Your Spring Home Maintenance Checklist
Would you like a spring home maintenance checklist to ensure things around your property are handled?
As a homeowner, you always have plenty to do to care for your home.
But there are better tasks during certain times of the year, and Spring is no exception.
Some maintenance tasks should be done in Spring because they help prep your home for the season and summer.
Others should be done because Spring offers warming temperatures, making it possible to do things you couldn’t do in winter.
Whatever the reason, tackling your spring maintenance task list will help ensure your home is in optimal condition for months and years.
If you are selling your home, completing these maintenance tasks this Spring is even more essential.
Quite a few of these things would require getting your property ready for a buyer’s home inspection.
You can scratch them off your list and feel more confident you’ll surpass one of the most significant milestones in a real estate transaction.
Yes, more sales fall apart at a home inspection because of a homeowner not taking care of their property!
Don’t be one of them.
From almost forty years selling real estate and being a homeowner since I was twenty three, I understand the importance of home maintenance tasks. Neglecting your property can lead to a decrease in value. Follow my advice and you will prevent that from happening.
Follow this spring home maintenance checklist, and you’ll be well on your way to a better-maintained home.
10 Essential Facts and Statistics Worth Knowing
1. A spring home maintenance checklist lists tasks homeowners should do to ensure their homes are in good condition after winter.
2. Common tasks on a spring home maintenance schedule include inspecting the roof for any damage, cleaning gutters, and checking for leaks.
3. It is also essential to check and replace air filters, test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and clean windows and screens.
4. A spring home maintenance checklist often includes cleaning and maintaining outdoor areas such as patios, decks, and driveways.
5. Regularly inspecting and servicing your HVAC system during spring is crucial to ensure it functions properly for the upcoming warmer months.
6. Approximately 92% of homeowners in the US include spring home maintenance in their annual routine.
7. On average, 78% of homeowners spend at least 10 hours completing their spring home maintenance tasks.
8. Over 95% of homeowners prioritize cleaning gutters as a part of their spring checklist.
9. Around 80% of homeowners replace or clean their HVAC filters during spring property maintenance.
10. According to a survey, 75% of homeowners report that following a spring house maintenance checklist helps prevent significant repairs and extends the lifespan of their homes.
1. Cleaning The Gutters.
Gutter cleaning should be part of your spring home maintenance tasks. Although it is not most homeowners’ favorite, it must be done periodically.
Cleaning the gutters ensures they work correctly, taking runoff from your roof and pouring it away from your home.
Keeping runoff away from your home is a necessity. It prevents pools of water from forming at the base of your house, which can pose a danger when they freeze or damage your foundation as it sits.
Cleaning the gutters and downspouts is easy enough if a little messy. Throw on some gloves, grab a ladder and water hose, and haul yourself up the roof’s edge.
You can use your hands to pull out debris and throw it on the ground—where you can pick it up later—or put it directly into a bucket.
Then, take your water hose, flush the gutters out, and ensure that the downspout is clear of debris as well.
Gutters should be kept clean year-round as they can contribute to ice dams forming and creating interior and exterior damage to your house.
Here are the best methods for making sure you prevent ice dams from happening.
2. Replace Your HVAC Filter.
Another easy maintenance task, replacing your HVAC filter, ensures that the air circulating through your system is relatively clean. It also keeps the strain on your system to a minimum because air can flow freely through the clean filter.
These air filters should be changed at least once every month to a month and a half.
Of course, your heating system and filter may require a different changing schedule. Some air filters may be rated to last longer.
Read the instructions on each for more information. Fortunately, the filters only take a few minutes to swap out.
Many homeowners don’t realize that not changing a filter can cause their air conditioning system to freeze up. Without a doubt, this always happens at the most inconvenient times, like the hottest days of the year.
In real estate circles, we call this Murphy’s law. Here are four things you don’t want when neglecting your HVAC maintenance:
- Your equipment won’t last as long.
- The system will not function as intended and might freeze up.
- Your energy bills will go up.
- The quality of the air in your home will not be as good.
3. Check The Batteries in Your Smoke Detectors.
When thinking about how to maintain a home, you might not remember this one.
