Kick spring cleaning into high gear, with lengthening days and milder temperatures, April is a wonderful time to freshen up your home inside and out. 

Things to Check Off Your List In an Hour or Less

Keep Mosquitoes At Bay 

Having warmer weather and longer days means we’re entering mosquito season. Take preventative measures by regularly checking your property for standing water and emptying it. Any open containers empty flowerpots and saucers, a wheelbarrow can become mosquito breeding grounds when filled with rainwater, so store items like these upside down or in a shed.

Inspect Paths and Driveway 

Repeated freezing and thawing can take a toll on asphalt and concrete. Check your driveway and paths for cracks, scheduling repairs as needed.

Clean Out Trash Cans and Recycling Bins 

Take empty cans outside and spray them with a hose to start. Spritz inside and out with the cleaning spray of your choice. Let the bins sit for a few minutes before scrubbing them with a stiff-bristle brush. Rinse with the hose and leave them upside down to dry.

Check Safety Devices 

Test batteries on smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, replacing them as needed. It’s also a good idea to periodically check for recalls of your home safety products.

Tackle These Tasks Over a Weekend

Clear Clutter

Create more space in your home by clearing out unloved items. If you have a lot to get rid of, hold a yard sale or contact a local charity to schedule a pickup — some will send a truck free of charge if you’re donating large items like furniture. If you have a lot of one type of item (for example, books or baby clothes), look for a consignment shop in your town where you may be able to sell them.

Schedule Cooling-System Maintenance

If you have central air conditioning, be sure to schedule professional maintenance before the start of summer. A properly maintained system cools better, uses less energy and lasts longer.

Spruce Up The Front Porch

Clean the patio floor, exterior windows, windowsills and front door. Wipe cobwebs from the ceiling and high corners, plant a pot of flowers. If you have patio furniture, clean it off and wash the cushions.

Test Sprinklers and Irrigation System

Take the time this month to test each part of or sprinklers or irrigation system, adjusting or repairing as needed. And if you don’t already have drip irrigation for your garden, consider putting it in — a properly installed system can save time and water.

Wash Windows

Welcome the spring sunshine by clearing dirt from windows inside and out. Take an extra moment to wipe the window frame and sill.

Clean and Inspect Screen Doors and Windows 

Pollen and dirt can also build up on window screens, so it’s a good idea to clean them once a year. For a quick cleaning, leave screens in place and vacuum with a dusting attachment. For a deeper cleaning, remove screens (mark which is which if cleaning multiple windows) and gently scrub with warm, soapy water. Rinse and let dry.

Before putting up window screens and screen doors, inspect each one for holes and rips — even small tears can let in mosquitoes. If you find any holes, repair them with a screen patch kit.

Clean Out The Garage

Can you park your car in your garage? If not, it may be time to make some more space.

Clear out the junk, and schedule time to take unused paint, motor oil and other hazardous items to a recycling center that accepts them.  Once your garage is cleaned out, consider adding wall-mounted storage to keep things neat and off the floor.

Wash Siding

Using a garden hose, attach a siding cleaning kit to clear away winter dirt from your home’s siding. If your siding could use a really deep cleaning, it can be tempting to use a pressure washer to get the job done quickly. But if you do, use it with care: avoid any pressure washer that comes with a 0-degree nozzle, because it can be too dangerous and wider nozzles can get the job done just as well.

Maintenance and Extras to Budget For

Clean Gutters and Downspouts 

Having your home’s gutters and downspouts cleaned and repaired if necessary is one of the important tasks to schedule this season. Clogged gutters during a rainy spring can cause water to pool, potentially damaging the roof and siding.

Boost Curb Appeal

Spring is a great time to make upgrades to your home’s exterior, and even small changes — like putting up bold house numbers and a shiny new mailbox — can make a big impact.

Maintain Wood Decks and Fences

Keep outdoor wood in top shape by staining or resealing it each spring. Check gates, fencing, decks, railings, pergolas and other outdoor structures, and make repairs as needed.

