Repair & Improve

March Weekend Projects

Tips to get your home in tip top shape for the season

by Leslie Segrete

Spring is about to be sprung.  With warmer weather and longer days, it’s a great time to add a few projects to your home improvement to-do list:

WEEKEND #1: Only You Can Prevent Dryer Fires

This weekend it is time for a cleaning chore that is going to keep you and your family safe and only needs to be done once a year.  We are talking about cleaning your dryer’s venting system.  Every year an average of 14,500 dryers catch fire and can be responsible for up to ten deaths.  The main cause for dryer fires is not a wiring issue but lint that collects in the dryer’s exhaust ducts.  Lint builds up very fast, is highly combustible and can spread a fire quickly. 

You can take several steps to make sure that your appliance is operating safely.  Always clean the lint screen after every use.  Vacuum behind the dryer as part of your regular house keeping chores.  When you are behind the dryer make sure the connector hose is made from aluminum.  A plastic hose can get very hot and catch fire, if the connecter is plastic replace immediately.  Once a year clean the vent fully from the outside of the house and back to the dryer.  Use a product like the Guardus Lint Eater, which is a bristle brush with a series of connectable sticks that will clean and remove all the lint that has built up in the hose over years.  You will be amazed at what comes out, keep a trash bag or two nearby.  Remember to turn off the dryer when you are not going to be at home.  Dryer fires spread quickly and destroy everything in its path so be safe and not sorry.

WEEKEND #2: More Daylight for Your Home Improvement Projects

This weekend marks day light savings.  Spring ahead and gain an extra hour that can be used in any way you so desire. Day light savings time is also an excellent time to remember to change the batteries in all smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.  The batteries in smoke detectors need to be changed at least yearly and carbon monoxide detector batteries according to the manufacturers recommendations.  Be sure to give the detectors a test while you are up changing the battery to ensure they are working properly. 

If you haven’t replaced the detectors in the past 5 years it might be a good time to do so. The technologies have changed and advanced so much recently helping to ensure your family’s safety. The cost spent on a new device is nothing compared to the possible dangers of a malfunctioning device in your home.

WEEKEND #3: New Life for Your Kitchen Cabinets

Is your kitchen a bit outdated?  This weekend give it a freshening up by breathing new life into your cabinets.  Think flat panel doors have to be boring?  Not so!  Create the look of paneling by adding moulding to the surface.  Moudling can be applied to look as simple or as detailed as you like.  Pick out your style cabinet door at the home center and head over to the lumber section.  Experiment with different profiles and patterns to create the right look.  Add the moulding using a pneumatic bard nailer or traditional nails and attach from the doors backside, be sure to nail in at an angel to properly affix the trim. Once satisfied, the trim work can be stained or painted to match the cabinet or in a different color or tone to add depth.  While you are at the home center check out new hardware.  Even by just adding new and stylish knobs and pulls to the doors and drawers can create a major change in the kitchen. 

WEEKEND #4: Spring into a Blooming Garden

Though it might still feel like winter in your part of the country, it is officially Spring so get that yard and garden ready.  If you have placed mulch on your flower beds to help protect the garden beds from old man winter, now is a great time to gradually start removing the old mulch to allow the warmth to reach the soil.  If you live in warmer parts of the country where the mulch is continually there to provide moisture, start to refresh the upper layers to keep the beds thriving.  Be sure to trim back any winter shrubs or plant growth to prepare and make room for the burst that is about to happen.

WEEKEND #5: All Systems Go for Summer

Things are only just starting to warm up but it always best to prepared.  The cooling season is about to come into full gear and you need to be sure that your air conditoning units are ready to meet that demand.  If you have a central air conditioning system, be sure to schedule a service with the pros.  Let them test all systems and examine duct work and make any necessary adjustments and repairs.  Be sure to vaccuum all of the registers and change any filters you are using to keep your indoor air quaility at its best.  If you have window units be sure they are in good working order, if you need to have them serviced as well.

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