May HOMEwork

May flowers are finally poking through in gardens across Toronto, a definite sign that summer is not far behind. It’s the month to get your hands dirty and your garden ready for planting. Here are some other items to check off your spring “to do” list to make your home ready for the glorious days of summer ahead:

• Make your home sparkle, inside and out, by having the windows cleaned this month.
• Now is the time to get your garden equipment in shape for summer. Lawnmowers, leaf blowers, hedge trimmers and other tools should be oiled, cleaned or sent out for repair this month.
• Beat the spring rush by booking appointments now for quotes on patios, deck repairs and landscaping. The sooner you get things underway, the more time you will have to lounge in the yard this summer!
• If you have central air, book an appointment this month to have your system checked and cleaned.
• Inspect the condition of your roof this month and book repairs. Lifted, curling or missing shingles are signs that your roof is due for some maintenance. While you’re up there, check out the flashing around vents and chimneys and take a close look at your eavestroughs.
• It is the season of spring rains, so make sure your eaves are free of debris, are in good repair and ensure that water runoff is directed away from your home’s foundation. Check them while it is raining to see if there are leaks or obstructions.
• Take a walk around your home and check its exterior for cracks and other signs of moisture penetration. Also look at the driveway, patio and walkways for signs of heaving and cracking.
• Give your lawn a vigorous raking to remove thatch. Clean up the garden and turn the soil to ready it for spring planting later this month.
• Check your driveways and walkways and other concrete areas around your home. If your driveway wasn’t sealed last year, have it done this year.

Source: Homeservice Club