Spring Home Refresh

A beautiful view of Edmonton from Hardisty Drive

Spring has sprung and historically, this is the time to tackle some of the deeper cleaning around the house. After a long winter, it’s inspiring to clean, purge, organize and dust off those winter blues. A home that is ‘so fresh and so clean’ provides us with many benefits including: overall protection for the home, contents and our well-being, allergen reduction, increased productivity and focus (good news for those of us still working from home!) less stress and mental clarity.

It may be hard work but a clean slate is refreshing! And while getting into those forgotten nooks and crannies can be satisfying, we can’t forget about some of the ongoing home maintenance tasks either! Below, we have gathered together some things to think about as we emerge from our winter hibernation and spring into the warmer months.

Our Fall and Winter Home Maintenance Checklists stressed the importance of inspecting the roof. Spring is no different. Look out for cracked, missing or loose shingles and fasteners and be sure to remove all debris to guarantee peak performance. Gutters should also be clear of debris and any remaining ice or snow.

Look at windows and doors…again!
The combination of cold air and central heating systems could cause condensation to occur and accumulate during the colder months. Any additional moisture increases the potential of mould and possibly cause further damage to wood framing and paint. Before washing the windows themselves, check around them! Once the cleaning is done, open them up to get some fresh air in which will help further evaporation.

Windows for Custom Build in Rio Terrace

Peek in the attic.
Ensure there is proper insulation and ventilation which helps deter any moisture build up and potential mould growth. While you’re up there, check for (and get rid of!) any insects or small critters that could have migrated in from the cold.

Get downstairs!
Spring is typically wet and the basement is prone to dampness. Be on the look out for cracks, water penetration and small openings that small creatures could have created! Any moisture suggests higher than normal relative humidity and inadequate ventilation.

Now that the grittier work is done…

Refresh your workspace!
Whether you are working from home, taking advantage of a hybrid work model or are completely back in the office, it can be as easy as a fresh coat of paint in a cheerful shade to brighten the spirits. (Read our Pantone Colour of the Year for inspiration!). If you’re not into painting, you can use soft furnishings (pillows, blankets and accent pieces) with colour and texture to add levity and brightness. Bringing the outdoors in with flowers and greenery is another simple way to give any living space a seasonal refresh. The colours and scents remind us of new growth and awakens the senses.

Bring the outdoors in!

Thinking a little bigger and taking office ergonomics into account, changing out office furniture or improving storage solutions can give new perspective to an old space as well. Or maybe it’s time for a complete renovation to create a comfortable, inspiring and functional workspace.

Any refresh, whether big or small, can create a ‘new’ space to enjoy. If it’s a building envelope issue, our building science experts can help diagnose and plan the repair. If it’s a bigger renovation, we have experienced in-house staff who can design, plan and execute your next home improvement.

A clean and fresh home promotes a clean and fresh mind!