Spring cleaning. You either love it (because nothing beats that fresh, clean feeling) or dread it (because dust bunnies have officially claimed residency under your couch). Either way, keeping up with home maintenance is one of the best ways to protect your investment and prevent costly repairs down the road. A little upkeep goes a long way in maintaining your home's value, improving curb appeal, and ensuring everything functions smoothly.
And while we can't make decluttering your garage any less painful, we can make finding the right help a whole lot easier. That's where our Little Black Book comes in—a list of trusted vendors that we've built and refined over the last 20+ years. These are professionals we've either personally worked with or who come highly recommended by our clients, and they're ready to tackle those home projects you'd rather not do yourself.
So whether you're planning to sell soon or stay put for all of eternity, here are some must-do maintenance tasks to protect your home.
First Impressions Matter!
Your home's exterior is the first thing people notice, and a little TLC can go a long way.
✔ Spruce Up the Front Door: Wash it down, clean the porch light, and consider a fresh coat of paint. (Bonus: A bright-colored door makes you look extra stylish and welcoming.)
✔ Weed the Walkway: Those little green intruders in the cracks? Show them who's boss. Now is the time to spray weeds!
✔ Gutters Need Love Too: As much as we'd like winter to be over. . There is more rain to come. Overflowing gutters wreak havoc on roof fascia and roof eaves. A little maintenance can prevent big repairs!
✔ Windows & Screens: Let the sunshine in! Clean those windows and check for screen holes (unless you like mosquito houseguests).
✔ Landscaping Touch-Ups: Trim back bushes, remove dead branches, and add some cheerful flowers. Instant facelift!
✔ Sprinkler Check: Before summer turns your lawn into a desert, make sure your sprinklers are actually doing their job.
✔ Fence Fixes: Loose boards? Wobbly posts? Time to secure the perimeter before your dog (or nosy neighbor) escapes.
✔ Exterior Painting & Trim Maintenance: Keep your home's paint in good shape, especially the trim, to seal wood and prevent water damage. A little touch-up now can save big repair bills later.
✔ Schedule a Pest Inspection: Catching termite activity and water damage early can prevent costly structural repairs down the road. Even if you don't suspect a problem, a routine check can offer peace of mind.
Inside Jobs: The Less Fun but Super Important Stuff
Sure, nobody's posting Instagram stories of themselves changing air filters, but these tasks keep your home running smoothly.
✔ Air Filter Swap: Change them every 1-3 months unless you want to see the dust you're breathing.
✔ HVAC Tune-Up: Because your AC going out mid-summer is a horror story no one wants to star in. Many vendors offer bi-annual service contracts!
✔ Leak Patrol: Check under sinks and around appliances for sneaky drips. Water damage, which leads to mold is easily preventable!
✔ Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Test them unless you enjoy the surprise of a 3 AM beep-fest.
✔ Dryer Vent Cleaning: Lint buildup is a serious fire hazard. Plus, clean vents = faster drying time = fewer laundry marathons.
✔ Declutter & Refresh: A little organizing and some fresh scents can make your home feel brand new. Plus, you'll finally know where that missing sock went.
Need Help? Our Little Black Book Has You Covered!
Some of these tasks are easy DIY jobs, and some are best left to the pros (unless you enjoy "learning experiences" the hard way). That's where our Little Black Book comes in—a list of trusted service providers that we've built and refined over the last 20+ years. From handymen to painters, landscapers to electricians, we've got a pro for that.
And here's the fun part—we want to hear from you! If you have a vendor you rave about, let us know. We are always looking to add top-notch professionals to our list. Whether you need a referral or have a recommendation, let us know!
