March means warmer days and more sunshine, which is perfect for accomplishing home projects. Yes, it’s time for spring cleaning and fixing.

• Inspect the roof. Check for damage from ice and wind. Look for loose shingles and flashing. Check behind chimneys where shingles meet flashing. Inspect the gutters, especially where they attach to fascia boards. Reattach any gutters that may have pulled loose under the weight of ice.

• Inspect the attic. Look at the underside of the roof decking, checking for signs of water seepage. Ice can get into cracked shingles, expand and cause a leak upon melting. Replace shingles and backing, if necessary.

• Foundation drainage. Before spring rains, check the slope of soil from the house foundation. Build up any areas where soil has eroded. Use small river rock mixed with the soil to better hold it in place.

• Clean fireplace. Shovel out ashes and log remnants, then use a hand broom and vacuum to remove the fine dust. Close the damper. If you have a gas log set, consider shutting off the pilot for the spring and summer to save on gas usage.

• Prep garden tools. Sharpen shovels, hoes and pick axes. Gas up the lawn mower and weed eater and give them a trial run. Take the insulating covers off the faucets and move hoses into place.

• Gardening goals. In March or April, depending on your climate, it’s time to start thinking about a spring and summer garden. Clear raised planting beds of debris, and turn soil. Start seedlings inside. Do not plant until after last frost date in your area.

• Relocate firewood. If you have left over wood, move it several yards away from the house. During the spring, a wood pile attracts creatures such as termites, carpenter ants, skunks and possums.

• Power wash siding and decks. Over the winter prolonged moisture may create mold and moss on decks and house siding. Rent a power wash machine and give them a good cleaning.

• Clean windows. Winter weather leaves dingy windows. Let the sun in with a good cleaning.

• Provide nutrients for your landscape. Depending on your climate zone, March or April is the time to apply fertilizer and weed control. Consult local gardening experts.

Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract. 

Welcome to the future of the front door. The classic wood door with a knocker will probably always exist, but check out what high-tech gadgets are becoming more widely available:  touch screen locks, fingerprint scans, and doorbells that allow you to see and talk to visitors on your phone.

Keypad entry.  Perhaps the most low-tech of the new locks is a simple, programmable keypad with digits that light up. The actual locking mechanism is a simple dead bolt. Once programmed, punch in the code and turn a knob to open. Without the code, the outside knob just spins.

Key fobs. Businesses and parking entry gates have used key fobs for years. Now they have arrived at your front door. What a convenience when you’re coming home with an armload of groceries.

Touch-screen locks. If punching actual buttons already seems quaint, how about a touch-screen lock just like you have on a smartphone? Samsung has a sleek model that allows multiple users and keeps track of who comes and goes and when.

Smartphone app locks. You’ve probably seen the commercials showing a wife quizzing her husband about whether he locked the front door before they left. He says yes, then pulls his phone out and remotely locks the door on the sly. This technology also allows you to schedule usage and creates an entry log. It also will send a text message to homeowners whenever the lock is accessed.

Fingerprint readers. For extra secure technology, fingerprint-reading locks can be programmed to accept only pre-screened fingerprints. The Kwikset company sells this lock, which has a handsome traditional look.

Who’s there?  New doorbell technology allows you to see visitors who ring the bell and and talk to them on your smartphone.

Old school backup. If you are concerned about a technology or battery failure leaving you locked out, don’t worry. Each lock type has a manual key for emergencies.

Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract. 

For most homeowners, the sting of a sky-high electricity bill is more than enough to prompt their interest in energy savings. Check out these easy methods to help lower your monthly bills.

