Now that the weather is warmer, it's time for Ohio homeowners to consider annual home maintenance. Not only is maintenance a necessity for keeping all your home's systems running right for your comfort and enjoyment, but it's also important for keeping your home's value up. Our REALTORS® have some great advice about ensuring your home retains its value through a good maintenance plan.

• Invest in Manageable Maintenance Projects
  Investing in huge renovations isn't necessarily the best way to keep up with home maintenance. Doing bathroom renovations, adding rooms to your house, or creating an outdoor "kitchen" are all great, but when it comes to upkeep, it's better to think in more economical terms.
  
  For instance, you might not redo the whole kitchen, but a new countertop or painted cabinets can make for a fresher look at a lower investment. You can also schedule maintenance for appliances, such as changing the refrigerator filter, changing the HVAC filter, planning twice-yearly maintenance on the air conditioner and furnace, thoroughly cleaning lint from the clothes dryer, and scheduling electrical outlet repairs. Do slow drains or fixtures need replacing? Resolving these issues before they become major problems is a good idea.
  
  And be cautious about projects you can tackle yourself, as well as more complex ones where you might need the help of a pro. For instance, electrical projects are usually best left to a certified electrician. 
  
  
• Looks Matter
  If you haven't started a program for maintaining the exterior of your property, you can begin this spring. For instance, is the paint chipped on the trim around doors and windows? Do windows close properly, or have they developed air leaks? Inspect your property, figure out what you can do by painting or staining, and get going.
  
  As to the interior, are carpets and rugs in good shape, or are they worn? Could walls use a new coat of paint?
  
  What about the grounds? You may want to tackle the weeds in your lawn or plant some fresh flowers in the beds. Do the shrubs need trimming or thinning? You can perk up a property by adding splashes of color in beds or adding container plants around the front porch. Clear away tools and anything that will detract from your property's appearance.
  
  Spring is also a good time to get rid of clutter. Go through closets and give away or recycle anything you no longer use: books, clothing, boxes of mementos (chances are you've forgotten what's in those boxes anyway!), and furniture you thought you'd repair but never got around to. Clearing clutter is essential to boosting your home's appeal, as any possible buyer wants a clean palette where they can imagine themselves.
  
  
• Plan Annual Maintenance
  Spring upkeep is important, but making a spreadsheet and planning maintenance all year is a good idea. That way, you can spread the cost and the hassle of having workers in your home or moving furniture to accomplish the projects. You don't have to do everything at once but rather do a few each year at a time to ensure you're keeping up on maintenance.

For more advice on spring upkeep or to view Beavercreek homes for sale, feel free to contact us.