Outdoor chores for spring cleaning

We are already nearly two months into 2022! And we’re about one month away from spring’s official start.

This is the time of year when we can get rain, snow or sun, it seems.

Because of the unpredictability of weather this time of year, we thought we’d give you some things to consider adding to your To Do list, just in case you might be presented with the perfect weather to get some outside chores done.

Last week we gave you our list of inside ch

ores to tackle. Have you cleaned behind and under your appliances yet? How are those insides of your windows looking?

Today we’re giving you some To Do’s for your outside checklist.

OUTSIDE CHECKLIST

• Wash the outside siding and trim of the house with 30 Second cleaner. Follow directions. We loan pump sprayers and long handle brushes for this job. Give us a call to make arrangements to pick them up. Sorry, we have no ladders or hoses.

• Wash the outside of all your windows. Use a gallon of hot water and a half cup of suds-free ammonia. Flood rinse very well with the hose. Avoid strong water blasting the window areas.

• Check out your windows and screens. Fixing broken windows needs to be a priority. If the glazing putty or caulking is chipped, now’s the time to make those repairs. Ripped screens invite insects, spiders and

bees-inside the house.

• Look for missing or damaged siding or trim. Repair and replace missing pieces and protect your exterior with paint to avoid moisture, rot and insect problems.

• Now is the time to prune. Prune any branches at least a foot or more away from the house and roof.

• Examine your roof. Are there any missing shingles or damaged sections? Take notes and add to your summer list unless it needs to be done immediately.

• Clean gutters and storm drains of any leaves, branches, needles, garbage or gunk from winter’s storms. Make sure downspouts with splash blocks convey the water away from the foundation.

• Open any foundation vents you closed. During a cold spell, it’s okay to close or board up foundations vents for a few days. However, it is critical for the health of your house to open those vents come spring. Also, check the plastic ground cover under the house to be sure it is still intact and secure.

• Did your underfloor insulation get

wet in the last flood? Insulation doesn’t dry out and will cause rot issues. Put its full inspection and possible removal on your summer projects plan.

• Make sure that soil and bark don’t touch untreated wood framing or siding. Having soil, leaves and bark at least 6 inches from your house discourages rot and bug infestation.

• Take a critical look at your overall property. Create “use someday soon” project piles and “throw out” piles. Make a plan to finish the project piles, then donate or properly dispose of the throw away pile. To donate building materials, consider the Habitat Restore in Hoquiam or other rehab materials vendors. A much better options than paying dump fees for something somebody might want.

• Now go out to the street. What do you see that could make you curb appeal better for your neighborhood? Edging the sidewalks and parking strip are one of the best and easiest fixes, even if the grass isn’t that great. Same for spin-trimming the grasses growing out of every crack along the street and sidewalk areas. How about low or broken tree limbs hanging over the sidewalk? You are responsible for their care and a clear walking path in spite of the heaved concrete and cracks.

• Looking at our homes like a prospective homebuy

er can change your mind about what you see. Try it!

Advice for first-time home buyers

You want to become a first-time homebuyer? To get the best loans, get educated. Check out eHome America.org for your internet homebuyer education and certificate. Our associated housing counseling is free for all. We here at NeighborWorks of Grays Harbor will help you get it done, sustainably. Give us a call at (360) 533-7828.