One of the most vital Spring home maintenance tasks is replacing batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
In some states, hard-wired smoke detectors are a must. In other places, battery-operated detectors are acceptable.
It is usually recommended that you check your smoke detectors at least a few times a year, but if you haven’t gotten to it lately, then doing so at least every quarter is a must.
You can quickly check the battery by pushing the testing button on the smoke detector.
Most will also emit a steady beep if the battery is getting low. Just verify that everything is working correctly since these detectors could save everyone’s lives in your home.
In some parts of the country, like Massachusetts, where I’m from, a seller must inspect their smoke and carbon monoxide detectors before selling their home.
Part of the law states that if the smoke or carbon monoxide detector is older than ten years, it must be replaced. These kinds of regulations are great because they save lives! Spring is a great time to perform this maintenance activity.
4. Clean The Vent on Your Dryer Every Spring.
Dirty dryer vents cause fires. Please look at the vent on your dryer, where it attaches, and where it leaves your home.
Make sure everything is cleaned and properly connected. It will take less than a few minutes to ensure your dirty vent doesn’t cause a house fire.
5. Clean The Refrigerator Coils.
The coils for your refrigerator are on the bottom or the back of the unit. They conduct hot air from inside the unit.
They will work less efficiently if they’re loaded with dust and debris. Improper maintenance of the coils will cause your refrigerator to work harder.
Eventually, a lack of maintenance will result in a shorter life span and a higher electricity bill.
Use a vacuum cleaner hose to clean the coils. A once-over with a damp cloth would also be helpful.
6. Check The Caulking Around Your Windows.
Inspecting and repairing window caulking can enhance your home’s energy efficiency and prevent moisture ingress.
Window caulking seals the windows into your home’s frame so air does not get in or out. Solid caulking is necessary to get the full benefit of your insulation and window treatments.
However, caulking can break down over time. That is why you want to check the caulking occasionally, like during your spring maintenance check.
If gaps are worn out, scrape it off and replace it with new caulk.
7. Get Your Lawn Equipment Ready.
Winterizing your lawn equipment during the fall is a good idea since the grass is unlikely to grow too much. Now that the weather is warming up again, you must get the lawn equipment ready to do its job.
Each piece of equipment will have its own preparation needs, but generally, you will want to drain out old fuel, check the spark plugs, replace/sharpen blades and cables, etc.
The more you can get them ready for action now, the easier it will be to pull them out of the garage and get to work on new growth.
8. Flush Your Water Heater.
This is another maintenance task that needs to be done periodically but not every season. If you have flushed the water heater in the past year, you should be fine.
But if not, or if you had no idea when the last time it was flushed, Spring is an excellent time to get the task done.
You can watch videos online to see how it is done. Don’t worry; it’s not complicated.
Knowing your particular water heater takes a little time and knowledge. A flush will remove much of the debris that may accumulate due to impurities in your water supply.
It will help your water heater run better and longer than if you never flushed the system.
9. Have Your HVAC Unit Serviced.
We already discussed replacing the filter on your HVAC unit, but scheduling an annual service call is just as important.
Depending on where you live, you may be gearing up for a long season of regular A/C use.
Your HVAC unit is like any other piece of machinery; it gets dirty and worn, requiring periodic maintenance to ensure long-term operation.
You might also need your Freon to be recharged.
Now is a great time to have the system serviced by your favorite local HVAC team.
They can clean things up, determine if any issues are present, and make repairs as needed.
That way, when the heat hits, you can rely on your system to keep you and your family cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
Regular maintenance will also extend the overall life of your furnace. All filters should be changed, and asking them to check the pipes for any small leaks is essential.
10. Change The Well Filters.
Spring is an excellent time for routine maintenance if you don’t have public water and your home is serviced by an artisan well.
You can start by changing any filters you may have. Changing filters regularly is a must if you live in an area with high sediment content.
If your well pressure has decreased and water is coming out slowly from your taps, sediment buildup is likely the cause.
Clean your faucet heads and get a new filter. The water flow will probably dramatically improve after this.
