DeAnna Radaj -- Spring is here officially . . . maybe not in reality for those of us who live in still-wintry Milwaukee, Wisconsin, but according to the calendar it’s here. So how can you get your house ready to help save time to do fun things once the weather really turns nice AND what can you do that helps save some money AND what should you do to help increase the equity in your home?

First, let's look at some outdoor projects that should be on your yearly maintenance list:

• Inspect your roof for winter wear or damage. Remove any dead trees/branches/litter from the roof.
• Clean and inspect the chimney flue and check flashings and chimney exterior for damage.
• Clean gutters and make sure that downspouts direct water well away from your foundation. Grading is an inexpensive afternoon of work that can save you much money down the road by saving your home's foundation!
• Low spots where water may pool against the foundation should be filled so they drain away from the house.
• Walls, including your foundation, should be checked for winter wear or damage.
• Garage doors, including openers, should be inspected for loosened parts and lubricated.
• Decks, patios, sidewalks, and driveways should be checked for winter wear or damage.
• Trees should be inspected for dead or broken limbs and then trimmed back.

You can help improve the energy efficiency of your home by doing the following:

• Clear leaves and other debris away from the outside air conditioning unit. Also, make sure to place the unit on a cement slab to increase its life efficiency.
• Plumbing valves, including exterior faucets, should be checked for leaks.
• Windows and doors should be cleaned and adjusted for proper fit and operation.

The safety and health of your family and all visitors to your home should be a major year-round concern. These quick tips will help you sleep better at night:

• Test smoke alarms and replace batteries.
• Carbon monoxide alarms should also be tested, and replace any batteries.
• Fire extinguisher placement and pressure indicator should be checked. (This is a MUST for all kitchens!)
• Furnace, air cleaner, and exhaust fan filters should be cleaned and/or replaced.

Finally, each seasonal change brings you a specific set of homeowner tasks. In fall and winter, you're bringing items indoors for storage and you're clearing debris. In the spring and summer, you bring the same stored items outdoors. Make sure everything is in good repair, from the pool loungers to your lawn mower. If you have a checklist for everything you need to do, you have a better chance of keeping up to date on your maintenance projects, and once you check everything off your lists, you'll find that you can keep your home looking great and keep it the pride of the neighborhood!

DeAnna Radaj, owner of Bante Design LLC and its production division Eden Place Productions, is a designer who specializes in Integrative Lifestyle Design (the fusion of Eastern and Western interior design philosophies incorporating feng shui and healthy home principles). Ms. Radaj is an author/columnist, design consultant, and national speaker on topics like Healthy Home Design, Feng Shui, Design Tips & Trends, and Clutter (Why We Have It and How to Get Rid of It!). Ms. Radaj is the former editor of the WI ASID newsletter which featured her column, "The Business of Design," and she has been featured in print, radio, and TV. She has authored Designing the Life of Your Dreams from the Outside In and Feng Shui for Teens, and is a contributor to Design2Share, casaGURU, and the Diva Toolbox.

Photo credit: Insurance Information Institute