Design Notes
There’s nothing quite like the warm weather and smell of blooming flowers that come with springtime. While you may have grown used to cozying up indoors during the colder months, now you can start spending more time tending to your garden, playing with your kids in the yard, and kicking back on the patio while enjoying the sun.
But in order to fully enjoy your time outside (and potentially save yourself from having to pay for expensive home repairs in the future), you will need to perform some basic home maintenance. To help you get started, here are some key areas to tackle this spring, brought to you by Greenbrook Design.
Roof
Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against the harsh winter elements, not to mention it’s a critical part of your home’s structure. Each spring, walk around your home and thoroughly inspect the roof. Leaks and missing/broken shingles are signs that attention is required.
If you wait too long before getting your roof repaired, you risk extensive water damage and/or the need for a full replacement. If you have a leak, you might be able to temporarily patch it until the pros arrive. Take a flashlight to your attic to locate the source of the leak. Then, if you can reach the hole, use roofing tar to cover the hole with plywood or a shingle.
Gutters and Downspouts
Chances are, you have leaves, sticks, and other debris clogging your gutters and downspouts, which can lead to undetected water damage. With a heavy-duty ladder and some gardening gloves, remove any unwelcome materials from your gutters and downspouts to ensure that water will properly drain away from your house.
Lawn Care Equipment
As early as possible, bring out your power lawn equipment to clean it and make sure everything runs smoothly. Also, put fresh motor oil in and sharpen the blades on your mower. If necessary, take your mower, weed trimmer, and any other type of equipment in for repair so that it’s ready to perform well for the next few months.
HVAC System
Any time the seasons change, it’s important to replace the filters in your HVAC system. Not only does this help to keep your home healthy, but it also reduces the strain on your HVAC. And when your HVAC is working harder than it should, it can significantly shorten its life expectancy and result in a much higher utility bill.
Foundation Vents
Similar to your gutters and downspouts, your foundation vents can accumulate a lot of leaves and other debris throughout fall and winter. This can block the airflow through the vents, which can lead to several other problems, such as water damage, mold, and pests. Clear all the debris away from the vents, and if necessary, wash and vacuum the vents or replace them.
Walker WoodworkingHome is a special word because it represents comfort, refuge, and family. Our home is meant to be the culmination of everything we cherish, which is why designers work tirelessly to create the perfect environment. Recently, however, there has been a movement to rethink how we design in order to minimize our carbon footprint. Interest in sustainability has increased in recent years as homeowners and designers seek ways to reduce waste and minimize environmental impact. One way is selecting sustainable materials for use in our home products. From furnishings to accent pieces, there are certain items that are more eco-friendly and come with benefits for you and your family. Let’s talk about the sustainable design approach and the top five sustainable materials you can incorporate into your home.
Walker Woodworking Window treatments are a great accent to any area of the home, including home offices, laundry rooms, and dining areas. Each has various needs that should be considered, as well as the style that best suits the particular area. Home offices are where you will spend a large portion of your daylight hours, so be sure to consider the location of your computer in relation to the window and any potential issues with glare that may arise.
Walker Woodworking Many elements make up a beautiful kitchen, but without a doubt, the countertops and backsplash are the focal points. These materials have become more than just practical tools in the kitchen. They are now works of art and an opportunity for homeowners to add a touch of themselves to the design. Of course, there must be a balance between the two, where they work together to create a cohesive design. Multiple ways exist to create both beautiful and functional looks in the kitchen. Here we answer some common questions surrounding the topic.
Greenbrook DesignFresh air, open outdoor spaces, and cooking on the grill are just a few of the benefits associated with having an outdoor space, which is becoming increasingly popular among homeowners. Our homes are our refuge, but an outdoor space is the perfect solution to curing cabin fever without having to pack up and drive somewhere. With spring just around the corner, we thought it would be a good time to highlight the reasons why an outdoor space matters, what elements should be included, and how to bring it all together to create the perfect outdoor space for everyone to enjoy.
Everyone enjoys returning to a well-organized, spacious kitchen after a long day. It’s even better if your kitchen includes a nicely organized pantry!
Greenbrook Design
Greenbrook Design