Keep An Eye Out For Termites

Lookout for termites in May and June. If you notice any, call a pest-control company.

As spring slowly comes upon us, its time to start thinking and planing our outdoor living space. An outdoor dining area can function as an extension of the home, providing additional space for hosting family and friends. You can make your outdoor dining experience even better with these idea, which range from simple updates to larger projects. Add color, style and function to your outdoor dining area.

Add a Pergola or Retractable Awning

Because you might want to enjoy being outside even if the sun is blazing or the rain is pouring down, consider adding a structure overhead to create shade, shelter and interest. There are many options to choose from, including pergolas, arbors, shade trees and retractable awnings that can protect you from the elements when needed. 

Bonus: If you add an open-air structure, you can plant flowering vines and enjoy their scent all season.

Add Heaters

Who says you can’t enjoy your deck area in early spring or late fall? By installing natural gas or portable propane patio heaters — which can be safely used under eaves and pergolas — you can spend more time outdoors with loved ones. If you have an overhang on your house, you can also put outdoor-rated infrared heaters in the ceiling above your dining or lounge areas.

Put In Outdoor Speakers

Get the outdoor party started by spinning your favorite playlist. There are many wireless speakers on the market that can withstand the elements. Some are even designed to look like elements of a landscape, such as boulders. Others can be hung in the corners of your patio or set up on side tables. 

Outdoor Lighting

You’ll need both task and ambient lighting to accommodate evening cooking and entertaining. Clip lights to your barbecue’s lid, hang up rows of string lights for some sparkle and set up freestanding lanterns or hurricane lamps with wax or artificial candles to keep the glow going while you’re outside.

Plant A Vertical Herb Garden

Limited space to plant culinary herbs for your grilling area? Look up! Outdoor kitchens can benefit from a living wall made from a specialized vertical garden system or horizontally hung gutters. Not only will a vertical garden add color and texture, but you can snip fresh herbs to season your dishes whenever you need them. Also consider vertically hanging some strawberry or cherry tomato plants to pluck produce straight from the vine.

Consider Bar Seating

If you don’t want a large outdoor dining table and chairs taking over the patio, you can save some room by setting up stools alongside a bar instead. It’s a great way to keep the chef and guests socializing while the grill is going.

Add A Fire Feature

A fireplace, fire table or several fire columns can transform a ho-hum patio into a spot where everyone wants to gather. Having a fire feature not only adds an outdoor focal point, it also helps you stay warm on chilly evenings as summer wanes.

Put Up A Privacy Screen

If you live in an urban or suburban neighborhood, you might be able to see your neighbors over the fence and vice versa. If you need more privacy in your outdoor kitchen or dining area, install a decorative screen that’s both functional and beautiful. Choose ones made from wood, wrought iron with cutout designs, bamboo or lattice for added visual appeal.

Dress Up Your Table

No budget to buy new dining furniture this year? Pick up some fresh table linens, seat cushions, place mats, napkins and colorful outdoor dishes to add pizazz without the price tag. New accessories go a long way toward elevating the festive factor.

Roll Out A Rug

Protect your patio or deck while adding pattern, texture and a punch of color to your outdoor dining area with a large outdoor rug. Choose one that’s weather- and stain-resistant so it lasts more than one season.

Pro tip: Keep the rug’s edges from curling up by placing furniture legs in strategic spots or roll up some masking tape into balls and place it under the corners.

The first official day of spring is March 20, so now is the time to get ready for sunnier days. Whether there’s still snow on the ground or flowers in bloom, nicer weather is on its way. Bring in the new season with a bit of spring cleaning, some fresh flowers and — if you can get outdoors — a little dirt under your fingernails.

Things to Check Off Your List in an Hour or Less

Make Mirrors And Table Lamps Shine 

Use a duster or soft rags to remove dust from table lamps and wipe down mirrors with a damp microfiber cloth. These freshened-up surfaces will enhance the light throughout your space.

