It is time to get some of those home maintenance projects we have put off all winter, taking advantage of the nice weather we have now. Staying on top of preventative home maintenance goes a long way in keeping our homes in good shape, avoiding complex and costly repairs down the line.

Here are simple and practical DIY projects.

Trim shrubs and trees away from your roof and sidings

This may not be the most exciting DIY project, but letting branches grow above your roof not only affects the integrity of your roofing but also encourage squirrels and other animals to make their way to your attic. Allowing vegetation to grow too close to your siding can also cause water damage to your home's structure. Trim shrubs and trees and keep them away from your sidings and outdoor A/C units.

Clean your gutters

It is essential to clean your gutters at least twice a year, during spring and fall. Clear it off debris every three months to prevent clogging your gutters and downspouts. Use a plumber's snake and a hose to flush debris from downspouts. Don't have power tools? Check out Family Handyman's guide to cleaning gutters using two tools - a ladder and a shovel.

Inspect your roof

This is another good reason why routine gutter cleaning is essential - it gives you the opportunity to inspect your roofing. Look for cracked, missing, or damaged shingles. While clearing debris from your gutters, look for gritty black residue that could point to the need to re-shingle your roof.

Fix water leaks

It's not that hard to fix a leaky faucet. Just replace the rubber washers inside the faucet handles. Turn off the water supply first, remove the leaky handle, and replace the washer.

A leaking toilet is a bigger problem, as it can cause your water bill to spike. You can check for toilet leaks by putting some food coloring into your toilet tank and checking if the color is leaching out into the bowl. If there is indeed a leak, you should replace the flapper inside the tank. If, however, the toilet is leaking around the base, you will need to replace the toilet itself.

Check your washer and dryer

A faulty drain hose is one of the leading causes of water damage in homes. It is advisable to replace them every three years but replace them immediately if you see signs of leakage, damage, or rust around the metal ends of the lines. Also, make sure to remove lint from your dryer's lint trap after each use. Materials left inside the lint trap pose a fire hazard.

Test refrigerator door seals

The seals around your fridge doors are responsible for keeping it cold. When they fail, it becomes less efficient and can even affect its lifespan. To test your fridge door seals, close it on a piece of paper. If you cannot pull it out of the closed door, your seals are still good. If you need to replace your door seals, you can buy new ones from any home improvement store.

While you are at it, pull your fridge away from the wall and vacuum the dust off the condenser coils. This helps your fridge continue to work efficiently.

Seal your windows

Inspect your windows from the outside and replace any missing, cracked, or dry caulk. This prevents drafts and helps you keep your electricity bills low. Adding an insulating film to your windows can also further help you save on your annual heating budget.

Replace your AC filter

Replace your HVAC filter if you haven't yet. Filters should be replaced at least twice a year, or every 3 months if you have pets or allergies. This also reduces strain on your HVAC system and keeps indoor air clean.

These easy DIY projects can help you whip your home into shape. Is your home way past DIY repairs? Ash Creek Properties provides homeowners with no-hassle opportunities to sell their homes for cash and with no repairs or stress of a home inspection. If you are from Portland, Beaverton, Saint Helens, and McMinnville, Oregon, contact Ash Creek below for an all-cash offer.