Spring home maintenance, stress free kitchen and Paint your front door!

Your Spring maintenance checklist Maintaining your home is crucial in preserving its value. By taking small actions throughout the year, you can save money by catching problems early, or even prevent them, before significant damage takes place. As soon as the snow thaws it's the best time to do the rounds, both inside and outside your home, to make sure everything is working the way it should.

Create a stress-free kitchen No matter its size, most people feel like there is never enough space in their kitchen. While ample space is key for a great kitchen, organizing it properly can save time too. After all, it is the most used room of a home. Here are some helpful tips to create a functional and stress-free kitchen. Give each cabinet a purpose. The first step is to group items and give each group a designated space. Not only will this allow you to find every item easily, you are less likely to use the space for items that don't belong there. Limit bottom cabinets to cleaning supplies, large pots or appliances and items that are rarely used. Put items you need the most in easy to grab spots. Measuring spoons, oven mitts and your go-to saucepan should be quickly accessible for stress-free, day-to-day use. Also, by keeping items close to where they are most used, you will find everything is exactly where you need it. Increase visibility in your fridge and pantry. Clear containers and additional shelving will allow you to quickly locate items in your fridge. As for your pantry, consider using clear stackable bins, adjusting your shelves and work in levels. Adding a little light will go a long way! Think outside the kitchen. Fancy dishes, large appliances that haven't been used in months and unread cookbooks are great examples of items that do not need to be stored in your kitchen. Finding new homes for less-used items outside the kitchen is one of our favourite space-saving ideas.

Go for it! Paint your front door A vibrant red, bright turquoise, regal blue or even mustard yellow. Bold colour choices can make your home stand out. With warm sunny days around the corner, it's the perfect time to plan an exterior paint project. Here is some advice to get you started. Don't only look for an exterior paint, make sure the paint you choose is right for the door's material (wood, metal). Be sure to remember if you choose an oil-base or latex paint, as you can't switch back and forth, for the inevitable future touch-ups. Tape your colour swatch to the door and see how the colour looks at different times during the day. Pick a warm, dry day and get started early! Before painting, you will need to remove your door and the hardware from its surface. Thoroughly clean the door so dirt does not get trapped in the paint. Don't forget to use a primer coat. It's the best way to get the most out of your new colour. Your local Realtor® If you are looking to either Buy or Sell in Selwyn or Peterborough contact me immediately at 705-927-6236 Brad Sinclair, Sales Representative Royal LePage Frank Real Estate Brokerage Solving Problems and Making Things Happen in Real Estate since 2007 www.bradsinclair.ca www.royallepagerealestate.com www.gowaterfront.ca