The Ultimate Spring Home Maintenance Checklist

Spring weather is upon us, and with that, we need to make sure that our homes are in optimal shape following the cold Illinois winter weather. This spring maintenance checklist is designed to help ensure that your home is in optimal shape heading into the summer months.

Clean Your Gutters – Proper gutter function is critical to keep water running away from you home. Make sure all the gutters and downspouts are free from leaves and tree residue, and that water can adequately flow through them.

Inspect Roof – Take a look around your entire roof and make sure that there are no damaged shingles that need to be repaired.

Inspect Driveway – The freeze/thaw cycle can be hard on concrete. If you spot any new cracks in the driveway surface, now is a good time to repair them.

Check Your Sprinklers – Irrigation systems are wonderfully handy to have throughout the summer months. As the weather warms, you can check to make sure the system is still operational.

Clean Your Windows and Check For Damage – You can clean both sides of your windows and make sure that they didn’t suffer any cracks or damage through the cold winter months.

HVAC Checkups – It’s critical to make sure that your HVAC system is ready for the seasonal changes by having it routinely inspected by a qualified professional.

Visual Inspection For Siding Damage – Take a walk around the exterior of your house and make sure the siding is still in good condition.

Landscaping Projects – You can use the warming temperatures as an opportunity to trim bushes, plant flowers, or start a garden in your yard.

Clean Out Your Garage or Work Area – Make sure that your garage and work areas are free of all that winter clutter, so that you have an orderly place to work if the need for a project arises.

Inspect Your Deck – The cold temperatures, snow, and rain can be tough on your deck. Now is the time to take a look and see if it’s time to do some touch-ups, or replace any wood.

Air Out Your House – This is an easy one, but it’s also important. The air quality in your home can suffer over long stretches of running the heater without airing it out. At the first hint of spring temperatures, turn off the heater, open all the windows and doors, and air out your home to improve the air quality.

Give Fencing Some Attention – Take a look at any wood fencing. See if there are any boards that need to be touched up or replaced.

Do A Maintenance Check On Your Sump Pump – The spring rains mean that your sump pump will soon be working overtime. Take a look and make sure that it’s working properly.

Check Your Basement – Walk the perimeter of your basement and make sure it’s not taking on any water. If it’s unfinished, make sure to address any cracks in the concrete.

Check Smoke Alarms – Test all the smoke alarms in your home and replace batteries on any that aren’t working.

Replace Furnace Filters – Your furnace and air conditioner won’t work properly unless the filters are replaced.

Repair or Replace Broken Screens – It’s good to be able to air out the house on the warm spring and summer days. Make sure that any holes are patched, or if the screen is in bad enough shape, replaced.

Touch Up Any Cracked or Peeling Paint – If your outside paint is showing cracks or peeling, the spring offers a great time to do any needed touch ups or paint jobs.

Vacuum Your Refrigerator Coils – When was the last time you looked behind your fridge? If you vacuum up any dust that gathered back there, your fridge won’t have to work as hard, and you’ll save energy.

Lawnmower Maintenance – Now is a good time to check your engine oil, sharpen the blade, and do any other routine maintenance on your mower to get it ready for the upcoming season.

Check Seals Around Windows and Doors – Make sure that you still have a tight seal around the windows and doors. This helps keep air that has either been heated or cooled from escaping your home – causing you to pay more in utilities.

Clean Out Your Dryer Vent – You may clean the trap on your dryer when you change laundry loads, but when was the last time you cleaned out the vent that leads the outside? When lint gets trapped in there it becomes a fire hazard as well.

Check The Washing Machine Fill Hose – Make sure that the hose bringing water into your washing machine is still in good condition. If you notice any leaks it may be time to have it replaced.

A comprehensive spring home maintenance routine will help maintain the integrity and stunning appearance of your home. If you are looking for professional help with your exterior maintenance or renovation, contact us today!