Keep your home value high by following this
Spring Home Maintenance Checklist.
Spring has sprung, and it’s time to get our homes in top shape for summer. Follow this Spring Home Maintenance Checklist to ensure you stay on top of repairs and avoid deferred maintenance, helping to keep your value high.
Let’s clean up after the harsh winter months!
1 – Service or Set-up Cooling Systems
- clean and insert any portable air conditioning units
- schedule a professional HVAC inspection and maintenance, or do a DIY cleaning of permanently installed units
- change any filters
2 – Clean Gutters & Downspouts
- remove leaves, twigs, and debris that have collected over the winter months
- ensure downspouts direct water away from the foundation
3 – Swap Outdoor Spring & Winter Items
- store any shovels and bags of ice salt/sand
- store snow blowers or plows in a secure place, covered if necessary for protection from sun and rain
- set-up garden hoses
- remove lawn mowers from storage and test for possible maintenance
4 – Inspect & Repair Outdoor Spaces
- check roof for any missing shingles or damage caused during winter storms
- check deck and stairs for signs of rot
- repair damage or issues with any fences
- wash windows and check for broken seals or damaged weatherstripping
- replace any burnt out exterior light bulbs
5 – Maintain Trees Near Roof & Home
- trim branches that are close to your home to prevent damage
- clean any debris that has collected around your home throughout the winter (ie: broken branches, leaves, etc)
6 – Service Fireplace & Chimney
- schedule a professional inspection and cleaning of fireplace and chimney when finished using for the season
- if instead you prefer booking a professional cleaning in the fall, simply remove ashes and clean fireplace and chimney
7 – Maintain Appliances
- clean dryer lint vents and ducts
- clean refrigerator/freezers, including the coils on the back
8 – Check Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors
- test all detectors and replace batteries if needed
- install new detectors if they are older than 10 years
9 – Prepare Outdoor Furniture & Yard Equipment
- remove outdoor furniture and cushions from storage
- prepare and test lawnmowers, trimmers, and other summer tools
10 – Change Ceiling Fan Direction
- fan should turn in a counter clockwise direction to improve air circulation in the summer
11 – Unplug Heat Tape (Mini Homes)
- heat tape is not needed in the warmer summer months, so it could be unplugged or turned off
It should also be mentioned, to inspect and clean your sump pump (if you have one). Particularly as spring will bring lots of rain and your pump can be working harder than dryer times of the year.
Some of the items in this list are also in the Fall Home Maintenance Checklist. But keeping on top of regular cleaning and repair can prevent higher replacement costs, saving you money, stress and time in the long run.