Spring is rolling around the corner and that “To Do List” that you have been hiding away is rearing its head once more. However, if you tackle one thing a month that list might not look so daunting. Certain times of the year are better to take on certain projects, so we have laid out a schedule below.

January- Clean Your Carpet & Rugs

Your flooring gets incredibly dirty during the winter season and waiting until spring can make the holiday stains harder to get out. Plus the lack of that Florida humidity during the winter months allows moisture to evaporate quickly so wet carpets dry faster. A clean carpet provides a healthier and better-smelling home, which is especially important during the winter when most people spend more time inside.

February: Paint a Few Rooms

Indoor projects aren’t weather-dependent so it is more of a supply and demand thing. However, if you are hiring someone to paint for you, winter is a good time to do it, because you are more likely to get a better price. In the summer time, everyone starts hiring painters to do the outside of their house so they jack the prices up. Even if you are planning on painting yourself, there are still benefits. Brisk winter air is good for curing paint, so cracking a window or leaving the back door open serves a double purpose.

March: Clean the Gutters

Clogged gutters prevent water from properly draining from your roof. So all that water is going to end up somewhere it is not supposed to. In fact, clogged gutters can cause major foundation problems because they are not directing the water properly. Depending on your gutters and whether you have overhanging trees, you may need to do this more than once a year. Even so, it is best to do this before the summer rain storms hit. So your best bet is to do this project in the winter months and in March.

April: Refinish You Hardwood Floors

If you have discovered hardwood floors beneath your home’s carpeting, wait until spring to complete this labor-intensive task. If you wait until it’s really hot out, the finish can cure too quickly and the sheen might not dry properly, which leads to a glossy, uneven finish.

May: Buy a New Refrigerator

Although most large appliances go on sale later in the year, refrigerators have their moment in May. In order to make room for that new inventory, the older versions usually go on sale, which can mean bid discounts for consumers. If you want even more savings, consider getting an energy efficient refrigerator for savings all year long.

June: Freshen Up Your Exterior

The time has come to wash your windows, power wash your siding, and install screens in your windows. Before you power-wash, be sure that all your weatherstripping and caulking is secure. Otherwise, you risk shooting the cleaning liquid into your house. The idea is to clean your house not take the paint off, so go easy on the pressure.

July: Fertilize Your Lawn

Your lawn needs a solid four to six fertilization applications throughout the year to keep it healthy and growing. Fertilizing in July will give your lawn the vitamins and nutrients it needs to get through the rest of the hot summer months. Also, this midsummer application helps prevent weeds from generating, which sets you up for less weed pulling in the fall.

August: Paint Your Home’s Exterior

The best time to paint your home’s exterior is when the temperatures remain consistent from day to day and don’t drop drastically overnight. The real key is to work your way around the house so that you’re always painting in the shade. Of course, you could always hire a professional to do this for you and like with any project you will want to get some estimates.

September: Replace Your Windows

Caulk adheres better when the temperature is between 40 and 80 degrees, so those glorious late summer and early fall days are an ideal time to replace your windows. Plus, when the cold air hits, new windows will keep the heat where it belongs.

October: Buy New Appliances

Big-ticket appliances such as stoves, washing machines, and dishwashers debut their newest models around this time of year. That frequently means deep discounts on the old ones. Some retailers will even start their holiday sales early. 

November: Remodel Your Bathroom

Contractors are entering their slow season this month, so they are more willing to jump on a small project and get it done quickly. A powder room is a good way to test out a contractor, especially if you are in the market for a much larger renovation like a kitchen.

December: Build a Deck

You will probably get a good deal because deck builders will be winding down for the winter. Plus adding a deck to your house when it is cold outside makes sense from a building perspective. December is less humid, so if you’re using pressure-treated wood, it will dry more consistently and evenly. Also, the hot sun won’t beat down on it, which can cause warping and cracking.