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Spring Home Hacks: 12 Ideas to Save Money and Improve Quality of Life this Spring!
I’m a to-do list obsessive. I have lists and sub-lists and categorized lists of lists. Ask me to create a list (like what is coming in this email) and I can come up with one in minutes. It’s a prerequisite to being a good inspector and serves as the fuel driving home repair do-it-yourselfers. Before I add more to your developing lists I want to offer you one simple invitation: DON’T DO EVERYTHING I SAY!
After reading this list, pick one and only one hack to complete. Then trash the email and move on. If you are an over-achiever or feeling particularly motivated you may return and pick one more to do – be sure it is only one more. Then definitely trash the email and get on with living life. There may come a point in the coming days where you remember one you did not choose to complete. In that case, you are welcome to do it but it’s not out of guilt or the have-to pressure. At that time it will because you want to – not because of obligation or a nagging email. Home hacks are best done with no pressure and an element of fun.
Once that one (and only) item is done, then pat yourself on the back. Congratulate yourself. Celebrate with a cold one! You read an email and did something more than you do with most emails. You can be proud of yourself – and I’ll be proud of you – and if you tell me about it I’ll offer you my praise and give a verbal gold star!
So now I’ve encouraged you to “DON’T DO EVERYTHING I SAY” let’s get on to the Spring Home Hacks!
The following home hacks are at the top of my mind as we come to this spring season. They count as a home hack if they are doable by the average everyday home owner, and if they truly save us money or improve our quality of life.
Open the window, or ensure all window vents (if present) are open. Get fresh air in the house and help replace what we breathe and live in throughout the week.
Replace window screens. Keep pests and floating fuzzies out of the house. Screen replacement kits are available through Amazon and at the hardware store that will allow you to custom design and fix these.
Ensure your crawlspace access is closed. A small gap can literally cost you thousands of dollars in future repairs to the insulation and components below your house. Make sure it is sealed up.
Trim branches blocking your view or contacting your house. This branch will soon fill out with leaves and numerous other branches. A simple snip today will save you time later this summer.
Oil and lubricate door, hinges, cabinet, doors, closet, casters. Overhead garage door casters are easy to forget. Squeaks get noticed in all the wrong ways. A smooth operating hinge or caster is truly satisfying.
Pull out the ratchet wrench and tighten bolts on overhead garage door. There are a surprising number of bolts and nuts so get them all. This will reduce rattling, secure loose components and give it the necessary look-over to ensure it is in good working order.
Open the shower drain cover, sink stopper, and outside drain covers. Clear any debris and build-up. No more puddling water as you rinse out the shampoo or walk out to the on wet mornings.
Paint touchup. Get the scuffs near doors, behind furnishings, close to the wall, near stairs, handrails, corners, and other high traffic areas. Touchup, not repaint!
Call one service contractor. There’s always someone you’ve been meaning to call, so do it. Furnace, roof moss treatment, gutter clean out, electrical repair, annoying faucet drip, window and carpet cleaning to name a few possibilities.
Clean the main picture window. Get the right tool for the job, a brush and squeegee for sure. Remember what it was like the day you first visited this house and admired the view.
Restock home repair supplies. Tape, glue, straight edge and razor blades, utility knife blades, batteries, wire for the trimmer, etc. A little trip to the local hardware store and walking the aisles can remind you of what you are getting low on.
Light bulb replacement. So easy I almost didn’t include it.
So here are twelve ideas and you only have to do one. Get to it now! No pressure. Have some fun. Then trash this email and get on enjoying the Seattle spring weather!