If you sell your property shortly, the buyer will likely conduct a private well test. This test typically checks the quality and quantity of your well, so it makes sense to prepare for the inspections.
11. Clean Your Home’s Siding.
Winter is hard on a home’s exterior. Rain and snow that may have fallen during the year, along with algae, dust, and dirt, can make the siding look dirty and undesirable.
It can also cause increased wear on the siding when not cleaned for months or years.
Using a brush and a water hose may be enough to remove the dirt and grime. Alternatively, you might need a detergent to clean your home’s siding.
Either way, when you finish the cleaning project, your home will look much better than when you started.
Sometimes, if you have a bad case of mildew, you might need more muscle behind the cleanup. A good power wash may be necessary. Just be careful not to damage the siding.
Pro Superior Construction recommends several siding cleaners.
12. Clean and Inspect The Roof.
Cleaning your roof is also a good idea; Spring is perfect.
Do you have moss growing on your roof? If so, it would be an excellent idea to eliminate it. You can buy specific Home Depot or Lowes solutions that can be applied to the roof. These products do a great job of killing these growths.
Some people make the mistake of using a power washer on their roof. Please do not do this, as it can easily damage your roof.
When power washing, you’ll notice it removes the moss and some of the granules that are part of the shingles.
If you do this, you’ll replace your roof sooner than you wanted. Cleaning the roof is also a terrific time to inspect for loose or damaged shingles. Make sure you address any problems right away.
Looking over your roof a few times a year for problems is intelligent home maintenance.Click To Tweet13. Exterior Inspection and Maintenance
Spring heralds the time for homeowners to conduct a comprehensive exterior inspection to identify any damages inflicted by winter’s harsh conditions. I recommend you include an examination of the siding, foundation, and outdoor structures.
Notably, efflorescence on masonry surfaces can signal water infiltration issues. It could necessitate immediate remediation to prevent structural deterioration.
Additionally, ensuring that your sump pump is operational is crucial to averting potential basement flooding during spring thaws and rains.
The onset of warmer weather also marks an opportune moment to service your air conditioning unit, guaranteeing its efficiency for the coming summer months.
A thorough mold inspection within your attic and basement can stop health hazards and structural damage. I have encountered numerous homes with mold problems in attics. Many homeowners never head up there, so they have no idea until they decide to sell.
Moreover, spring is the ideal season to test your irrigation system, ensuring it functions optimally to maintain your landscape’s vitality.
Always check for bug problems. Pest control measures initiated in spring can mitigate the risk of infestations that often escalate during warmer periods.
Furthermore, inspecting and repairing window caulking can enhance your home’s energy efficiency and prevent moisture ingress.
Lastly, a professional chimney inspection can identify and rectify any winter-induced wear, ensuring the safe operation of your fireplace.
14. Fix Chipped or Damaged Paint.
Paint is not only there to make your home look beautiful. It is applied to protect the wood that your home is constructed of.
When the paint fails, which becomes evident as it flakes and chips away, the wood underneath is exposed to the elements.
Fortunately, touching up small areas with paint is not too difficult. You may notice the most damage around your windows and doors.
Take the time to prep the area properly by removing the old paint and applying a fresh coat.
Like flushing your water heater, watching videos online about touching up paint on your house may help you ensure you take all the proper steps and get the best results.
15. Look Over The Deck and Give it a Coat of Stain or Water Repellent.
Knowing how to maintain a house is a routine project that should be done annually.
An essential Spring maintenance task is giving your deck a sprucing up.
Deck maintenance, including cleaning and resealing, is imperative to prolong the lifespan of your outdoor living spaces.
Tending to your deck should regularly be part of your Spring home maintenance checklist. It is essential to keep it looking its best.
Savvy homeowners regularly maintain their decks even if the wood is pressure-treated.
You should apply a fresh coat of stain or wood preservative yearly to extend the life of your deck.
There are many choices in the types and colors of deck stains or preservatives.
Decks.com has an excellent guide on the best deck sealers.
16. Clean Your Screens and Windows
One of the best exterior curb appeal tips is ensuring your windows and screens are not filled with grime.
