Below are five home improvement projects that yield a big return for the investment:

1.  Repair your roof. Your roof is your home’s number one defense against the elements. Even a small issue on the top of your house can lead to major damage indoors if water is allowed to enter your attic and walls. Take a look at your roof from the ground to see if any shingles have been blown out of place during a winter storm. If you’ve had water leaking into your living space this winter, spring is the time to investigate the source of this problem. Remember: water can travel a long way along the beams. The section of your roof that needs repaired may not be directly above your leak. Small repairs make an easy DIY home improvement project. Larger issues are best left to the professionals.

2.  Clean and check for window damage. Cleaning the outside of your windows is an ideal spring home improvement project and only costs you time and effort. Plus, it’s rewarding to start the new season with crystal clear windows. Replacing broken window panes is inexpensive and goes a long way to making your home more attractive and energy-efficient. Strong winds from winter storms combined with the freezing and thawing of the typical Ohio winter may have cracked a few of your window panes. Take a walk around your house and visually inspect all of your windows. While you’re at it take a look at the window sills and trim for any signs of water damage or deterioration. Painting and/or replacing damaged window trim is another home improvement project that yields big results.

3.  Update your siding. Siding, too, can get damaged from winter snow and wind. And, replacing a warped or loose piece of siding is a home improvement project that can be completed on a sunny spring afternoon. If your siding is older, you might also consider updating your siding with a more energy-efficient and easy to maintain product, such as vinyl siding that helps insulate your house and is easy to clean with a hose and brush.

4.  Replace your gutters. Your gutters and drain pipes help to direct rain water and melted snow from your roof away from your foundation. Clogged or leaky gutters can cause this water to accumulate below the roof line, causing ruts around your house and possibly leading to water getting into your basement. Gutters and drain pipes are relatively inexpensive to replace and well worth the effort in keeping your home cozy and dry. Another easy home improvement fix is to install gutter guards in the spring to keep fall leaves from clogging your gutters.

5.  Add insulation. If you home wasn’t quite as warm this winter as you would have liked it to be, perhaps it’s time to beef up the insulation in your attic. Adding an extra layer of fiberglass insulation on the floor of your attic is another easy home improvement project and can help keep the heated air down in your living space where it belongs and make cooling your home this summer much easier. Attic insulation also helps to keep the top of your house a constant temperature, which is useful in preventing ice dams, a major source of winter water damage.

So, put your spring enthusiasm to work in making your house more secure, safe and attractive. The effort and expense you invest today on home improvement can save you big repair and energy dollars in the future.

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