Checklist: Spring Cleaning

The joy of emerging from your home after a few cool months can quickly be negated when you see the things in need of repair. This list can help keep your spring cleaning projects in order. And, if you're still feeling overwhelmed, consider calling on professional help in the form of an organizer, maid service or interior decorator.

Indoors

Check the walls and woodwork. Repaint dark woodwork with a brighter color.

Make a list of anything that needs painting or staining.

Have your air conditioner or evaporative cooler serviced and replace all filters.

Have ducts and vents professionally cleaned.

Identify the small things like leaky faucets or loose cabinet doors. Hire a handyman to make all repairs at the same time to avoid multiple visits.

Clean or replace grout or caulk in bathrooms.

Get your carpets professionally cleaned.

If you incurred ice dams on your roof in winter, call a roofing contractor to install new roof vents.

Dust and clean light fixtures and ceiling fans.

An attic or whole house fan might be an appropriate solution for drawing warm air from the lower levels of your home.

Outdoors

Inspect the entire exterior of your house.

On wood siding and trim, look for paint that is lifting or peeling, for splitting wood or areas where the wood grain is separating ("checking") from water getting into the wood.

Hiring a professional painter to waterproof and paint your house now will fill gaps and help your wood siding and trim last longer, saving you money in the long run.

On stucco, if you can rub a chalky residue onto your hand, oxidation of the paint or color coat is reducing the stucco's insulating value.

Sweep off all spider webs and dirt from the exterior window sills and clean the glass.

Remove storm windows or doors, and replace with clean screens.

Power wash, sand and reseal your deck before it is exposed to the heat.

Replace splintered or worn deck boards.

If you are thinking of adding a porch or deck, now is the time to call a professional before the rush of the season causes them to get booked up.

If necessary, make plans now to install a new sprinkler system> or walkway.

Attend to landscaping by spreading mulch around shrubs and flowerbeds for a clean looking yard.

Remove debris that may have settled in gutters during winter.

Ensure that the downspouts are directing water away from the foundation> of your house.

Look at the roof for loose or damaged shingles and contact a roofing contractor for repairs.