Spring is the perfect time to ensure your exterior looks its best, and part of that maintenance includes spotless windows and doors.
17. Get Your Driveway Seal Coated.
Depending on who you talk to, some say seal coating is an excellent idea; others say it wastes money. When you seal coat your driveway, it is usually best to hire a professional unless you have experience with this maintenance task.
One thing is certain—getting the driveway seal coated will look excellent when you sell your house. It does wonders for the appearance of a driveway.
A seal coat can change the look and feel of your driveway if it looks old and tattered with numerous cracks.
18. Trim Vegetation Around Your Home.
Your home needs to breathe. One of the first things any great home inspector will say when inspecting a home’s exterior is to keep plants and shrubs a respectable distance from the foundation.
You should be able to walk around your house without being impaired by bushes. There should also not be earth-to-wood contact with mulch.
Be especially careful trimming shrubs around the AC condensers. They need appropriate air intake to function correctly. Fill in any holes around your foundation.
19. De-Winterize The Sprinkler System and Check The Heads
It is not unusual for sprinkler heads to get damaged when you live in a cold weather state. Have your sprinkler company check on all the heads to ensure they are working correctly, and there are no leaks in the system.
20. Walk Around Your Attic and Basement.
Many folks do not often visit our basements and attics unless they are finished with livable heated spaces. Given their lack of use during the year, providing them with a thorough inspection several times a year makes sense.
The Spring offers the perfect opportunity to walk around and ensure no issues.
One of the most significant things to look for is water penetration. Most people realize water leaks can wreak havoc on our homes.
Look around and check for any water staining. Be particularly aware of any mold. If you see some, make sure you deal with it immediately.
If you’re going to be selling, mold can stop your house sale in its tracks.
21. Declutter Your Home and Garage
One of the better parts of any spring home maintenance checklist should be cleaning and decluttering. Spring is the perfect time to declutter your home.
Follow my decluttering checklist. Start by eliminating all the junk in and around your home.
Calling a junk removal company like 1-800-Got-Junk is an excellent option. Once the junk is removed, check for anything of value you no longer want.
Donating to charity is a great way to provide someone with needed household items and spruce up your property simultaneously.
Final Thoughts
Many spring maintenance activities are absolute musts if you sell your property. Even if you don’t plan on selling anytime soon, having a spring maintenance checklist and addressing each makes sense.
Knowing how to maintain your home will keep your value and appreciation rate up. Some of these items will likely be on a buyer’s house inspection checklist to look over carefully.
Hopefully, you have found this helpful information.
Other Helpful Real Estate Articles
- What are the upsides and downsides of downsizing? Here’s an excellent review of the pros and cons of downsizing from a large home into a smaller place.
- How to have killer curb appeal—One of the most vital things when selling your house is the first impression a buyer will form. Here are some terrific tips for having eye-pleasing curb appeal.
- What not to do when building a deck – are you planning on constructing a deck? See some great tips on what not to do.
- Simple tips to improve your exterior look—Do you want even more maintenance and exterior curb appeal tips? Look at this impressive article on making your house have that WOW factor buyers are looking to achieve.
Use these additional helpful resources to make the best decisions when buying or selling a home.
About the Author: Bill Gassett, a nationally recognized leader in his field, provided real estate information on a spring home maintenance checklist. Bill has expertise in mortgages, financing, moving, home improvement, and general real estate.
Learn more about Bill Gassett and the publications in which he has been featured. Bill can be reached via email at billgassett@remaxexec.com or by phone at 508-625-0191. For the past 38+ years, Bill has helped people move in and out of Metrowest towns.
Are you thinking of selling your home? I am passionate about real estate and love sharing my marketing expertise!
I service Real Estate Sales in the following Metrowest MA towns: Ashland, Bellingham, Douglas, Framingham, Franklin, Grafton, Holliston, Hopkinton, Hopedale, Medway, Mendon, Milford, Millbury, Millville, Natick, Northborough, Northbridge, Shrewsbury, Southborough, Sutton, Wayland, Westborough, Whitinsville, Worcester, Upton, and Uxbridge Massachusetts.
