Best spring home improvement projects

With warm weather just around the corner, it's time to start considering home improvement projects for the spring.

As a New York resident, you're no stranger to the harsh and sometimes severe weather the winter can bring – and the range of damage it can inflict on your home. And while we still have a bit of cold and snow to deal with, before you know it spring will be here and, with it, better environmental conditions.

Once that happens – when all the snow melts away and the bitter temperatures are replaced with fresh air and warm sunshine – you may start to notice the toll winter took on your house. From missing roof shingles to deteriorating siding, there's a lot of things you might find yourself having to tend to. You won't be the only one either, which is why now is a good time to start planning ahead and scheduling a consultation with a home remodeling contractor before they get booked up for the season. 

Below are some of the most common and valuable exterior home improvement projects to tackle in the transition from winter to spring: 

Roof 
Once the worst of winter has passed, one of the first things you should do is inspect your roof. This isn't something that requires you to pull out the ladder. Simply take a visual inventory from the ground or use binoculars or your smartphone's camera to get a closer look. If there's visible damage, such as missing shingles, call a professional home remodeling contractor as soon as possible. Even if there aren't any noticeable signs of destruction, it's good to have it inspected anyway. By neglecting your roof, you run the risk of what would have been a quick-fix turning into a costly inconvenience, such as water damage. 

Some of the best home investments you can make are for projects that improve both the aesthetic and function of the house. Roof replacements are a great example of that. For example, a new roof can increase the value of your home by 7 percent – and the average mid-size roofing project offers as much as a 70 percent return on investment, according to the Remodeling 2016 Cost vs. Value Report.

Not only will upgrading your roof enhance the home's curb appeal, it can also help prevent costly damage to your home and personal effects.

In preparation for spring, focus on exterior enhancements for the home.

Windows
Once spring is here, you'll likely be eager to finally open the windows and let some fresh air in. But when it's time to do that, make sure the screens are still in tact and haven't been torn or damaged in anyway. If they are, this is a relatively simple fix. In fact, the video below teaches you how to do it in just 60 seconds.

However, it's a good idea to take it a step further to inspect the entire structure.

Did any areas of your home feel particularly cold this winter? The source of discomfort may be your windows. If they are not installed or sealed properly, they could be hampering your ability to keep the air at a comfortable temperature – and causing an unnecessary spike in energy costs. 

Winter weather sometimes causes caulk and putty in window seals to harden and deteriorate which, left unfixed, can cause water damage. Another reason to consider adding windows to your spring home improvement checklist? New windows replacements can have nearly an 80 percent ROI, according to Northshore Magazine. 

Siding
Similar to the roof, the siding of your home is a critical component of its exterior. It's not just about making it look great. Having your siding replaced can also boost the structural integrity of the house and help protect it from volatile weather. Plus, there are so many impressive styles available today to choose from that are manufactured with a variety of longer lasting materials.

If you're unsure which product is best for your home, or to get a better idea of how to choose, download our guide. You can also schedule a consultation with a siding remodeling specialist who can help you decide which type, style and material is best suited for your needs.

Gearing up for the warmer seasons ahead involves making adjustments to the home. Whether you're in need of an immediate replacement or are just starting to consider the changes you can make to improve your home's curb appeal, experienced remodelers are here to help. 

When the warmer weather hits, you'll want to actually be able to enjoy it – not feel stressed out or bogged down by all the things in your home that need to be repaired or replaced. Even if it's not something you want done for another few months, it's important to give yourself enough time to properly prepare and plan for the work.