After a long winter, cold days and lots of snow, the arrival of spring resounds in everyone’s heart like a small rebirth.

The arrival of summer also means making sure your home is ready for the beautiful season.

Here are a few tips to help you prepare.

External checks

The exterior of your home has surely been put to the test over the winter. So, as soon as the snow melts and warmer weather arrives, it’s a good idea to take a look around your property and check a few key points.

The terrain

It’s essential to check the condition of your land to avoid water accumulation. Inspect the slopes. They should always face away from your property. Make sure that the ground around your foundation does not settle. If you notice any unevenness, you can fill them in with soil.

As the days get longer and warmer, remember to rake dead leaves, remove debris and prepare flowerbeds. It’s also the ideal time to sow grass and fertilize the soil.

The Foundation

The foundation is the pillar of your property. Check inside and out for crumbling, cracks or damp patches that could indicate a serious problem.

The French drain

Make sure it works as it should. This will help you avoid future problems.

The roof

If there’s one part of your home that’s had a tough winter, it’s the roof. With the accumulation of snow, spring can sometimes bring surprises.

If you have a pitched roof, check your shingles for damage. Inspect chimney gaskets, light wells and flashings. This will prevent potential water infiltration problems.

Gutters

With the melting snow and spring rains, it’s essential to check your gutters and downspouts. They must be well anchored and free of debris. What’s more, the place where the water is discharged must be far from the foundation to avoid infiltration.

Exterior cladding

Walk around your property to make sure that any materials that might be loose or loose-anchored, such as wood, aluminum, etc., are not. Pay particular attention to those that are cracked, discoloured or show signs of mould.

For masonry cladding such as brick or stone, try to check the condition of the joints, or whether certain walls appear swollen. This can be a sign of what’s commonly known as a “pot belly”.

If you detect this kind of problem, call in a mason who will be able to correct it.

Don’t hesitate to paint or varnish certain surfaces that might need it.

Balconies and staircases

Make sure your handrails are sturdy, and look out for signs of mould, rust or crumbling.

Internal checks

Your exterior is now ready for spring. Now it’s time to take care of the inside.

Doors and windows

With the warmer weather, you’ll be opening your windows much more often. Take the time to check the seals and make sure the frames are in good condition. Reinstall screens and lubricate hinges or latches to prevent squeaking.

Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

Taking the time to check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors can save lives. Don’t neglect this step.

Ventilation and air-conditioning system

These systems are very popular in summer. Spring is the ideal time to control them. Remember to clean them, including filters and ventilation grilles. This allows you to optimize your system’s performance and provide better air quality.

The attic

Sometimes forgotten, it deserves attention because it can hide certain problems. Take the time to go up and check the humidity level, ventilation and insulation of the attic.

Sanitary vacuum

If your home has a crawl space, it may be important to ventilate it by opening the window wells. Also make sure that the mesh is in good condition to prevent small animals or insects from entering.

Exterior design

Now that you’ve checked the inside and outside of your property, it’s time to think about landscaping the outside. According to one survey, we generally spend around 25% of our time outdoors. That’s why it’s so important to make your exterior attractive.

Exterior furnishings

Depending on the space you have at your disposal, whether it’s a balcony, a terrace, a courtyard or even a whole plot of land, you’ll need to purchase outdoor furniture, whether it’s a table and chair set for eating outside or a chaise longue for soaking up the sun.

You’ll find something for every budget in a variety of stores.

Growing your own vegetable garden

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t necessarily need a lot of space. If you only have a balcony, you can start your own vegetable garden. You can, for example, plant tomato plants in large pots, or simply create a herb garden.

Some important points to consider

Sunshine

It’s essential! Most plants need between 8 and 12 hours of sun a day to grow properly. Think about this when planting your fruit and vegetables.

Choosing the right fruit and vegetables

Opt for things you like, but that are different from what is usually found in grocery stores. There are many different types of tomato (yellow, zebra, etc.).

Maintenance

Having a vegetable garden takes time. Don’t take on the project if you don’t have the time to devote to it. You’ll need to water it, remove weeds and fertilize it. Depending on the size of your portager, this may take several hours a week.

But there’s nothing better than fruit and vegetables from your own garden.