The best way to protect your home, which for most homeowners is your largest investment, is to consistently perform routine spring home maintenance checklist.
In years past, it was common for homeowners to move every 5 to 7 years. With the real estate turmoil of the last 5 years, people aren’t moving like they used to. The average length of time you’re likely to spend in your home is now over 10 years. If you bought a 10 year old house, and you’ve lived there for 5 or more years, many of your home systems and appliances have already been replaced already or very soon.
Quick Spring Home Maintenance Checklist
- Routine home maintenance done consistently means your fixtures and materials will last longer, saving you money with fewer replacements over the long term (and make your home more attractive when you sell your home).
- Replacing appliances and home systems like your hot water heater, can save you stress and avoid repair costs versus waiting until they break (no hot water or a flooded basement).
You’ll also have time to research and buy the best product for your home and lifestyle, plus new products are more energy-efficient than your current fixtures so you’ll save on your monthly utility bills.
Handyman Made Spring Home Maintenance Checklist Simple
Our checklists (we share them for spring, summer, fall and winter) help you keep track of what you’ve completed, and what you have left to do.
In the spring, you’re going outdoors and using tools that require safety precautions, for carrying and positioning ladders correctly to turning the power off before working on your air conditioner or using power tools. Remember to unplug power tools when not in use and don’t leave ladders up where children might climb them for fun.
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide batteries– replace if needed
- Change furnace filters at least quarterly and more frequently if they’re very dirty
- Clean humidifiers (and dehumidifiers)weekly when using them
- Clean dryer lint traps, behind the dryer and make sure they’re vented to the outside properly
- Clean up your yard and prepare garden for planting. Check lawn mower blades and sharpen as needed
- Check outside walkways, stairs and railings and repair anything loose. Even when your family doesn’t use the front door, it’s wise to prepare for guests.
- Get your air conditioning ready for the hot weather rather than waiting for the last minute rush as you might not have time, and your HVAC Company might be scheduled out for weeks.
- Check exterior lights, garage doors, gates and doorbell. It’s always easier to fix problems before there’s an accident.
Handyman Checklist to Keep Your Home Dry
Remember that storm (or 2) you had over the winter, or maybe you were lucky not to be home. But your house was still there, standing up to all the elements and the damage they cause. Once the weather is nice you’ll want to check your roof, siding, caulking, etc., for any sign of leaks or damage. Fixing problems quickly will help you avoid your home’s #1 enemy, water damage. By doing this sooner, you can also avoid any problems if you’re luck and get those “April showers”.
- Inspect for roof leaks. Outside you can use a ladder, binoculars or a digital camera to find damaged or missing shingles. You can also discover leaks by inspecting the roof from the attic
- Check your chimney, skylights, vent pipes and anything that sticks up from your roof, i.e. Where water can penetrate the seams. If you’re getting water in the chimney, consider adding a chimney cap
- Check gutters and down spouts to make sure they’re draining properly and away from the house. Tighten up loose parts and clean as needed
- Inspect all exterior wood – wood siding, trim, windows, door kick plates, etc. for peeling or cracked paint which indicates that water can get into your home. Re-caulk, repair and paint the now to save time and money. If you’re tired of this maintenance item, upgrade trim to a non-wood product like PVC
- Check doors and windows to make sure the glass is airtight, and you’re able to open and close properly. Re-caulk and replace weather stripping as needed. If certain rooms are drafty, consider replacing with more energy efficient windows which will make your home more comfortable, and lower your utility bills
- Check decks, stair railings, steps and other wood structures. Repair and/or replace rotted wood and seal to help the wood last longer
- It’s best to check your exterior faucets and irrigation systems before you need to start watering the lawn or garden. Always be prepared to turn the water off quickly, in case a pipe burst over the winter.
Handyman Approved Money Saving Home Maintenance Checklist
Everyone gets excited when they can spend more time outdoors, so it’s the perfect time to get some exercise and enjoy the fresh air. You’ll want to look at all aspects of your home that affect how comfortable you are indoors – screen doors and windows, air conditioners and don’t forget the ceiling fans which you need to reset (hint: Counter Clockwise Cooler).
- Inspect storm doors and windows& repair as needed before putting away for the winter. Swap for screens & check those for holes so you can fix them.
- Install window A/Cs and/or remove covers from wall units then check to see that they’re operating properly. Scheduled maintenance of central air conditioning systems.
- Change direction of your fan, you want the fan to counter clockwise to pull warm air up and away from you. Make sure they’re operating smoothly and quietly
- Check your hot water heater, pressure relief valve and anode rod. Draining your tank once a year to remove sediments is a good idea (check manufacturer’s instructions)
Miscellaneous Checklist for Home Maintenance
We’ve got some miscellaneous items that didn’t fall into the categories above. They’re things you do outdoors, so have fun as you’ll enjoy the results all summer long and especially when family and neighbors arrive for an outdoor barbeque.
- Pressure wash your vinyl sided home, decks and/or porch when they start to look dirty. Inspect for mold (green or black) and research the best chemicals to use.
- Clean windows and outdoor yard furniture. Pickup debris around downspouts and vents, clean garbage cans.
Following above-mentioned handyman approved spring home maintenance checklist, you can easily perform thorough inspection. Still, if you’re unable to get this done by yourself then call a professional handyman service provider for your peace of mind.
