Harsh winter lengthens homeowners’ spring cleaning on Home Services

Dec

Harsh winter lengthens homeowners’ spring cleaning

posted by home in Carpet Cleaning

On the heels of one of the most damaging winters in Denver, homeowners have more than enough projects on their spring fix-up lists. With nearly nine consecutive weeks of snow on the ground and the third snowiest December on record, home repair needs this spring are above and beyond typical spring-cleaning routines.

As Denverites thaw out, homeowners begin the process of looking for damage and fixing the problems. The Done Right Directory?, an online and print resource of guaranteed home care professionals, makes this process easier and more trustworthy for busy homeowners who don’t want to do it themselves.

According to Gary Gibson, head of the Denver-based national sales office for Done Right!?, the following is a top-10 “must repair” list, which mirrors the priorities (and recent requests) of local homeowners.

1. Carpet cleaning. After three solid months of snow on the ground, carpets (and hardwood flooring) took a beating from moisture, ice melt chemicals and general dirt. Now that the ground outside is visible once again, it is time to get the carpets fresh and clean for spring.
2. Plumbing repairs. One specific area you should check is your sump pump pit. The snow and ice, and pending spring rain are good reason to make sure you won’t have any back-ups or leaks.
3. General handyman. Be it broken gates or minor roof repair, this winter has increased the need for general maintenance of the home on top of regular upkeep. Keep in mind, some jobs are better performed by a handyman. For example, electricians may not be the best option for a fan installation. But a handyman would be happy to do the work.
4. Maids and cleaning services. With the official start of spring only two weeks away on March 21, it is time for spring cleaning. A little help goes a long way.

5. Painting. Before summer sets in, address damage from the winter and get your home summer-ready. With our extreme winters and summers, paint is easily damaged and aside from ruining aesthetic appeal, the weather can break the seal the paint gives your home.
6. Garage doors. Weather stripping on garage doors may need replacing due to damage from cold weather and sticking to ice on the garage floor. Rollers may need adjusting, springs tightened and limit switches adjusted for smooth operation.
7. Remodeling jobs. Many contractors will be booking jobs for kitchen and bathroom remodels, which can take anywhere from a few weeks to three or four months. To help ensure your job gets done before year’s end, get your contractor scheduled now.
8. Chipped, cracked and weather-beaten driveways and sidewalks. Freeze and thaw cycles, spalling (water damage to concrete finishes) and snow-plow damage can lead to numerous hazards in driveways and walkways including large cracks, broken curbs and potholes among other concerns.
9. Damaged shingles and leaky roofs. Ice dams, formed by blocked gutters and other condensation, have created the most severe problems for Denver homeowners since 1984. Unique to a harsh winter, ice dam formations push under shingles and go through freeze/thaw cycles. This can lead to damaged shingles and leaky roofs.
10. Lawns and gardens.Sprinkler systems and flowerbeds can withstand typical snow weight, but extreme ice and heavy snow can damage lawns and gardens. Timely repairs can help ensure spring flowers.

Homeowners may call their preferred service professionals to assist with these spring home repairs, or for guarantee-backed professional help, visit the Done Right! online directory at www.doneright.com. Print directories may be ordered at no charge through the Web site, or by calling 800-494-6005, ext. 2.