1. Attic insulation.  Most of the heat transference in a home occurs in the attic, whether it’s indoor heat escaping in winter or outdoor heat penetrating during summer. Checking the depth and coverage of your attic insulation is important for all seasons. Measure the depth of your insulation in a few different places.  Also look for places over living areas of the house where insulation may be missing. Check online energy conservation sites to see what “R” factor insulation you have and if it is adequate for your part of the country. The “R” factor is a measure of resistance to heat transfer and has a direct impact on your energy usage. If you’re uncertain about doing this job yourself with rented equipment, consider hiring a professional. Ensuring that you have adequate attic insulation gives you more energy-savings bang for your buck than almost anything else.

2. Window seals. Take a good look around the edges of your windows both inside and out. Look for any gaps in caulk or rubber seals. Re-caulk and reseal where necessary. The same thing applies to the rubber seals around the edges of your outside doors. Unless you have old, single-pane windows, you shouldn’t have to worry about replacement window costs.

3. Get a programmable thermostat. Once you have a programmable thermostat you’ll wish you’d gotten one sooner. They make it easy to set the inside temperature to rise and fall on a schedule that mimics your family’s living, working and sleeping schedule. Why heat or cool the home when everyone is at work or school all day? Also, experiment with setting heating and air conditioning temperatures that test the limits of what you find comfortable. Combining this with a willingness to layer your clothing may save you a considerable amount of money.

4. Use fluorescent and LED bulbs. Achieve double savings by switching to fluorescent and LED bulbs. First, they both use a fraction of the electricity of the old incandescent bulbs. In a typical house with fifty bulbs, switching to these more efficient lights can save about $100 per year in electricity costs. Second, fluorescent and LED bulbs rarely burn out. While they do cost more to buy than incandescent bulbs, they will often last for years without needing replacement. The combined energy savings and replacement costs make them well worth considering. No matter what kind of bulbs you use, turn off lights when you exit a room.

5. Run a full load. That goes for the dishwasher and your washer and dryer. Because you’ll be using your machines less frequently, your savings will be considerable — on  both electricity and water useage. With less wear and tear on your machines, you also will ultimately save on replacement costs. When you must buy replacement appliances, look for the blue “Energy Star” sticker designating that they have met the federal government’s energy efficiency standards.

6. Cut the power to TVs, audio systems, computers not in use.  Lurking in your home are silent energy thieves or so-called power vampires. Even when not in use, TVs, treadmills, computers and other electronics still use electricity to keep internal components powered up. Either unplug them when not in use or put them on a power strip that has an on-off switch you can easily flip.

For several years now, open floor plans have been favorites, and they still top many buyers’ wish lists. While benefits to an open floor plan abound, they’re not the best choice for everyone. Here’s how to decide what floor plan works best for you and your family.

Open floor plans. With an open floor plan, the main floor of the house is dominated by one large room, usually called a “great room,” typically combining the kitchen with a living room. Benefits of open floor plans, which gained popularity in the 1990s, are many. These homes typically have more abundant natural light, which compliments the casual atmosphere you usually find in open plan homes. The feel is more spacious because the square footage isn’t divided into smaller rooms. An open floor plan also lends itself to entertaining, allowing the cook to mingle with friends and family. Finally, an open floor plan encourages family togetherness, making it easier for adults to keep an eye on small children.

Open floor plans have certain drawbacks, however. There is such a thing as too much togetherness, especially if you have a large family. Personal space and privacy are tough to come by. The great room can also be loud at times due to the acoustics of an open space. In addition, it’s hard to hide your messes. Dirty dishes and cooking odors are out in the open.

Closed floor plans. Historically, most houses have been designed with living spaces separated from the kitchen by walls and doors, creating a more formal, traditional feel. Though these rooms may not be as open and light as a great room, a closed floor plan has certain advantages. Defined spaces allow for rooms to perform specific functions. You’ll also have more walls to place shelves and display art. If you love decorating, you might enjoy having a variety of spaces, each with its own style. A big bonus of having a separate kitchen is that it contains the mess and odor of food preparation. Finally, a closed floor plan provides rooms for a quiet escape.

