We're coming to the tail end of this long, cold winter, and that means homeowners will get a much-needed chance to clean up and improve their homes for spring. Spring cleaning and home improvements are refreshing and empowering — just what you need after an endless winter of watching the snow pile up. Here are some tips for freshening up your home this spring:

• Check for loose gutters. All the ice that forms on the roof during the winter can push gutters away from the roof and cause them to become loose and start leaking. Repairing your gutters is a good first step in preparing for spring rains.
• Clear your yard of debris. If there are any lingering rotting leaves on the ground now that the snow has melted, make sure to remove them, and prune or uproot any dead plants in your yard to make way for the new growth that spring is known for.
• Fill in low areas near the foundation. If there are areas where your yard slopes downward toward the foundation of your home, make sure to fill them in with compacted soil to ensure that the slope won't draw rain water down into contact with the foundation, which can cause flooding and material damage.
• Inspect your roof shingles. The winter is a common time to lose shingles. To make sure your roof is fully protected against the spring and summer sun, check to see where shingles might be missing, then have them replaced by a qualified roofer to avoid risking your safety by climbing around on the roof.

If you're selling or buying a home this spring, a home inspection is essential. Contact Alban Inspections for high-quality, reliable inspection services in the Washington, D.C. area.