6 Projects Every Homeowner Should Check Off This Spring

As temperatures rise and days stretch just a bit longer, spring is the perfect time to roll up your sleeves and tackle home improvement projects! Whether you’re looking to enhance curb appeal or prepare your most-lived-in spaces for summer, these upcoming warm-weather days are ideal for refreshing your indoor and outdoor areas. 

From deep-cleaning your home to creating an outdoor oasis with new furniture and propane fire pits, here are six seasonal project ideas to keep you and your tools busy this season. 

1. Deep Clean From the Inside Out

Before starting new projects, consider giving your indoor and outdoor areas a thorough cleaning. Think of this step as a way to prep and prime popular spaces before the foundational work begins; a bit of elbow grease to brush away the cobwebs and blow out the stale winter air from your home. 

Start by taking a few days (or even a few weekends) to get into the nooks and crannies of lived-in areas. From dusting to decluttering, a quick refresh can instantly spruce up your space and motivate you to keep checking off more projects on your list. 

Organization Tip: Cleaning can feel overwhelming, especially when tackling multiple rooms and spaces at once. Break tasks into manageable chunks by assigning them to family members, dividing rooms or areas, and spreading them over multiple days to keep projects on track and moving forward.

2. Assess Maintenance Issues  

In a similar vein, before starting major room upgrades (more on this later), ensure your home’s “bones” are solid after a long winter. A quick check-in can identify potential issues and prevent them from becoming larger problems down the road.

For this project, focus on inspecting your home’s structural components, both inside and out. Start indoors by improving your home’s energy efficiency. This can include things like sealing air leaks, replacing air filters, and upgrading to a smart thermostat. 

Outdoors, a few tasks can help prevent damage and only require minimal time and tools. First, make sure to clear your gutters and roof of built-up debris. This small step can help prevent water damage during the upcoming spring showers. Next, check railings, fences, and walkways to ensure they are free of winter wear and safe to use more frequently as foot traffic picks up. 

Knowledge Tip: Many home maintenance projects can be DIYed or just require a second pair of hands. However, knowing when to call a professional is essential, as it ensures the proper knowledge, tools, and skills are on the job to complete a project safely and efficiently. Consider hiring a professional for electrical, plumbing, or high-risk tasks you’re not confident or comfortable completing. 

3. Create a Gardening Area 

As the ground thaws, it’s time to bring your front and backyard areas back to life by adding or refreshing a gardening space! Starting your first garden is a great way to connect with nature and beautify the area, no matter how small it is. 

Planning ahead is the best and easiest way to ensure successful, blooming results. Start by deciding what you’ll plant: vegetables, herbs, flowers, or a mix of everything? Consider your goals, available time, and budget. Once you’ve laid out your planting plan, you can focus on keeping your garden well-watered, nourished, and properly fertilized. 

Gardening 101 Tip: If you’re not sure how much space you’ll need to satisfy a beginner’s green thumb, start small! A 10-square-foot plot is an easy starting point for managing plants and requires minimal maintenance. Separating areas with raised garden beds can also help keep plants organized and allow you to customize each area to its specific needs.   

4. Dewinterize Outdoor Tools and Spaces  

As temperatures start to rise, it’s time to defrost your outdoor tools and spaces for the sunny days ahead. When it comes to outdoor power tools (think lawnmowers, pressure washers, and even chainsaws), move them out of storage and clean them before being used once again. Sharpen their blades, remove accumulated dirt and debris, charge their batteries or fill up their gas tanks, and they’ll be ready to go.

Your deck, patio table and chairs, pool, and sprinkler system will follow a similar process before officially opening your outdoor space: 
 

• Look for loose or rotten boards on your deck
• Wipe down surfaces on your outdoor furniture 
• Clean and remove algae from your pool
• Test your sprinkler system for leaks or busted pipes.  

Temperature Tip: Not sure when to wake up your tools and prep your outdoor spaces? A consistent, warm, dry temperature is your best gauge. The general rule of thumb is to wait until the outdoor temperature stays at 60 degrees or higher for at least a few days in a row.

5. Set Up the Outdoor Living Area

Nothing says ‘hello spring’ like soaking up the sun and breathing in fresh air while relaxing in an outdoor oasis. Plus, this season is teeming with social gatherings, from holiday cookouts to birthday parties. The key ingredient for an outdoor experience everyone will love is a quality patio furniture table set. 

If you’re purchasing a new set, factor in styles and colors that complement your existing space. If you’re building on your current collection, consider mixing and matching individual pieces that enhance your space, such as patio chairs for overflow guests or gas or propane fire pits that add warmth and character to your outdoor setting (and double as cooking/grilling spots).  

Sizing Tip: Have a small outdoor space but still want the warmth of a fire pit? Look for portable tabletop propane fire pits. These small but mighty fire pits create a fireside ambiance and cozy atmosphere all in one compact design. Plus, they double as take-anywhere lighting/heating sources, perfect for camping or weekend getaways. 

6. Start High-Impact Projects 

The slower pace of spring is a great time to tackle larger home improvement projects. Whether you’re considering renovating your kitchen, bathroom, or both, spring is a popular time to focus on major transformations because it’s less intrusive on daily life. For example, if the kitchen is under construction, you can take mealtime outdoors for an al fresco dining experience or simply dine out for the time being. 

When it comes to kitchen and bath renovations, consider enhancing both form and function. For example, installing a new kitchen sink can instantly give your kitchen a “wow” factor while also making everyday cooking more practical. The same can be said for installing a new vanity.  

Opt for high-quality, durable options, such as granite composite or stainless steel kitchen sinks. Depending on your needs, a deep single- or double-basin model can provide the additional room you’re craving. 

Remodeling Tip: Planning a bathroom remodel? Design your dream spa-like space with a few essential and easy upgrades. Opt for storage-enhancing options, like double sink vanities, and lively additions, such as new mirrors and lighting fixtures, that can be completed in a weekend and with a modest budget. 

About Menards®

Menards® can help turn your home improvement project from an idea into reality. You can find supplies, high-quality tools, and all the materials you need for your projects at more than 300 locations across the Midwest. Find help from in-store experts or inspiration from other DIY enthusiasts, whether you’re installing a walk in bathroom tub and double-sink vanities or new stainless steel single-bowl kitchen sinks. From weekend projects to major renovations, every DIY project begins with a trip to Menards®. 

Find everything you need for your spring DIY projects from Menards® at https://www.menards.com/