When preparing your home for sale, drive-up appeal is crucial, but don’t overlook the importance of your backyard space, where potential buyers should be able to envision themselves relaxing. Let’s make it shine in six quick and easy steps.

Clean up the clutter. For many people, the backyard becomes a haven for junk when the garage has more than it can handle. That decrepit barbeque grill, the leftover lumber from the fence repair, and any other eyesores need to go.

Clean off the deck or patio. If your patio is dingy, or the deck needs refinishing, try power washing them. Repair any broken or decaying spots, and then apply a new stain and seal. For patios, clean out grass and weeds growing between masonry joints. With very little money and minimal effort, your outdoor space will look nearly new.

Landscaping should accent the living area with lush greens and colors that pop. The lawn should be weeded, well hydrated and manicured. Use colorful potted plants to accent the patio or deck. Trees and shrubs should be neatly trimmed.

Replace or refurbish patio furniture. Most patio furniture can be repainted. Replace tired seat cushions for a fresh look.

Polish and clean the barbeque grill and add a new cover. If you have an outdoor kitchen, make sure counters are clean and free of any cracks or chips. Outdoor refrigerators should be clean inside and out.

Use accent lighting over the patio or deck and along walkways to highlight features of your backyard living space. For less than $50, drape string lights overhead to create a festive setting.

Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract. 

As a homeowner, it’s far better to keep up with routine maintenance than spend big bucks down the road on repairs and replacements. Here’s a handy guide to key maintenance issues and how often they should be completed.

Monthly maintenance.

• Change the filters to your heating and air intake ducts, unless you own a systems with one large filter located at the system’s air handler. (These require changing every few months.) Clogged filters put a strain on the system, costing more in monthly utility bills.
• Clean the oven.
• Run vinegar ice cubes through the food disposal to clean and deodorize it.
• Check the clothes dryer vent to make sure it is clear of lint. With the dryer on, go outside to make sure you feel a strong flow of exhaust. If not, you may have a clog.

Quarterly maintenance.

• Test the smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Press the test button on each one. They should operate as a system, meaning when one is tested and sounds, they all should sound.
• Test the auto reverse safety feature on the garage door opener. It should reverse when an object is placed in the door’s path. Similarly, test the door’s electric eye to see if the door reverses when the beam is interrupted by a waved arm or other object.
• Deep clean the house. Besides regular cleanings of bathrooms and floors, clean tile grout to prevent mold and mildew. Clean windows inside and out.
• Dust the blinds.

Twice per year maintenance.

• Change the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
• Change the one large filter in your heating and air system, if you have that type.
• Vacuum the coils on your refrigerator to keep it operating efficiently.

Annual maintenance.

• Drain the sediment built up at the bottom of the water heater or have a plumber do so. There are several helpful YouTube videos available to learn this procedure.
• Clean your gutters after the trees have finished dropping their leaves for the year. Consider getting gutter covers to prevent them from clogging. In some heavily wooded areas or areas with pine trees, this chore may have to be done multiple times per year.
• Just before summer, your air conditioning unit should be checked and serviced by a professional. Just before winter, your heater should be serviced.
• In the spring, hire a pest control service to eliminate creepy home invaders. This also would be a good time for a termite inspection. Maintain a pest control contract with a reputable company.
• Walk around your house, inspecting the roof and looking for areas that need touch-up paint.
  In the fall, put insulating foam or Styrofoam sleeves over outdoor faucets to protect from winter freezes.
• Winterize your pool system.
• Inspect your windows and replace aging caulk that may be pulling away, exposing gaps.
• Check your chimney to make sure it is clear and ready for those cozy nights by the fire.

Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract. 

Homebuyers are looking for the perfect house, but which rooms are the most important? Here are the three rooms that will help sell a house.

Top Choice: the Kitchen

Easily the key room that helps sell a house, the kitchen should be both functional and aesthetically pleasing. A great kitchen allows space for the family to be with each other and prepare meals together. The most important features of the kitchen are its size, an open floor plan, plenty of counter space and cabinetry, and good traffic flow.

