Preparing Your Home For Spring

3/13/2025 (Permalink)

Spring Prepping Your Home: Top 10 Essential Tasks for a Fresh Start

As the chill of winter fades away, many homeowners turn their attention to spring preparations. This season is not just about enjoying warmer weather; it also presents an ideal opportunity to ensure that the home is in top shape for the months ahead. Taking the time to prep your home for spring can prevent costly repairs later and enhance comfort and safety.

From checking smoke alarms to cleaning gutters, a thorough spring checklist can make a significant difference. Essential tasks not only improve the look of a home but also ensure its functionality. For those looking to streamline their efforts, focusing on the top 10 things to prepare for spring will provide a comprehensive approach to home maintenance.

By being proactive during spring preparation, homeowners can enjoy peace of mind knowing they’ve taken the necessary steps for upkeep. This article will explore the key tasks to tackle, ensuring a smooth transition into the sunny days ahead.

Assessing Your Home's Condition After Winter

As winter ends, a thorough assessment of the home's condition is essential. This process helps identify any damage and prepares for the warm seasons ahead.

Key Areas to Inspect:

• Roof: Look for missing shingles or signs of leaks. Winter storms can cause hidden damage.
• Gutters: Clear debris to ensure proper drainage. Check for any dents or rust.
• Windows and Doors: Inspect seals for air leaks. Replace weather stripping if necessary.

Exterior Check:

• Siding: Look for cracks or warping. Repair any damage to prevent further issues.
• Landscaping: Assess any dead plants or damage from snow. Plan for pruning and planting.

Interior Assessment:

• HVAC System: Schedule an inspection for air conditioning units. This ensures they function efficiently when needed.
• Plumbing: Check for any leaks under sinks or around toilets. Cold temperatures may weaken pipes.

By systematically addressing these areas, homeowners can identify necessary repairs and enhancements, ensuring a safe and functional living space as spring arrives.

Deep Cleaning for a Fresh Start

As spring approaches, a thorough deep clean can rejuvenate a home and create a healthier environment. This section will cover both indoor and outdoor cleaning strategies crucial for achieving a fresh start.

Indoor Cleaning Checklist

A comprehensive indoor cleaning checklist focuses on the essential areas that often require deep cleaning. Key tasks include:

• Dusting: Begin from the top down, dusting light fixtures, ceiling fans, and shelves.
• Windows: Wash and shine windows inside and out for a clearer view and to let in more light.
• Appliances: Empty and clean the refrigerator, oven, and microwave, ensuring to discard expired items.
• Floors: Vacuum carpets and mop hard surfaces; consider deep cleaning carpets for thoroughness.
• Bathrooms: Scrub tiles, disinfect surfaces, and wash any fabric items like curtains and rugs.

These actions not only enhance cleanliness but also contribute to a more pleasant living space.

Outdoor Cleaning Strategy

Cleaning the exterior of the home is equally important for a fresh start. Key strategies include:

• Yard Cleanup: Rake leaves, remove debris, and trim overgrown shrubs or trees.
• Power Washing: Use a power washer on decks, patios, and siding to remove dirt and grime.
• Gutters: Clean out gutters and downspouts to prevent water damage and blockages.
• Garden Prep: Prepare garden beds by weeding and adding mulch to enhance soil health.
• Outdoor Furniture: Wipe down and clean outdoor furniture to prepare for enjoyment during the season.

These tasks help maintain the home's exterior aesthetics and ensure a welcoming outdoor environment.

Maintaining Your Home's Exterior

As spring arrives, maintaining the exterior of a home is essential for both aesthetics and longevity. Key areas like siding and landscaping play a significant role in protecting the property and enhancing its appeal.

Inspecting and Repairing Siding

Checking the siding is critical for early identification of issues. Homeowners should inspect for signs of wear, such as cracks, warping, or flaking paint. Even minor damage can lead to moisture infiltration, causing mold and wood rot.

Key steps include:

• Cleaning the Siding: Use a soft brush and mild detergent to remove dirt and mildew.
• Caulking: Reapply caulk around windows and doors to seal gaps.
• Touch-Up Painting: Address chipped or peeling paint promptly to protect against the elements.

If extensive damage is found, replacement panels may be necessary to restore not only appearance but also function.

Refreshing Landscaping and Gardens

Spring is the ideal time for refreshing outdoor spaces. A well-maintained landscape adds curb appeal and can prevent soil erosion.

Essential tasks include:

• Pruning: Trim back overgrown bushes and trees to encourage new growth.
• Weeding: Remove weeds to reduce competition for nutrients.
• Planting: Consider adding seasonal flowers or plants that thrive in the spring climate.

