🌱Spring Home Maintenance Checklist
Winter is hard on a house. Spring is when you find out how hard. A couple hours walking around your property now can save you thousands later... and most of this stuff takes 15 minutes or less.
17 tasks across 4 categories
Exterior
Inspect the roof for missing or damaged shingles
Use binoculars from the ground. Look for curling, cracking, or bare spots where granules have washed away. Winter ice dams and wind do real damage.
Roof Replacement Guide→Clean gutters and downspouts
Clogged gutters cause fascia rot, foundation issues, and basement flooding. Flush them with a hose after clearing debris.
Gutter Replacement Guide→Inspect the deck for rot or loose boards
Push a screwdriver into any soft spots. If it sinks in easily, the board is rotting. Check the ledger board where the deck meets the house... that's the most critical connection.
Deck Replacement Guide→Check siding and exterior paint
Look for cracks, gaps, peeling paint, and any spots where water could get behind the siding. Caulk gaps around windows and doors.
Vinyl Siding Guide→Inspect the driveway for cracks
Fill small cracks now before they become big ones. Asphalt cracks let water in, which freezes and makes everything worse next winter.
Driveway Replacement Guide→Check the fence for damage
Winter ground movement can shift fence posts. Push on each one... if it wobbles, reset it before the whole section leans.
Fence Replacement Guide→HVAC & Comfort
Schedule an AC tune-up
Do this before it gets hot and everyone's booked solid. A tune-up catches low refrigerant, dirty coils, and worn parts before they become a no-cooling emergency.
HVAC Repair Costs→Replace the HVAC air filter
If you haven't changed it since fall, it's overdue. A dirty filter makes your system work harder and your air quality worse.
HVAC Air Filter Guide→Test the air conditioner
Turn it on before you actually need it. Let it run for 30 minutes and check that cold air is coming from all vents.
AC Replacement Guide→Check the thermostat
Switch from heat to cool mode. If you have a programmable thermostat, update the schedule for warmer weather.
Thermostat Replacement Guide→Plumbing & Water
Turn on outdoor faucets and check for leaks
If you shut off hose bibs for winter, turn them back on and check for drips or burst pipes inside the wall.
Hose Bib Guide→Inspect the sump pump
Pour a bucket of water into the pit. The pump should kick on, move the water out, and shut off. If it doesn't, fix it before the spring rains hit.
Sump Pump Guide→Check the water heater for rust or leaks
Look at the base of the tank for water stains or corrosion. If your unit is over 8 years old, this is the year to start budgeting for a replacement.
Water Heater Guide→Test all toilets for running water
A running toilet wastes 200+ gallons per day. Drop food coloring in the tank... if color appears in the bowl without flushing, the flapper needs replacing.
Toilet Running Fix→Safety
Test smoke detectors and replace batteries
Press the test button on every detector. Replace any that are over 10 years old... they lose sensitivity even if the battery is fine.
Smoke Detector Guide→Test carbon monoxide detectors
Same drill. CO detectors only last 5-7 years. Check the manufacture date on the back.
CO Detector Guide→Check fire extinguishers
Make sure the pressure gauge is in the green zone and the pin is intact. Replace any extinguisher over 12 years old.
Fire Extinguisher Guide→Other Seasons
Adjust this checklist for your climate and home type. Not every task applies to every home.