Refresh The Entryway 

As the weather thaws, begin putting away mittens and wool hats and make room for those mucky spring boots. Clean or replace the doormat, clear off the hooks and be sure to put out an umbrella holder stocked for spring showers. A clean boot tray lined with river stones will help water drain away from your footwear.

Remove Winter Layers 

Feeling a bit stifled under a pile of thick duvets? Swap out heavy winter bedding for lighter-weight quilts and coverlets. Also consider changing deep-pile rugs for flat-weave or natural-fiber versions for the warmer months.

Tackle These Tasks Over a Weekend

Clean Up Patio Furniture 

Outdoor furniture can get really grimy over the winter, so be sure to give everything a good scrubbing before you start using it for the season. Launder washable outdoor cushion covers and replace worn-out pieces if needed.

Tune Up Lawn And Garden Tools 

Sharp tools get the job done. Take your lawn mower and clippers in for a sharpening and tuneup before you begin work in your garden.

Clean Slipcovers And Soft Furnishings 

Smaller slipcovers and washable rugs can be laundered at home; drop off larger pieces with professionals. When laundering items at home, be sure to read the instructions carefully and err on the side of caution. Most items such as curtains and slipcovers can be put back while damp — for the best fit and to prevent wrinkles.

Dust High Corners and Baseboards 

Using a vacuum attachment or the duster of your choice, remove dust and cobwebs from those high and low spots we often miss during routine cleaning.

Make A Garden Plan 

There’s still time to get your garden growing! Sketch out a plan and jot down ideas for this year’s plantings, as well as any ideas you have for changes to the hardscape, such as putting in a new path or fence. Start some seeds indoors or pick up seedlings at your local nursery. Check botanical gardens for plant sales too, as these can be great places to find native plants that do especially well in your region.

Get Ready For Tax Time 

Tax-filing deadline isn’t until April 30, but getting your ducks in a row this month will make things a lot less stressful. Sort through paperwork, update your files and gather all important documents in one place so you’re ready to go.

Simplify The Table 

Cupboards feeling overstuffed? Simplify your life by paring back on dishes and glassware, letting go of mismatched and chipped pieces and sets you no longer love or use often. Keep a basket of fresh cloth napkins within easy reach of the table to make it more convenient than grabbing paper napkins, and invest in a living centerpiece that will stay fresh and green with little maintenance.

Spring-Clean The Kitchen 

Give your kitchen a fresh start by cleaning some of the areas we often skip during quick daily tidying: Clean small appliances; wipe grease and grime from the range hood, backsplash and light fixtures; clean grout; and vacuum hard-to-reach places (like under the stove) using an attachment.

Streamline Meal Planning

Collect your favorite recipes in a binder (or online) and come up with several weeks’ worth of meal plans using your go-to favorites, plus shopping lists. When life gets busy, at least you’ll know what’s for dinner.

Maintenance and Extras to Budget For 

Treat Yourself To Spring Blooms

Spring flowers such as daffodils are plentiful and inexpensive this month, so keep an eye out for bargains. And if you have blooms popping up in the garden, why not snip a few to enjoy indoors?

Plant A Tree

Spring and fall are the best times to plant trees because wet weather and cooler temperatures make it easier for root systems to get established. Be sure to check with a nursery to determine which species will do best in your microclimate and to get detailed planting instructions. If your area has a late date of last frost, you may need to wait until all threat has passed before planting.

Inspect Your Home For Winter Damage and Repair As Needed

Once winter storms have passed, carefully inspect the exterior of your home.

Garage dimensions have remained about the same for many years: 9 to 10 feet wide, 2.8 to 3 meters and 18 to 20 feet, 5.5 to 6 meters long per car, with a single garage door width of 8 feet, 2.4 meters. The difference in garage dimensions now is that we tend to want more space for storing our stuff along with the car.