Adding mulch around flower beds can regulate soil temperature and retain moisture. Clearing debris also promotes a tidy appearance and allows for better drainage.

Preparing Home Systems for Spring

As the warmer weather approaches, ensuring home systems function optimally is crucial. Addressing HVAC systems and plumbing fixtures can prevent costly repairs and maintain comfort.

Servicing Your HVAC System

It's essential to start with the HVAC system. Regular maintenance helps avoid breakdowns during peak usage seasons.

Key tasks include:

• Change Filters: Dirty filters restrict airflow and reduce efficiency. Replacing them monthly or as recommended can improve air quality and system function.

• Clean Coils: Outdoor units accumulate dirt and debris, affecting their performance. Cleaning coils ensures the system operates efficiently.

• Check Thermostat: Confirm the thermostat is functioning accurately. Calibration or replacement may be necessary to maintain desired temperatures.

• Inspect Ductwork: Look for leaks or blockages in ductwork. Sealing gaps can enhance efficiency and reduce energy costs.

• Schedule Professional Maintenance: A technician can conduct a thorough inspection and tune-up, ensuring the system is ready for warmer months.

Examining Plumbing and Fixtures

Next, a thorough examination of plumbing and fixtures is vital. Seasonal changes can reveal leaks or issues that need addressing.

Important actions include:

• Inspect Pipes: Look for any signs of rust or leaks, particularly in exposed areas. Addressing small leaks now can prevent significant damage later.

• Check Faucets and Showers: Test for leaks or drips. Repairing these can save water and reduce utility bills.

• Examine Toilets: A running toilet can waste a substantial amount of water. Check for issues with flappers or seals.

• Clean Drainage Systems: Clear out clogs in sinks and showers to prevent backups. Using a mixture of vinegar and baking soda can help in maintaining clear drains.

• Assess Outdoor Faucets: Ensure outdoor spigots are functioning correctly. Inspect hoses and fittings for wear, especially before the gardening season.

Taking these steps will ensure both HVAC and plumbing systems are ready to function smoothly throughout spring.

Updating Home Safety and Efficiency

Spring provides an ideal opportunity to enhance the safety and efficiency of a home. This season is perfect for ensuring critical systems function well, greatly contributing to a safer living environment.

Checking Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Testing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors is essential for home safety. It is recommended to check these devices monthly. Replacing batteries at least once a year is crucial to ensure reliability. If the detector is over 10 years old, it’s time for a replacement.

Homeowners should also consider adding smart detectors that send alerts to their smartphones. This technology enhances safety, especially when away from home. A visual inspection of the units is important, ensuring there are no obstructions or dust buildup.

Maintaining proper functionality helps in preventing dangerous situations. A working smoke detector reduces the risk of fire-related fatalities, while a carbon monoxide detector alerts to potentially lethal gas buildup.

Assessing Insulation and Energy Use

Insulation plays a significant role in home energy efficiency. Homeowners should inspect insulation in attics, walls, and basements for any signs of wear or gaps. Proper insulation can dramatically reduce energy costs.

They should also check for air leaks around windows and doors. Sealing these gaps with caulk or weatherstripping is an effective way to improve energy efficiency.

Additionally, homeowners can perform an energy audit to identify areas for improvement. This can include upgrading to energy-efficient appliances and adjusting thermostats to optimize energy use throughout the season.

Regular assessments and upgrades not only enhance comfort but can yield long-term savings on energy bills.

Seasonal Decor and Organization

As spring approaches, it's essential to refresh both decor and organization in the home. Seasonal elements and efficient organization can create a welcoming environment while preparing for warmer weather.

Incorporating Spring Themes

To embrace the essence of spring, one can incorporate bright colors and natural elements into the decor. Fresh flowers are a popular choice; they bring vibrant hues and fragrant scents into the home. Selecting arrangements with seasonal blooms, such as tulips or daffodils, can uplift any room.

Table of Seasonal Decor Ideas:

Decor ItemDescriptionFloral ArrangementsUse bright, seasonal flowers to create focal points.Pastel Accents: Incorporate pastel-colored cushions or throws.Nature-inspired ArtHang artwork featuring spring themes like landscapes or floral patterns.

Additionally, one can replace heavy winter decor with lighter fabrics and textures. Sheer curtains or lightweight table linens allow more natural light, enhancing the overall ambiance.

Organizing for Warmer Weather

As the seasons change, so do the storage needs. Spring is an excellent time to declutter and organize spaces that were overlooked during winter.

Checklist for Organizing:

• Clothing Swap: Exchange winter clothing for lighter wardrobe options.
• Gardening Supplies: Organize gardening tools and supplies for easy access.
• Outdoor Living Areas: Clear debris from patios or decks to prepare for entertaining.

