Yes, it was a harsh winter. Several feet of snow mixed with weeks of bone-chilling cold to make this a winter to remember. Happily, the winter season is almost over and spring is already in the air. Many area homeowners will be busy in the coming weeks performing annual spring maintenance, assessing any damage from the winter storms and determining if any repairs are warranted or work needs to be done following one of the harshest winter's on record. Here are several tips for proper spring maintenance and de-winterizing your home...

• Check for loose or leaky gutters. Improper drainage can lead to water in the basement or crawl space. Make sure downspouts drain away from the foundation and are clear and free of debris.
• Low areas in the yard or next to the foundation should be filled with compacted soil. Spring rains can cause yard flooding, which can lead to foundation flooding and damage. Also, when water pools in these low areas in summer, it creates a breeding ground for insects.
• Use a screwdriver to probe the wood trim around windows, doors, railings and decks. Make repairs now before the spring rains do more damage to the exposed wood.
• From the ground, examine roof shingles to see if any were lost or damaged during winter. If your home has an older roof covering, you may want to start a budget for replacement. The summer sun can really damage roof shingles. Shingles that are cracked, buckled or loose or are missing granules need to be replaced. Flashing around plumbing vents, skylights and chimneys need to be checked and repaired by a qualified roofer.
• Examine the exterior of the chimney for signs of damage. Have the flue cleaned and inspected by a certified chimney sweep.
• Inspect concrete slabs for signs of cracks or movement. All exterior slabs except pool decks should drain away from the home's foundation. Fill cracks with a concrete crack filler or silicone caulk. When weather permits, power-wash and then seal the concrete.
• Remove firewood stored near the home. Firewood should be stored at least 18 inches off the ground at least 2 feet from the structure.
• Check outside hose faucets for freeze damage. Turn the water on and place your thumb or finger over the opening. If you can stop the flow of water, it is likely the pipe inside the home is damaged and will need to be replaced. While you're at it, check the garden hose for dry rot.
• Have a qualified heating and cooling contractor clean and service the outside unit of the air conditioning system. Clean coils operate more efficiently, and an annual service call will keep the system working at peak performance levels. Change interior filters on a regular basis.
• Check your gas- and battery-powered lawn equipment to make sure it is ready for summer use. Clean equipment and sharp cutting blades will make yardwork easier.

4. Jerusalem Gold Porcelain Tile with Half-Wall Tile and Wood Vanity

Monmouth Custom Builders was recently of assistance to the Long Branch Fire Department when a company property was used for a training. Firefighters used the building located on the property, due to be demolished as part of a Monmouth Custom Builders project, as an exercise, drill and training resource before the final demolition.

"We're honored to be of assistance in any way possible to the Long Branch Fire Department," said Jon Levy, Vice President of Monmouth Custom Builders. "Anytime we can help a local fire department through our work, we will."

As municipal budgets continue to tighten, an increasing number of towns are exploring ways to save revenue and continue vital emergency services. Public-private partnerships such as this one continue to be a smart, effective option.

Monmouth Custom Builders was honored to be of assistance to the Long Branch Fire Department.