It seems that car designers are always enlarging, shrinking and then enlarging their models again to adjust for the latest fashions and technologies, not to mention the price of gas. But there are common parameters that will help you in planning a new garage or remodeling an existing one.

If you have ever scraped your car alongside a garage door frame, you will sympathize with your ancestors, who may have driven even larger cars. Let’s take a look at the dimensions of most garage designs today.

Garage Door Dimensions

Width: 

Single-car doors begin at 8 feet wide, 2.4 meters. You can also get 9-foot-wide doors, 2.7 meters, which will lessen the chance of scraping the fenders on the door frame. 

Doors made for two cars can be as little as 14 feet wide, 4.3 meters, but are more commonly 15 or 16 feet wide, 4.6 or 4.9 meters.

Height: 

The standard garage door height is 7 feet, 2.1 meters, but an 8-foot, 2.4-meter height is also available. You can get a custom height for an additional cost.

Two-Car Garage Dimensions

The single 16-foot-wide, 4.9-meter-wide garage door is large enough to allow two cars to fit and is a common configuration. It is also a good idea to have a 3-foot-wide door to the exterior on the side of the garage. As for the door going into the house from the garage, you will want it to be at least 32 inches, 81 centimeters wide.

Hot-water heaters and mechanical systems are often placed in the garage. If this is done, it is best to create an alcove, or add more depth or width to the 20-foot minimum to accommodate that equipment.

Three-Car Garage Dimensions

A three-vehicle garage common dimensions for just cars is 32 feet wide, 9.8 meters and 22 feet deep, 6.7 meters . Add more space for built-in cabinets or be willing to have a tighter fit.

Common Vehicle Dimensions

Leave at least 36 inches, 0.9 meter between cars so that you can open their doors without hitting another car door. You can go slightly less on side walls, but be certain you can comfortably enter and exit your car.

Vans and SUVs:

◦  Width: 6 to 7 feet / 1.8 to 2.1 meters

◦  Length: 16 to 19 feet / 4.9 to 5.8 meters

◦  Height: 5 to 6 feet / 1.5 to 1.8 meters

Large and Luxury Cars:

◦  Width: 6 to 6½ feet / 1.8 to 1.9 meters

◦  Length: 16 to 18 feet / 4.9 to 5.5 meters

◦  Height: 4½ to 5 feet (1.4 to 1.5 meters

Compact and Sports Cars:

◦  Width: 5 to 6 feet / 1.5 to 1.8 meters

◦  Length: 14 to 16 feet / 4.3 to 4.9 meters

◦  Height: 4 to 5 feet / 1.2 to 1.5 meters

Other Garage Considerations

Storage

Garage cabinet systems have similar dimensions to those in kitchens. You can buy base units that are 24 inches, 61 centimeters deep, but some come in depths of 12 or 18 inches, 30 or 45 centimeters as well. Coordinate these with the dimensions of your car so you will know how much space you can use for storage.

Stairs

Steps that go directly into the interior of the house are ideal. Steps with 6-inch, 15-centimeter risers and a platform or stoop are ideal; it is best to keep risers under 8 inches, 20 centimeters. Make sure you find out about local code restrictions and be certain to follow them.

Bumpers or Curbs

Having a curb opposite the garage door will keep your vehicles from running into the facing wall. If you make it 4 inches high, it will be low enough so the front bumpers don’t scrape. Even if you have an existing garage with a level floor, you can find bumpers to mount onto the floor to solve this problem.

Driveway

Driveways to the garage can eat up considerable space on your property. Balancing one with your home’s design takes careful planning.

Most will simply be in a straight line from the street to the garage, but if you are planning a motor court, consider that the turning diameter for a car is between 40 and 50 feet, 12.2 and 15.2 meters. You need at least 25 feet, 7.6 meters to comfortably back up and then begin a turn to move forward.

Zoning and Regulations

Many zoning and building codes have minimum dimensions for garages, so be certain you know those when planning your design. Local building codes also address door hardware, protection of the mechanical systems from cars and garage door openers, so consult a design professional to be sure you are covered for these issues.

