A homeowner's winter hell

The constant melting and freezing of this winter have damaged homes across the state. The record high snowpack in February and the quickly warming temperatures of March have soaked basements and caused homeowners untold stress.

Two guests joined host Angela Davis to discuss how homeowners can spruce up their property for spring and tackle some of the damage caused by this winter.

Samantha Strong is the owner and general contractor for the design and build firm Metamorphosis. She and John Trostle, a home inspector with John Trostle Consulting, fielded some questions about how to care for property following a terrible winter:

If there's flooding in the basement, what can you do?

Strong:

Sadly, not much they can do to stop the flooding. Rather, mitigate the extent of damage. First, identify the source of the water. If it's rain or ice melting, make sure water isn't pooling around your foundation or flowing into low spots or window wells. Chip away ice to help direct water away from the foundation.

Inside, you'll need a shop vac and some work gloves. Remove all belongings that are in the wet area. Put them someplace they'll dry. Pull back any carpet and pad. Wet vac the floors. Run fans and a dehumidifier. If the area is finished, you may need to check the sheetrock wall in a couple days for moisture. If it's still wet, you may need to take more invasive measures and open up the wall to get air circulating.

What projects should homeowners consider doing themselves?

Trostle:

Projects for homeowners to tackle themselves will depend first on their existing level of skill and experience, and if they have little, a willingness to learn goes a long way. Painting, wall repairs, flooring, doors, some carpentry are more readily done than many think. Plumbing, electrical, roofing and heating are best left to the pros, though minor repairs are also readily learned.

How do you find a good contractor?

Strong:

Word of mouth is so important. The National Association of the Remodeling Industry has some great questions to ask a potential contractor to make sure you're covering the bases.

How can you set yourself up for projects this spring?

Trostle:

Right now may not be the best time to start any big projects not already in the planning or preparation stages. Exceptions might be interior room remodels, such as baths and kitchens. One problem is that winter damages will likely tighten up the contractor market for a while.

Strong:

Plan your improvements far in advance. Especially after this rough winter, contractors will be very busy and scheduling business many weeks in advance. That also gives you your pick of the best contractors.

Use the audio player above to listen to the show.