Consumer Reports: When to Do Spring Work

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Timing is key when it comes to doing work around the house, and being savvy about when to undertake certain jobs can cut your costs and make your projects go more smoothly this spring and summer. For example, replacing an old roof in the spring will allow you to avoid the seasonal shortages in plywood and shingles that can occur during hurricane season, which runs June through November. Summer roofing crews are also more likely to include temporary workers who might lack the skill of full-time roofers.

Here's a list of other tips from contributors to our Home & Garden blog:

"You want to get exterior painting done before the pros get busier—even in this economy," says Bob Markovich, adding, "For interior painting and floor refinishing, which people often do themselves, warmer weather lets you open the windows for venting," he adds.

Temperatures in the 60s and 70s are ideal for pouring concrete, while spring rains provide the constant water needed to cure it effectively, notes Celia Kuperszmid Lehrman. Spring-laid concrete gets the most curing time before facing winter's freeze/thaw cycles and snow-melt products.

Of course, not all spring rains are beneficial. Steven H. Saltzman advises installing a sump pump in the basement and Ed Perratore suggests you keep a wet/dry vacuum on hand to deal with spring flooding.

Perratore also just had his screen doors replaced—a move he timed to avoid peak season for flying insects. Pat Slaven says you should store sweaters in old cotton pillowcases instead of expensive and environmentally unfriendly plastic bins. "The cotton lets the wool breathe, which helps sweaters last longer, but it still keeps moths out," she says.