Spring-Ready Home: 10 Maintenance Tasks to Tackle Before the Warm Weather

Spring is almost here—or at least it feels like it. If you’re in that “fake spring” phase, where the weather teases warmth before hitting you with another cold snap, now is the perfect time to start prepping your home for the real deal.

Before the heavy rains, strong winds, and blooming trees take over, here are 10 essential home maintenance tasks to tackle so you’re fully prepared when spring finally settles in.

1. Clean Out Those Gutters Before Spring Rains Hit

Winter storms, falling leaves, and debris clog gutters, making them ineffective at draining water away from your home. If gutters are blocked, spring rains can overflow, causing roof leaks, water damage, and even foundation issues.

✔ What to Do:
Use gloves and a scoop to remove leaves and debris.
Flush gutters with a garden hose to ensure proper drainage.
Check for sagging or broken sections and repair as needed.

2. Check Window Seals & Weather Stripping for Winter Damage

Cold weather can cause seals around windows and doors to crack or shrink, allowing warm air to escape and making your cooling system work harder when temperatures rise.

✔ What to Do:
Inspect all windows and doors for gaps or cracks.
Replace worn-out weather stripping to improve energy efficiency.
Apply caulk to any visible cracks to prevent air leaks and moisture intrusion.

3. Inspect Your Roof for Damage Before Spring Storms Arrive

Winter weather can be harsh on your roof, leading to loose or missing shingles, leaks, and weakened flashing. Spring storms bring strong winds and heavy rain, which can worsen any existing damage if not repaired in time.

✔ What to Do:
From the ground, check for loose, curling, or missing shingles.
Look inside your attic for signs of leaks, like water stains or mold.
If you notice damage, schedule a professional inspection to prevent costly repairs later.

4. Power Wash Your Home’s Exterior to Remove Winter Grime

Winter leaves behind a layer of dirt, mold, and salt residue on siding, driveways, and walkways. A good power wash will refresh your home’s curb appeal and prevent mold from spreading.

✔ What to Do:
Use a pressure washer to clean siding, decks, patios, and driveways.
If using a strong detergent, ensure it’s safe for your home’s materials.
Be cautious with pressure settings to avoid damaging wood or paint.

5. Service Your HVAC System Before It’s Overworked

Don’t wait until the first hot day of spring to find out your air conditioning isn’t working! Your HVAC system has worked hard through winter and needs a tune-up before the warmer months hit.

✔ What to Do:
Replace air filters for better airflow and efficiency.
Clean vents and registers to remove dust buildup.
Schedule a professional HVAC tune-up to check refrigerant levels, coils, and system performance.

6. Prep Your Lawn & Garden for Healthy Spring Growth

Your lawn took a beating over the winter, and if you don’t prep it now, you could be dealing with patchy grass and unwanted weeds later.

✔ What to Do:
Rake up any dead leaves and debris to allow grass to breathe.
Aerate compacted soil to help grass roots grow stronger.
Apply pre-emergent weed control to stop weeds before they sprout.

7. Test & Repair Outdoor Faucets & Sprinkler Systems

Freezing temperatures can cause cracks or leaks in outdoor pipes and sprinkler systems. Before you turn on the hose or set your sprinklers, make sure everything is working properly.

✔ What to Do:
Turn on outdoor faucets and check for weak water pressure (a sign of a leak).
Inspect sprinkler heads for clogs or damage.
Replace any cracked or leaking hoses before using them.

8. Check Your Deck, Fence, & Outdoor Structures

Winter moisture can cause wood rot, loose boards, or rusted nails in your deck, fence, or outdoor stairs. Catching these small issues now prevents expensive repairs later.

✔ What to Do:
Walk around your deck and look for loose boards, soft spots, or protruding nails.
Check fences for warped wood, loose posts, or chipped paint.
If needed, re-stain or seal wooden surfaces to protect them from spring rain.

9. Inspect Your Basement & Crawl Space for Moisture Issues

Spring rains can cause flooding or excess moisture buildup, leading to mold growth and foundation damage. A quick inspection now can save headaches later.

✔ What to Do:
Look for damp spots, mold, or musty odors in your basement or crawl space.
Ensure your sump pump is working if you have one.
Seal any visible cracks in the foundation to prevent leaks.

10. Replace Batteries in Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Spring cleaning isn’t just about organizing closets—it’s also a great time to check your home’s safety systems. Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors should be tested and have fresh batteries installed at least once a year.

✔ What to Do:
Press the test button on all smoke and CO detectors.
Replace batteries if needed.
Consider upgrading to smart detectors that send alerts to your phone.

Final Thoughts: Get a Head Start on Spring Maintenance

Tackling these 10 maintenance tasks now will save you time, money, and stress once the real spring season arrives.

Not sure where to start? Need help with home repairs or maintenance tasks? Craig the Handyman is here to help!