A major kitchen remodel improves value, but you may not earn back the investment if you sell soon after the upgrades are finished. Such a makeover is best done at a time when you’re planning to stay in your home for the foreseeable future and can enjoy the benefits of the project. When you sell down the road, the typical inflation of home prices over time will help you recoup your investment.

If you are planning to sell your home soon, focus on making less ambitious changes to the kitchen, such as replacing dated appliances, faucets, and cabinet hardware and updating the light fixtures. Instead of replacing cabinets, painting or refinishing them can be an attractive but less expensive option. You can also make your kitchen appear more spacious by clearing small appliances off the counters and decluttering your decor.

Bathrooms are important, especially the master

A spacious master bath with appealing tile, counters and fixtures is a room that will help sell a house. Home shoppers also value dual sinks and roomy closets in the master bath. If you can’t afford or don’t want to undertake an expensive remodel, you can give your bathrooms a face-lift with new faucets, cabinet hardware, mirrors and updated light fixtures.

It’s important to have at least two bathrooms in a house. A half bath for guests adds value.

A Lovable Living Room

The living areas are also important to family and social life. Sufficient space to comfortably entertain and large windows to allow in lots of natural light make for a living room that will help sell a house. To make the living room even more attractive without spending a lot, create an accent wall with contrasting paint, built-in shelves or interesting artwork. If one wall has a fireplace, choose it for your accent wall. Otherwise, choose the wall buyers see first when entering the room.

If your house has a living area conducive to socializing as well as a formal living room that gets little use, convert the latter into a home office or workspace to help buyers see some of the useful possibilities for the room.

Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract. The article was revised from HOUSEOPEDIA’s original article.

Homeowners with an eye on water conservation will be richly rewarded, saving themselves money on monthly water bills and helping their fellow citizens guard against potential water shortages. Here are six ways to tap into savings at the tap.

Low-flow faucet heads.  Install low-flow nozzles on all your faucets, particularly your showers. These faucet flow restrictors can cut the flow rate by half in some cases, saving water and money. There is also a device called  ShowerStart, which pauses the flow of water, once it is warm, until you step in and begin showering.

Full loads only.  In other words, don’t run a half empty dishwasher or wash a handful of clothes. By waiting until you have a full load,  you’ll also run your machines less frequently. If your machines are old, consider replacing them with more efficient models that use less water and electricity. Look for the Energy Star label. In the bathroom, set a timer when showering. Long hot showers may feel luxurious, but they’re water wasters.

Low-flush toilet tanks. If you live in an older home, consider replacing your toilets with low-capacity tanks that use less water per flush. As an alternative, place a brick in the tank to displace some of the capacity, saving water per flush.

Check for leaks.  Start with your toilets. Put a couple of drops of dye in the holding tank and wait about 30 minutes. If the color has seeped into the bowl, you have a leak and it’s time to install a new flush kit for the inner parts of the tank. To check for leaks elsewhere, go to the meter box  in your yard when you’re certain no water is being used. You will see three things: a digital counter showing water usage, a large needle that does revolutions around the whole face of the meter, and a small red or black spinner. Is the little spinner turning? Watch it for a minute or two. If it moves, you have a leak. Take a photo for documentation, then return in an hour to check the digital counter. If it has changed with no water usage, you will have documented proof of a leak. Time to call a plumber to track it down.

Turn off the water. After you wet your toothbrush, turn off the water while you brush. When hand-washing dishes, turn off the water between rinses. When shaving, run a bowl of shallow water and dip the razor in the water between strokes rather than holding it under flowing water. Little things like this add up.

Watering your landscape.  The best thing you can do is invest in an irrigation system and learn to use it effectively.

Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract.

Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract. The article's photo was revised from HOUSEOPEDIA’s original article.