It’s spring and time for exterior maintenance

Most of the country has experienced a very cold and wet winter, but warmer weather is finally on its way with the arrival of spring.

Before the peak summer season arrives, homeowners can prepare their outdoor space for the upcoming December holidays with a few simple exterior maintenance tasks.

“There are many quick and easy measures homeowners can and should take to ensure that the property is equipped for the joys of summer as well as protected against the elements of the previous season. Not only will this protect the home’s future resale value but it should also reduce costs on unexpected repairs,” said Adrian Goslett, regional director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa.

The first item Adrian recommended adding to the spring maintenance list is to sand back and varnish any exterior wooden features including decking, window and door frames, sheds and outdoor furniture. This will protect the lifespan of the wood and prevent any splintering.

When spending more time outdoors, one tends to notice if features are looking tattered and scuffed. That’s why spring is the perfect time to tackle the exterior maintenance tasks so that everything is in tip-top shape for when homeowners want to spend more of their time outdoors,” Adrian advised.

Next on the to-do list is to inspect the roof and gutters for any blockages or leaks.

“While homeowners might not have experienced any leaks or damages yet, there might still be potential blockages or cracks in the roof and gutters brought about by the inclement weather conditions of the winter season. Checking for this can prevent future damage and can save homeowners from costly repairs in months to come,” he advised.

Once all the checks and repairs have been completed, homeowners can look at setting the scene for their coming outdoor fun.

“Homeowners can use this time to get ahead on the landscaping that they may not have been able to attend to in the recent winter months, like trimming shrubbery or weeding flowerbeds and pathways. Making sure the front garden in particular is well-kept will increase the home’s curb appeal which can greatly affect the resale value of the home,” Adrian highlighted.

Keeping a home’s exterior space in good condition will increase the overall appeal of the home. This will have a knock-on effect on the potential resale value of the property. Those hoping to sell in the coming summer months should reach out to a local real estate professional to ask for advice on how to make their outdoor space more appealing to buyers in their area,” he concluded.