Experts share their top 8 tips

Each season comes with its own home maintenance list. Last fall, I shared a home maintenance list for that season. Now that it’s spring, there’s a whole new list of things to do around your home. Spring is the perfect time to get outdoors and tackle large home projects. Here are 8 tips from the experts:
1) Inspect driveways and paths
This is a simple thing to do. Just walk around your property to look for damage to walkways, paths, and driveways, then schedule repairs as needed. Asphalt can often be patched, but damaged concrete may need to be replaced entirely.
2) Keep an eye out for termites
From now through May or June, be on the lookout for termites.
“Termites swarm in the spring,” says Victor Sedinger, certified home inspector. “If there’s a bunch of winged insects flying out of a hole in the woodwork, that’s probably termites. Call a licensed professional pest-control company. You’ll save money and trouble in the long run.”
3) Prevent mosquitoes
The best way to prevent mosquitos around your home is simply to get rid of any standing water. Walk around your property and get rid of it. Not only are mosquitoes annoying but they can pose a potential danger to our health.
“West Nile virus and Zika virus are just the latest diseases caused by these winged pests,” Sedinger says.
4) Wash windows
When you clean the winter grime off, you create a lighter, brighter home. You also increased curb appeal. Hire a pro to get the job done. Here’s a list of the top ten residential window washing companies in Santa Barbara.
5) Clean gutters and downspouts
After our challenging winter here in Santa Barbara, it’s more important than ever to clean and repair your rain gutters and downspouts this year. You don’t want water to collect around your foundation.
“Clogged gutters and downspouts can cause the wood trim at the eaves to rot, and that can invite all kinds of critters into your attic space,” Sedinger says.
Here’s a list of the best gutter cleaners in Santa Barbara.
6) Clean your fireplace
If you have a working wood-burning fireplace, the end of winter is a good time to give it a fresh start. Here’s a list of the best chimney sweeps in Santa Barbara.
7) Check sprinkler and irrigation systems
Have your gardener check your sprinklers or irrigation systems in the spring to save water — and your plants. You’ll save money on your water bill and protect one of our most valuable natural resources.
8) Check screen doors and windows
Make sure your window and doors are ready for the warm months ahead. Even a small hole or tear can become a big problem. You can find repair kits at most hardware and home-improvement stores.

Let me know if you have more spring home maintenance tips to share. Also let me know if you’re thinking about listing your property in Montecito, Hope Ranch or any of Santa Barbara’s upscale communities. I’m here to help. Please give me a call at 805.886.9378 or email me at Cristal@montecito-estate.com. Spring is the best time of year to sell so I suggest you act now!