Garage Door Design Ideas

Be generous with details around garage doors. They are usually prominent features on a house simply because of their scale. You want to complement your architecture while paying close attention to the scale of other elements on the house.

Details and good proportions help elevate design. Two single doors often look better than one wide door, because the proportions coordinate better.

When a double door must be used, consider the design. Multipane windows and appropriately proportioned panels can complement the home’s design. Save double doors for contemporary architecture in which horizontal lines dominate the theme.

Also consider your garage‘s relative height to the finished front view of your house so as not to take away from the architecture and streetscape. While this solution is likely on the upper end of budget parameters, you should consider how the dimensions of your garage will affect the aesthetics of your house. Using single doors rather than double, setting the face of the garage back from the primary elevation and blending the design of the doors into the building are just some tricks to keep your garage proportions from overtaking your house.

Like a blank page or canvas, an empty room can be either an opportunity or a challenge. With so many ways to fill it, how do you know where to start? Here are some of the basic rules of furniture arrangement in 10 simple tips. They’ll help you to determine where to put things, where not to put things and how to prioritize the choices you make.

Think About Room Function

Consider how the room is used and how many people will use it. That will dictate the type of furnishings you’ll need and the amount of seating required.

What Is The Focal Point

Identify the room’s focal point — a fireplace, view, television — and orient the furniture accordingly. If you plan to watch television in the room, the ideal distance between the set and the seating is three times the size of the screen, measured diagonally. Therefore, if you’ve got a 40-inch (1m) set, your chair should be 120 inches (3m) away.

Start With Priority Pieces

Place the largest pieces of furniture first, such as the sofa in the living room or the bed in the bedroom. In most cases this piece should face the room’s focal point. Chairs should be no more than 8 feet (2.4m) apart to facilitate conversation. Unless your room is especially small, avoid pushing all the furniture against the walls.

Consider Symmetry

Symmetrical arrangements work best for formal rooms. Asymmetrical arrangements make a room feel more casual.

Create A Traffic Flow

Think about the flow of traffic through the room — generally the path between doorways. Don’t block that path with any large pieces of furniture if you can avoid it. Allow 30 to 48 inches (76cm to 1.22 m) of width for major traffic routes and a minimum of 24 inches (61cm) if traffic cuts through the middle of the room, consider creating two small seating areas instead of one large one.

Aim For Variety

Vary the size of furniture pieces throughout the room, so your eyes move up and down as you scan the space. Balance a large or tall item by placing another piece of similar height across the room from it or use art to replicate the scale. Avoid putting two tall pieces next to each other.

Build In Contrast

Combine straight and curved lines for contrast. If the furniture is modern and linear, throw in a round table for contrast. If the furniture is curvy, mix in an angular piece. Similarly, pair solids with voids: Combine a leggy chair with a solid side table, and a solid chair with a leggy table.

Design For Ease Of Use

Place a table within easy reach of every seat, being sure to combine pieces of similar scale, and make sure every reading chair has an accompanying lamp. A coffee table should be located 14 to 18 inches (36 to 46cm) from a sofa to provide enough legroom.

Allow For Circulation

In a dining room, make sure there’s at least 48 inches (1.22m) between each edge of the table and the nearest wall or piece of furniture. If traffic doesn’t pass behind the chairs on one side of the table, 36 inches (91cm) should suffice.

In bedrooms, allow at least 24 inches (61cm) between the side of the bed and a wall, and at least 36 inches (91cm) between the bed and a swinging door.

Do Your Planning

Give your back a break. Before you move any furniture, test your design on paper. Measure the room’s dimensions, noting the location of windows, doors, heat registers and electrical outlets, then draw up a floor plan on graph paper using cutouts to represent the furnishings. Or, better yet, use a digital room planner to draw the space and test various furniture configurations. It’s less work and a lot more fun.