Baltimore Sun Sunday

5 home projects to help you spring into summer

- By Jenna Schuster

Spring is in full swing, 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 projects will help you spring into summer on the right foot.

1. 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.

2. 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 spring clean 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.

3. 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 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.

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.

4. Fix up your fence. 5. Repair your driveway.

Take a look at your driveway to see if it needs any repairs. If you live in a colder climate, 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 quickly correct any issues. 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.

 ?? DREAMSTIME ?? Adding a fresh coat of paint to the front door can give your home instant curb appeal.
DREAMSTIME Adding a fresh coat of paint to the front door can give your home instant curb appeal.

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