Spring home maintenance checklist
Spring is when you find out what winter did to the house. Walk the outside first, since that's where the damage shows, then get the cooling ready before the first hot week. The weekend project planner can put the bigger jobs in order with one shopping list.
The spring checklist
Tick jobs off as you go. Each one links to a guide with pictures and steps.
Spring rain on clogged gutters overflows right at the foundation.
Clean gutters and downspouts safely2–4 hrs · ModerateWater should land several feet from the house, not at the wall.
Water pooling at the foundation1–3 hours · EasyIce and wet leaves pull them loose over the winter.
Gutter pulling away from the house1–3 hours · ModerateA clean outdoor unit cools better and runs less.
Clean your AC condenser coils45–60 min · EasyA clog shows up as water by the indoor unit on the first hot day.
Water leaking from the AC: clear a clogged condensate drain20–40 min · EasyTwice a year is a good habit; spring is one of them.
Stop a smoke alarm from chirping10 min · EasyFix them before the bugs arrive.
Repair a torn window screen10 min to patch; 30–45 min to rescreen · EasyCheck from the ground with binoculars after winter storms.
Replace a damaged roof shingle1 hr · HardWinter wind knocks vinyl siding loose.
Reattach loose vinyl siding30–60 min · ModerateDo it before the deck gets heavy summer use.
Replace a cracked or loose deck board1–2 hrs · ModerateWet ground and wind shift posts over the winter.
Fix a loose fence board or sagging gate30–60 min · EasyA pipe that froze may only leak once the water is running.
Winterize an outdoor faucet15–30 min · Easy
Timing suits most US climates. In mild areas, cold-weather jobs can wait a few weeks; in cold ones, start early.
Spring questions
When should I start spring maintenance?
Once the ground has thawed and the gutters are free of ice. In most of the US that's March or April.
What's the most important spring job?
Clearing gutters and making sure downspouts send water away from the foundation. Water at the foundation causes the most expensive damage.
Should I get an AC tune-up every year?
Many manufacturers recommend it. At the least, clean the outdoor unit and change the filter before the cooling season.
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