5 Things You Can Do Now to Prepare for Spring

 

Prepare Now for Your Home Projects This Spring

 

If you’re like us, as temperatures begin to warm and daffodils emerge from their winter slumber, there is an overwhelming yearning for Springtime. Cold weather is notorious for keeping us inside and moving at a slower pace. Our lawns look lifeless and dull and the inside of our homes lack the luster of a good deep cleaning. But until the weather breaks, there’s little we can do, right? Wrong. We can prepare now by doing a bit of research on companies and services that will help us bring our overwintered home back to life. Here are five areas to focus on:

 

1. Yard Cleanup
   Finding a landscaping crew to help clean up your yard from months of cold and often damp weather can help rejuvenate your outdoor space. From picking up sticks and branches to dethatching your lawn and cleaning up flower beds, letting someone else takes care of this for you takes the burden off of you so you can enjoy other things.
    
2. Spring Cleaning
   Consider hiring a cleaning company to perform a "deep clean" inside your home. Ask them to concentrate on lesser cleaned surfaces such as ceiling fan blades, doors, and baseboards. They can also clean the inside of your kitchen appliances, removing months of crud and grime.
    
3. Carpet & Upholstery
   Hiring a company to come and clean your carpet and upholstery will alleviate the need for renting and using bulky equipment. A deep cleaning of your carpeting and upholstered furniture will eliminate mold, mildew, and allergens and result in cleaner air.
    
4. Pressure Washing
   Spruce up the exterior of your home by having it professionally pressure-washed. Not only will it increase curb appeal but eliminating detrimental contaminants is essential to preserving your home's siding integrity. If not addressed, algae, mold, and mildew can infiltrate the siding over time, resulting in costly replacements and substantial health risks. And while they’re there, have the crew pressure wash all of your outdoor lawn equipment so it’s clean and ready to enjoy.
    
5. HVAC System Check-Up
   Don’t forget to have your HVAC system inspected and serviced. There’s nothing worse than a hot day and a malfunctioning air conditioner.
    

 

3 WAYS TO FIND HELP

1. Ask Around
   To find someone to help you with your Spring projects, ask friends, family, neighbors, or colleagues if they can recommend a reliable service provider. Personal referrals often provide valuable insights into a potential company’s work ethic and reliability.
    
2. Ask on Social Media
   Join local community or neighborhood groups on Facebook. Members often share recommendations for services based on their personal experiences.
    
3. Check Classified Ads
   Browse local classified ads in newspapers or online platforms. Many companies still advertise their services through traditional classifieds.

 

HIRING A SERVICE PROVIDER

When working with a contractor for the first time, consider the following steps to ensure a successful and transparent collaboration:

 

1. Check Their Credentials
   Verify the contractor's credentials, including licenses, insurance, and certifications. Can they can provide these items and show that they are they up to date? A legitimate contractor should be properly licensed and insured, protecting both parties in case of accidents or property damage.
    
2. Get More Than One Quote
   Obtain detailed quotes from multiple contractors for the same project. Compare prices, timelines, and the scope of work to make an informed decision. Be wary of significantly low bids, as they may indicate subpar quality or hidden costs. Pro tips: Be sure that the estimate includes jobsite cleanup and haul-away of old materials. Don't assume the contractor will haul away your debris and clean up after themselves. Also, depending on the type of work done, ask about a guarantee of the work.
    
3. Get It In Writing
   Before starting any work, insist on a written contract that clearly outlines the project scope, timeline, costs, payment schedule, and responsibilities of both parties. This document provides a reference point and protects both you and the contractor.
    
4. Clarify the Payment Terms
   Discuss and agree upon payment terms before work begins. Be cautious of contractors requesting large upfront payments; a reasonable down payment with subsequent payments tied to project milestones is a common arrangement and keeps the contractor engaged in the project.
    
5. Agree On a Timeline
   Establish a realistic timeline for the project with specific milestones and deadlines. A clear schedule helps manage expectations and ensures that both parties are on the same page regarding project progress.
    
6. Agree On Communication Methods
   Set up effective communication channels, such as regular updates or meetings. Clarify how the contractor prefers to be contacted and ensure you can reach them when needed. Open communication helps address concerns promptly.
    
7. Document Changes
   If there are any changes to the project scope, timeline, or costs, document them in writing as amendments to the original contract. This helps prevent misunderstandings and ensures all parties are aware of any adjustments.
    
8. Perform Regular Check-Ins
   Regularly inspect the work in progress to ensure it aligns with the agreed-upon specifications and quality standards. Address any concerns promptly to avoid issues down the line.
    
9. Do a Final Inspection
   Conduct a final inspection of the completed project before making the final payment. Ensure that all aspects of the work meet your expectations and any remaining issues are addressed before concluding the contract.
    

By taking these steps, you can establish a clear and transparent working relationship with your contractor, minimizing potential issues and ensuring a successful collaboration.

 

BOTTOM LINE

To better prepare for Spring projects, start your research now so that when you’re ready to get started, you’ll have the perfect service provider set up and ready to go.