Get Your Home Looking Spring-Fresh!

After months of hibernation, spring has finally sprung! It’s time to shed those layers and get ready for the new season. Not only is it the perfect time to do your routine maintenance on those areas you neglected during the colder days, but the warmer weather also brings with it exciting opportunities to switch up your living space.

• Get those checks and maintenance in early. Now that you can reasonably expect to be using more of your property, it is time to give it a good once-over. Start with the doors and windows, making sure they are in good working order and give any metal frames a quick rust check. It is also important to remove all the debris that has likely accumulated in your gutters over the chilly months, as this could impact drainage when those big summer storms arrive.
  
  Inside, check for any cracks or watermarks on the ceiling, as these could be signs of damp, or worse, issues with pipes, geysers or overall waterproofing. It is also a good time to take stock of the contents of your home - both inside and out - and to make sure that your insurance policy is updated to include any new buys. 
• Get an al fresco facelift. With the entertainment season just around the corner, now is a good a time to look at ways to improve your outdoor space. You may want to give your wooden patio furniture a good sand and varnish, as it is likely not looking its best after a long season of neglect. Add a few springy cushions and accessories to highlight the warmth and feel of your outside area.
• Light things up. Lighting is also key when it comes to soaking up those balmy summer nights. Outdoor and garden lighting can make your space feel like new once the sun goes down, creating a space that is equally desirable both before and after sundowners. If you’re looking to spice up the ambience when hosting, you can add a fire pit to add a little warmth on chilly evenings.
• Give your lawn some love. In some parts of the country, the warmer weather usually brings along rainy days, making it a little easier to maintain your lawn. Be consistent with your watering, mowing and maintenance to avoid your garden wilting in the scorching sunshine. To keep bugs and insects at bay, look out for patchy areas, and spray the area with soapy water. If there is an insect infestation, consult your local nursery for tips on the safest and most effective pesticides.
• Be water-wise. Of course, a green lawn is not a realistic prospect for certain parts of the country, with drought and water restrictions. To avoid your garden looking like a desert, you might want to look at paving over certain areas, or installing feature pieces that help to reduce the grassy space without compromising the overall appeal of the property. With grey water systems being widely available, you can recycle your water into your garden and keep the grass looking greener well into next winter while you enjoy your garden your way.

Connect with us by getting an online insurance quote as you revamp your home to ensure that you have comprehensive home insurance, so that we can cover those ‘rainy days’ and enable you to live your way.