So winter is almost behind us (we hope) and the days will soon be longer, sunnier – and muddier! Now is about the time to start thinking about getting your lake house ready for the Spring. We’ve got eight, handy dandy tips for you to start thinking about.

The tips come from the website, Smith Mountain Lake Show, a lake community in Virginia, but are very applicable to our camps and homes in the ‘Dacks. Tackle these small tasks (with big impact) and give your lake house a mini-facelift for spring.

1. Clean all light fixtures, and replace burnt-out bulbs with energy-saving bulbs.

2. Restore the luster of your door by polishing the hinges and knobs. Paint or stain the door with a color that stands out, yet also complements the trim and siding. Put out a clean, new welcome mat.

3. Snow and cold can wreak havoc on your walkway. With warmer weather approaching, take this time to patch cracks and replace loose bricks and pavers. Rent a power washer or purchase a chemical treatment to clean up embedded stains in concrete, stone or asphalt.

4. Strategically placed plants can conceal unattractive aspects of your house or yard. Place large pots or hanging baskets around the stoop or porch. Bushes or hedges can hide air-conditioning units or propane tanks, and flowerbeds and window boxes will stylize a stark facade.

5. Prune dead branches trim back overgrown shrubbery and remove any obstructive plantings. Spread mulch or bark around trees, shrubs and flowers for a weed-free, well kept look.

6. Spray a fresh coat of paint on furniture and replace the cushions. Fill an empty spot on the porch or stoop with a modern bench or porch swing.

7. Sweep the sidewalk and stoop, clear away cobwebs, tighten wobbly railings, and repaint posts and supports.

8. Inspect your downspouts and gutters just before the spring rains start to be sure they’re clear of leaves, tree limbs and other debris that might cause problems later on. Clogging usually occurs at the elbow in a drainage system, where the downspout connects to the gutter. Since this elbow is relatively easy to remove, take it off and inspect for clogging.