Using labeled bins and baskets can facilitate organization. Establishing dedicated areas for items like gardening tools or summer sports equipment helps maintain a tidy environment. This approach maximizes space and enhances accessibility, making the transition to warmer months more enjoyable.

Backyard Bonfire Safety

2/21/2024 (Permalink)

With cooler nights here, (and fewer mosquitoes) we may want to plan an outdoor evening on the deck or in the back yard with family or guests, gathering around firepits and clay chimineas.

Bonfires especially can be a great activity for the whole family, but it’s important to keep in mind the dangers of open flames and how to have a bonfire responsibly!

• You should always either use a fire pit purchased from the store or dig your own – Fire pits are a crucial part of keeping a bonfire contained where you want it to be and not have it spread. Be sure to also clear away brush from around the fire pit as well.
• Make sure your fire is a safe distance from houses, trees, powerlines, or anything that can be affected by the heat.
• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose close by – accidents happen and being able to address them immediately is how to prevent things from getting worse.
• Use newspaper and small kindling to get the fire started, NOT gasoline or other accelerants.
• Never spray aerosols or toss canisters into the fire – The heat can make these containers explode and throw burning embers everywhere.
• Limit your fire size – It’s tempting to make a big fire, but you should make sure to keep your fire to a manageable size, no bigger than a few feet around.
• When you’re done, be sure that the fire is completely extinguished – stir the ashes around and use more water than you think you need to ensure there is nothing still smoldering. Embers can stay smoldering, hidden under a bed of ashes for hours and can be relit by the wind unexpectedly.

Bonfires are a lot of fun and a great way to spend time outside, just be sure that you are taking the proper precautions to do so safely.

What to do before we arrive!

9/13/2023 (Permalink)

Do you know where your water shuts off are located?

No matter the size, water damage has the potential to cause some pretty big issues structurally to your home or business. You must work quickly to make sure that the damage does not continue to worsen because as long as the moisture is present damage can continue to occur. While we will always recommend using a professional water damage restoration company to help ensure that your property is thoroughly dry and there’s no lingering moisture hidden in the structural materials there are a few things that you can do to help mitigate any more damage from occurring before we arrive on scene:

• Shut off the source – If the source is a leaky pipe or appliance, you’ll need to shut off the water supply to that leak, If you don’t know how to shut the water off in your home you should learn as soon as possible as you never know when you may need to.
• Electricity – If accessible without going through the water, shut off the electricity to the affected area as soon as possible. Water conducts electricity very well and this poses a serious safety risk. Not only that but an electrical hazard is also a big fire hazard and the last thing you need is another form of damage to be added on top of the water damage. If you can’t shut off the electricity from the breaker safely you may need to leave and shut it off from the outside so that you’ll be able to move about the area without worrying about getting shocked.
  • Additionally, you should never try and turn on any lights if the ceiling is wet.
• Excess water – Use mops, towels, etc. to soak up as much water as possible. Water damage increases by the minute. The more water you can soak up while waiting for us to arrive the less damage is likely to occur and it will allow us to start drying out your property faster.

Tis The season For Safety

6/12/2017 (Permalink)

The NFPA reports local fire departments respond to an average of 250 Christmas tree related fires each year, with a majority of these fires caused by electrical problems. Make sure to take precautions this year.

• If you have an artificial tree, be sure it is labeled, certified, or identified by the manufacturer as fire retardent.
• If you choose a live tree, pick a tree with fresh needles that do not fall off when touched.
• Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights.
• Make sure the tree has plenty of water everyday.
• After the holidays, properly dispose of your tree.  Dried-out trees can be a fire hazard and should not be left in home or garage, or placed outside the home.

What To Do in Extreme Heat

7/20/2016 (Permalink)

Stay cool and take the proper precautions in this extreme heat!

This weekend, temperatures are expected to reach the 3-digit mark! SERVPRO of Chesterfield wants you and your family to be safe and take the proper precautions during this time of extreme heat. When temperatures reaching this high, the body must work extra hard to maintain a normal temperature.

Extreme Heat can cause the following:

Heat Exhaustion - Typically occurs when people exercise heavily or work in a hot, humid place where body fluids are lost through heavy sweating. Blood flow to the skin increases, causing blood flow to decrease to the vital organs. This results in a form of mild shock. If not treated, the victim's condition will worsen. Body temperature will keep rising and the victim may suffer heat stroke.

Heat Stroke - A life-threatening condition. The victim's temperature control system, which produces sweating to cool the body, stops working. The body temperature can rise so high that brain damage and death may result if the body is not cooled quickly.

