Staying on top of home maintenance is important and can avoid costly repairs. Spring is the optimal time to perform necessary home-maintenance tasks. Tolerable temperatures and longer days mean you can get a lot done, leaving more free time to enjoy the upcoming summer.
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Outdoor Spring Home Maintenance
Probably the most important spring maintenance you can do is inspect the outside of your house, garage, and other buildings on your property and make necessary repairs. Check the following areas:
- Roof
- Outside walls
- Windows and doors
- Chimneys
- Wood trim
- Foundation
- Under the eaves and around downspouts
- Decks, patios, fences, and other outdoor structures
Essentially, you’re looking to do the same things in all these areas:
- Remove branches or other debris that can cause damage.
- Clean excessive dirt or stains and remove mold or mildew as necessary. These can lead to damage and premature wear.
- Look for damaged or missing parts and repair them. Cracks, warped boards, missing or loose shingles or flashing, damaged bricks or mortar, or damaged caulk and weather stripping around doors and windows are just a few examples. Make repairs immediately. Cracks, holes, and gaps don’t have to be big for water and pests to get in. Once they do, they can cause major damage, possibly before you even realize there’s a problem. Some of these repairs can be DIY, but others like damaged mortar or stone work may require a professional.
- Check for signs of water damage.
- Check for signs of pest activity.
If you have a chimney, you should have the flue professionally cleaned and inspected. For wood trim and decks, make sure peeling paint is stripped and repainted or resealed to protect it from weather-related damage and pests. For decks or fences made from other materials, perform maintenance recommended by the manufacturer.
Other Outdoor Maintenance Jobs
- Check outside plumbing. Faucets and sprinkler systems should be checked for proper operation and leaks and repairs made early, before you really need them.
- Clean gutters. Also repair leaks and make sure they drain correctly.
- Check drainage. Sidewalks, driveways, and downspouts should all channel water away from buildings. Repair cracks. Any low areas in the yard where water is pooling should be filled in or otherwise corrected.
Indoor Spring Home Maintenance
Deep cleaning. Every house has at least a few areas that don’t get cleaned very often. Now’s the time to clean them all. You may notice maintenance issues you wouldn’t have seen otherwise, and you’ll help protect your belongings from the damage that a build-up of dust and dirt can cause. Wash or dry-clean drapes, throw pillows, rugs, and carpets. Wash walls, especially in areas like kitchens and bathrooms, to help prevent mold and mildew.
Other Indoor Maintenance Jobs
- HVAC system maintenance. Change filters, check for proper operation, clean vents, and call for professional service as necessary.
- Attics and basements. Check for mold, mildew, and other signs of dampness or water damage. Check for evidence of pests. Both situations should be corrected immediately.
- Replace batteries in smoke alarms and carbon-dioxide detectors.
- Check fire extinguishers. Replace or recharge as needed.
- Check plumbing and appliance hookups. Look for leaks. Since problems most commonly occur at connection points, check connections and hoses for washing machines, dishwashers, water heaters, water softeners, and ice makers for signs of wear or corrosion.
Spring home maintenance is important so make sure to allow yourself enough time to complete your projects and make a list so you don’t forget anything. While many jobs can be do-it-yourself, don’t hesitate to exercise caution and call in a professional for anything that might be beyond your skills.
Time to Clean
Spring cleaning can seem a little overwhelming at times. Download our FREE checklist to make sure you don't miss a beat.