracked paint, missing shingles on the roof, etc.
2. Check out your deck and make sure there's nothing that needs special attention. Look for wobbly posts, settling, missing flashing ledger boards, etc.
3. Test and replace batteries in smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.
4. Check that your sprinklers and watering systems are working properly.
5. Give your flower beds a fresh start with new flowers and fresh mulch.
6. Tune up your lawn mower with new oil and filters.
7. Make sure to clear your home's gutters of debris.
8. Take a quick look in your crawl space and make sure there's no water inside.

10 Ways to Make Spring Cleaning a Little More Fun (Really!)

Spring has officially arrived in the Grand Valley and along with it comes your annual spring cleaning. Usually we don't think of cleaning as fun, but we've dug up ten ways to help make it just a little more fun. Use these tips and the cleaning will hopefully fly by!

Listen as Robert and Dave put their own spin on these tips, or see a quick list of the ideas below.

1. Make cleaning a game: This one especially works if you have kids. Get creative here!
2. Use vodka: Did you know vodka is a great disinfectant and household cleaner? Plus a few Moscow Mules might make the cleaning a little easier to get through!
3. Use cleaning as an excuse to go shopping: Cleaning out your closest of unworn clothes gives you an opportunity to go shopping as a reward! 
4. Listen to music, an audio book or podcast: This is a welcome distraction to the task at hand. Your cleaning will fly by!
5. Plan a party or event: Use this as an incentive to get your house clean.
6. Play chemist with your cleaning supplies: There are a ton of ways you can make all natural cleaning products and you'll have a little more fun doing it!
7. Make your cleaning a workout: If getting some exercise is your motivation, why not use it to get you cleaning?
8. Upcycle your old clutter: Give your old items new life! Old shirts into pillows, a coat of paint on old furniture, etc.
9. Create your own rewards system: Do what you need to do! Whether it's chocolates, going to a movie or extra nap time, use this to motivate you!
10. Build a campfire: A fun way to get rid of your hold documents!

11 Easy & Must Do Home Improvements to Make Before Selling Your Home

Dave and Robert go over 11 easy home improvement you should do before putting your home on the market. See the short list below and then listen to the show for more details.

1. Spruce up your curb appeal.
2. Pay special attention to your floors.
3. Check windows & doors and fix any problems.
4. Wash your walls or give them a quick coat of paint.
5. Clean your cabinets.
6. Give your appliances a face lift if necessary.
7. Update your lighting.
8. Step up your storage.
9. Spiff up your kitchen and/or bathroom.
10. Depersonalize your home.
11. Stage your home.

Preparing Your Home & Your Landscaping for Spring

Listen to this week's show for tips to help you get your home and landscaping ready for spring. If you're thinking of selling your home, use this checklist to get your home in tip top shape before it's listed! And even if you're not thinking of selling, it's important to get these checked off the list and keep your home maintained to avoid costly repairs.