Ah, Spring! The time of year when we look forward to blossoms, birdsong, lighter mornings… and unexpected downpours. Yes, four seasons in one day is par for the course in the New Zealand pre-summer months. But that shouldn’t stop you thinking about making improvements to your property - you may just want to have a raincoat handy.
Gutters help catch rainfall and ensure it stays away from the foundation of your home, so it’s vital they’re in good working order. But winter storms can cause them to block up with leaves and debris. Now’s the time to get out the ladder and have a nosey around. Remove anything that can obstruct or block the water from flowing properly through the gutters, and check for any loose or leaky bits. Just remember to take extra care when using a ladder. To prevent the same thing happening next year, you could always invest in some gutter guards, which will reduce the amount of cleaning required.
Give your concrete slabs a good going-over for any sign of cracks or movement. Ideally, all exterior slabs except pool decks should drain away from your home’s foundations. If you come across any cracks, you can fill them with a concrete crack filler or silicone caulk. Wait for a good gap in the weather, then water blast and seal the concrete.
Before those Spring showers really set in, check all your windows and make sure they open and shut properly and that they’re completely sealed. This will avoid leaks, and make your home more energy efficient. And while you’re at it, give them a good clean. You’ll be surprised how grimy they can get over the colder months, and you’ll want to be throwing open the curtains and letting in the light.
After a long, muddy winter, it’s finally time to get out into your garden and prepare for the warmer months ahead. Have a general tidy up, raking up the leaves and pruning any bushes and trees to help kick-start their growth in the summer months. You could also plant some bulbs to brighten up your borders.
There’s nothing like a fresh coat of paint to breathe a bit of life into the old place. But you don’t have to redecorate the whole house, which can be expensive and time-consuming. Rather, focus on creating a feature wall in the reception or kitchen, and think about using subtle hues of green and blue. They won’t date so easily and are easier on the eye.