To prepare for extreme heat, you should:

• To begin preparing, you should build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan.
• Install window air conditioners snugly; insulate if necessary.
• Check air-conditioning ducts for proper insulation.
• Install temporary window reflectors (for use between windows and drapes), such as aluminum foil-covered cardboard, to reflect heat back outside.
• Weather-strip doors and sills to keep cool air in.
• Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun with drapes, shades, awnings, or louvers. (Outdoor awnings or louvers can reduce the heat that enters a home by up to 80 percent.)
• Keep storm windows up all year.
• Listen to local weather forecasts and stay aware of upcoming temperature changes.
• Know those in your neighborhood who are elderly, young, sick or overweight. They are more likely to become victims of excessive heat and may need help.
• Be aware that people living in urban areas may be at greater risk from the effects of a prolonged heat wave than are people living in rural areas.
• Get trained in first aid to learn how to treat heat-related emergencies.

What you should do if the weather is extremely hot:

• Listen to NOAA Weather Radio for critical updates from the National Weather Service (NWS).
• Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles.
• Stay indoors as much as possible and limit exposure to the sun.
• Stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine if air conditioning is not available.
• Postpone outdoor games and activities.
• Consider spending the warmest part of the day in public buildings such as libraries, schools, movie theaters, shopping malls, and other community facilities. Circulating air can cool the body by increasing the perspiration rate of evaporation.
• Eat well-balanced, light, and regular meals. Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.
• Drink plenty of water; even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid drinks with caffeine. Persons who have epilepsy or heart, kidney, or liver disease; are on fluid-restricted diets; or have a problem with fluid retention should consult a doctor before increasing liquid intake.
• Limit intake of alcoholic beverages.
• Dress in loose-fitting, lightweight, and light-colored clothes that cover as much skin as possible. Avoid dark colors because they absorb the sun’s rays.
• Protect face and head by wearing a wide-brimmed hat.
• Avoid strenuous work during the warmest part of the day. Use a buddy system when working in extreme heat, and take frequent breaks.
• Check on family, friends, and neighbors who do not have air conditioning and who spend much of their time alone.
• Avoid extreme temperature changes.
• Check on your animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat. Go to a designated public shelter if your home loses power during periods of extreme heat. Text SHELTER + your ZIP code to 43362 (4FEMA) to find the nearest shelter in your area (example: shelter 12345).

With temperatures this hot, give your body a break and take a swim!

Public Pool:Pocono Community Pool: http://www.poconomatters.com/ 

Information provided by: https://www.ready.gov/heat

Awarded #4 Best Franchise in the Nation

7/18/2016 (Permalink)

Our awesome team at SERVPRO® of Chesterfield, Richmond, Henrico & Tri-Cities, Plus!

This year was the 47^th Annual SERVPRO® Convention, which welcomes all franchise owners to take part in workshops for sales, marketing, production, office and executive divisions. They also attend a tradeshow highlighting the newest equipment in the industry. This is an opportunity to discuss new ideas and ways to improve each franchise using and developing new technologies that combat your fire, water and mold damage professionally 

Oh yeah – they also give out awards!

Out of almost 1,700 SERVPRO® franchises, SERVPRO® of Chesterfield, Richmond, Henrico & Tri-Cities, Plus was awarded #4 Best Franchise in the Nation! We want to thank everyone from our SERVPRO® team and our dedicated owners, Andy & Theresa Bahen for their continuous hard work! We couldn’t be more excited for this huge recognition of the great work our company has provided for more than 30 years. Andy and Theresa Bahen are the backbone to this company and have truly earned this title because of the hard work, dedication and passion they tirelessly put forth every day.

Thirty years ago, SERVPRO® of Chesterfield got its start working out of a 10x10 room. Now, the company has grown into a 50,000 square foot facility staffing about 100 people. Everyone including the wonderful office staff, the project managers, crew chiefs, the marketing department and technicians, all have major roles in creating this highly-valued company.

SERVPRO® of Chesterfield, Richmond, Henrico & Tri-Cities, Plus has earned an excellent reputation with homeowners, insurance companies, business owners, facility managers, local and state government agencies and commercial property management teams. We cherish these relationships and will continue to work hard, growing the trust and support we’ve earned throughout the years.

We can only move forward from here! Next stop: #3!

Go Team Bahen!

Cold Weather

11/14/2013 (Permalink)

Don't let this happen to you!

Cold weather has hit our area.  When temperatures are at or below freezing there are a few easy steps you can take that may protect your home from freezing pipes:

1. Turn off faucets and allow to drain then cover with insulating foam covers.


2. Insulate any exposed pipes under or around house with foam insulation.


3. Open cabinet doors under sinks.


4. Allow interior faucets to drip, both hot and cold.


5. Know where your main water shut off valves are located.