Home Improvement Projects to Spruce Up for Spring

WILMINGTON, DE--(Marketwired - May 5, 2014) - Chase Freedom has teamed up with HGTV host and home improvement expert Amy Matthews to help DIYers find rewarding ways to tackle springtime improvement projects of all shapes and sizes -- both outside and inside the home.

"Before starting any project, take a look at your surroundings and see what needs to be maintained or upgraded. Then assess your resources and set a realistic budget. Always look for great deals and steals that can help stretch your budget and make your dream project a reality."

Amy Matthews' top tips for home improvers include:

• Your exterior may have taken a bit of a beating from heavy snow and ice. And if you like to entertain during the warm weather months, give your deck or patio a power wash and fresh coat of stain to make it look like new.
• Take a look at your roof and assess for damage. Ice dams or simple wear & tear on your roof can lead to serious water damage and costly repairs. Prevent interior damage by replacing or repairing damaged roofing materials ASAP. Call a pro if you are uncomfortable with the ladder work.
• Right now is a great time to prune and fertilize in preparation for a new gardening season. Whether humid, dry or somewhere in between, it's always a good idea to get perennials that are native to the area. That way, they will continue to flourish year after year and cut down on water bills by not using any more water than they need.
• It may be hard to imagine, but in no time at all, the dog days of summer will be upon us. Make sure your air conditioners and ceiling fans are in tip-top shape now. Pick up coolant and filters at your local home improvement store. Also make sure to balance your ceiling fans so they can cool you down without making a racket.
• The kitchen is often the heart of any home, so give it some TLC. Retiling the backsplash or changing out fixtures is a great way to infuse some color and personality into your space. By replacing the knobs and adding decorative molding to cabinets, you can give your kitchen a quick and easy update.
• Fluctuating temperatures cause wood floors to expand and contract, which may result in creaking. You can apply baby powder to the cracks and use a paintbrush to fill the gaps and keep your floor silent. This lubricates the wood and keeps the boards from rubbing together.

Amy will share these tips and more during a Twitter chat on Thursday, May 8 at 8PM ET/7PM CT. Follow and join the conversation by using the hashtag #ChaseSpring.

Chase Freedom cardholders can reward themselves this spring with five percent cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases at Lowe's and restaurants through the end of June. Chase Freedom cardholders also receive an unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. For more information or to activate, visit chase.com/freedom. For more of Amy's spring home improvement ideas and inspiration, visit Chase Freedom's Facebook Page.

About Chase
Chase is the U.S. consumer and commercial banking business of JPMorgan Chase & Co., a leading global financial services firm with assets of $2.5 trillion and operations in more than 60 countries worldwide. Chase serves more than 50 million consumers and four million small businesses through more than 5,600 bank branches, 19,000 ATMs, credit cards, mortgage offices, and online and mobile banking as well as through relationships with auto dealerships. More information about Chase is available at www.chase.com and @Chase.