When we talk about spring cleaning, we don’t always think about home maintenance. But annual upkeep plays an important role in maintaining the value — and comfort — of your home. Whether you’re staying put in your home or hoping to sell, this spring maintenance checklist will help you prep your house for the months ahead.
Exterior Maintenance Checklist
Each season takes a toll on your home's exterior, and spring is the perfect time to check for any damage and freshen things up.
Roof and gutters
Inspect your roof
Check for loose, missing, or damaged shingles. Repair minor issues now to prevent expensive leaks later.
Clean your gutters and downspouts
Clogged gutters can lead to water damage. By clearing out debris, you can make sure spring rain (or snowmelt) drains properly.
Check your chimney
If you have a fireplace, look for cracks or buildup in the chimney. A yearly inspection will reduce fire hazards.
Windows, doors, and siding
Inspect your windows and doors
Look out for drafts or damaged weatherstripping. Sealing gaps will boost your home’s aesthetic appeal and reduce energy costs.
Clean and repair your siding
Dirt and grime from winter can make your home look drab. A good scrub and even some minor repairs will freshen up the exterior.
Repaint or refinish your doors
Paint touch-ups are a cost-effective way to maximize your home’s curb appeal. For instance, a new coat of paint on your front door can make a real difference. (You can even choose a fun color, if you’re feeling bold!)
Foundation and drainage
Examine your foundation
Look for cracks or signs of shifting. If you notice a problem, an expert can help you get to the source.
Look for standing water
Speaking of your foundation, make sure water drains away from your home. Proper drainage will lower your risk of basement leaks and structural damage.
Clean your window wells
Do you have a basement? Removing outside debris will keep water from pooling around those ground-level windows.
Outdoor systems and landscaping
Service your AC unit
Book a professional tune-up now so your air conditioner can run efficiently all summer.
Test your outdoor faucets and sprinklers
Freezing temperatures can lead to cracks. Check these water sources for leaks before you need to use them.
Trim your trees and shrubs
Boost your home’s curb appeal and get as much sunlight as possible by trimming overgrown branches. This can also prevent damage to your roof and siding.
Fertilize and reseed your lawn
Spring is an amazing time to give your grass the nutrients it needs to grow green and full (and ideally, weed-free).
Clean and repair your deck and patio
Sweeping, power-washing, and resealing wood surfaces can extend their lifespan.
Revisit your outdoor lighting
Replace any burned-out bulbs and test your motion sensors to make sure they’re in working order.
Inspect your driveway and walkways
Minor cracks tend to deepen over the months or years. Fill them in this spring to prevent further damage.
Interior Maintenance Checklist
Ready to move indoors? When you prioritize spring maintenance, you should make sure your home’s interior systems are as clear and efficient as possible.
HVAC and indoor air quality
Swap out your HVAC filter
Fresh filters keep your indoor air clean and your HVAC system running efficiently. Change your filters every 90 days for optimal results!
Clean your air vents and ducts
Dust and allergens build up fast, especially after a long winter. A quick spring clean can improve your indoor air quality.
Address potential air leaks
Did you know that sealing gaps around windows and doors can make your home more efficient? This small task will also bring greater comfort.
Plumbing and water systems
Check for water leaks
Small drips aren’t always noticeable, yet they can waste gallons of water over time. Check for leaks under each sink and around every toilet — and address them quickly.
Flush your water heater
This small act will remove sediment buildup and keep your appliance more efficient.
Test your sump pump
Simply pouring water into the sump pit will help you ensure that it’s working before heavy spring rains hit.
Fire safety
Revisit your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
This should be more of a quarterly checklist item, but it’s still good to check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors each spring. Make sure alarms are working and replace old batteries.
Inspect your fire extinguisher
Do you know where to find your fire extinguisher? Make sure it’s fully charged and easily accessible. Every adult and older children in your household should know where to find it.
Annual Maintenance Goes a Long Way
Taking the time to handle these tasks now will save you a ton of stress and effort long term. With this checklist, you can keep your home in the best possible shape — no matter whether you intend to stay or sell.
If you want to stay in your home for the years to come, it’s important to keep it well-maintained. Not only will this boost the value of your house, but it will also give you peace of mind — knowing that your surroundings are well-kept. If you’re thinking about renovations or repairs, explore our options of refinancing your mortgage, or taking out a home equity loan or Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC).
On the other hand, if you want to move soon, a well-maintained home will be much more attractive to potential buyers — and will help you get the best possible offers when you put it on the market. If you’re ready to learn more about new homeownership opportunities, reach out to an experienced loan originator in your area.
