Home projects to kick off this summer – The Providence Journal

Summer is nearly here, and with this fresh new season comes the chance to spiff up your home. Whether you're looking for ways to improve your home's curb appeal, inspiration to start your spring cleaning or a little direction on seasonal home maintenance projects, these five ideas will help you spring into summer on the right foot.

Repaint your front door

As your yard fills with bright tulips, daisies and daffodils, consider adding a pop of color to your front door to match. This quick project can go a long way in boosting curb appeal and making your home stand out from the others in the neighborhood. It's best to complete this project over a few warm, dry days to make sure the paint adheres and dries correctly. Talk to a painting pro to get the best result.

Wrap up your spring cleaning

It's not too late to finish those spring cleaning projects. Whether you're purging old clothes from the back of your closet, wiping down the refrigerator (and the coils in back) or doing a deep clean of the baseboards, blinds and ceiling fans, a good tidy will get your home shipshape. Be sure to give your home's exterior some TLC as well. A power-washing pro can help you shine things up and ditch grime on your driveway, patio, porch and siding.

Upgrade your landscaping

Now's a great time to clean up the yard and start creating an outdoor space that you can enjoy. Whether you choose to plant a few new trees to your yard or completely overhaul your landscaping, it's a good idea to talk to a professional to make sure your project goes smoothly. If you're not ready to commit to a huge change, you can start small with a container garden or make a few improvements by fixing slopes, reviving dead grass and trimming overgrown shrubs and bushes.

Fix up your fence

An old, damaged or unattractive fence is not an effective (or appealing) barrier for your home. If your fence is looking a little worse for wear, take the opportunity to give it an upgrade this spring. A fencing pro can help you choose the best option for your space. Some popular fencing materials include cedar, vinyl, composite and aluminum. If you're happy with the style of your current fence, restaining or resealing it can make it look like new.

Repair your driveway

Now that we've left freezing temperatures and harsh weather behind, go outside and take a look at your driveway to see if it needs any repairs. Freezing and thawing cycles can cause cracking and damage to concrete and asphalt driveways, so it's important to check for damage in the spring. Damaged pavement can create issues with drainage, and small cracks will only worsen over time. Consult with a professional to correct any issues quickly. If you have a gravel driveway, double-check to make sure water isn't pooling in certain areas, as this can indicate drainage issues as well.

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Home projects to kick off this summer - The Providence Journal