With the temperatures slowly rising and the sun beginning to peek through the clouds, we can finally say goodbye to winter. As the ice begins to melt and we see the crocuses appear from the ground, one thing is certain: spring and summer is on its way.

There’s no better time than now to start preparing your home for spring. As the sun begins to shine, you may notice parts of your property that could do with some work. Winter can leave our homes looking neglected and, in some cases, a little damaged, so it’s important to give your property that extra TLC once spring comes back around.

Below, we’ve put together a guide to preparing your home for spring. When people think of the big spring clean, they often think of decluttering inside the home and cleaning out the dust that has settled over winter. However, there is more to work on if you want your house to look its best – especially if you’re planning on selling up in the future.

Spruce up your garden

Now that spring and summer are upon us, you can start using your garden again. It’s time to dust off your garden furniture and prepare your outdoor space for the (hopefully) sunny days ahead. From afternoon barbecues with your family to cosying up under the stars with a glass of wine, we all like to relax in the garden from time to time.

Rake away any leaves, branches, clutter and debris that has gathered on your lawn or in your garden over winter. Prune and trim trees, shrubs and bushes and power wash any garden paths or patios to get rid of any dirt and grime, and to get them looking bright again for summer.

Don’t forget to give your lawn some extra TLC to make up for the bad weather, too. Applying a soil conditioner product will help your lawn to grow thick, even and lush.

Clear the gutters

During winter, your gutters may have become filled with debris such as leaves and twigs. You may not have had the chance to check or clear your gutters since autumn, and the bad weather over the winter months may have caused some damage.

Not only are dirty, clogged gutters an eyesore that can bring down the aesthetic of your home, but they can also cause a few issues too. If there are leaves and twigs blocking the water from flowing properly through the gutters, the brickwork of your home may be damaged and leaks may occur.

You can clear your gutters of rubbish and debris using a ladder, a small hand rake and a hose. Giving your gutters a good clean will make your home appear brighter and cared for.

Repair roof damage

Winter weather can take its toll on your roof, so it’s important to examine your roof once the bad weather has passed. When inspecting your home’s roof, look out for any damaged, cracked or missing shingles, or other areas of concern. If you notice any issues, you should call out a professional to carry out the appropriate repairs.

You can also inspect your roof for leaks or damage from the inside of your home. Head up to the loft when the sun is shining outside and look out for any cracks letting sunlight shine through. These gaps and cracks can let rainwater into your home, leading to costly water damage. They also let pests into your home, which is why it is essential that necessary repairs are carried out soon as possible.

Roof damage can quickly lead to bigger problems, so it’s important that you pay attention to any repairs that need to be carried out and take the time to examine your roof once the bad weather is over.

Clean or upgrade your windows

Just like the roof, harsh winter weather can take its toll on your windows. Windows often take the brunt of winter weather; they keep out cold winds, rain, ice, snow, dust and dirt – so it’s no surprise that they need a good clean once winter has passed. As the weather gets nicer and the days grow longer, you’re likely going to have your curtains open more to make the most of the sunlight, and sparkling clean windows will make all the difference.

A crucial step in your spring clean should be to thoroughly wash the inside and outside of your windows. This will instantly brighten up both the inside and outside of your home, making the room appear brighter and allowing more daylight to enter your property.

If your windows are damaged or you noticed your energy bills were particularly high over winter, you may want to consider replacing your windows altogether. There are endless benefits to upgrading your windows, from boosting the appearance of your home to improving the energy efficiency of your property.

Grab a paintbrush

The winter weather may have left your home looking dull and tired. If the once-bright white paint now looks more grey, it’s time to dig out your paintbrush and some paint. It’s amazing what a simple coat of paint can do. In fact, why not opt for a whole new colour to welcome in the warm weather and make your property stand out?

The right paint can offer increased protection against the elements, helping to prevent water from seeping into your home and warding off mould and mildew. Before you add a fresh coat of paint, evaluate and examine your home’s siding to identify any possible damage early. Adding a fresh coat of paint can even stop insect infestations.

Pay attention to your front door

Your front door is the focal point of your property. It’s the entryway to your home and what everyone sees before they step inside. If the bad weather has taken its toll on your front door, it may be time for an upgrade. While a fresh lick of paint on a wooden door can instantly boost the appearance of your property, upgrading to a uPVC door can save you lots of money while improving the aesthetics of your home. If your front door is damaged or old, it could be threatening the security of your home, so it’s always best to consider an upgrade or a replacement.

Lifestyle Designs: high quality window and doors across the UK

If you’re looking to upgrade your windows or doors, you needn’t look further than Lifestyle Designs. As one of the leading manufacturers, suppliers and installers of window and door solutions across the UK, we pride ourselves on our outstanding customer service and high-quality products.

From double glazing to conservatories, our expert team is on hand to tackle jobs of all sizes. We can provide high quality windows and doors that are tailor-made to meet your individual requirements, ensuring that you achieve the perfect fit every time that complements the aesthetics of your home.

While we cover all of our products with 10-year warranties to give customers and clients peace of mind, the products we install will last you a lifetime with minimal maintenance. Our windows and doors are fitted with strengthened glass and industry-leading Yale locks, meaning they are just as secure as they are stylish.

We have a whole range of products for you to choose from, all of which can be customised to meet your stylistic preferences and requirements. For more information about our products and services, visit our website today.