SPRING HOME CHECKLIST

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Spring has finally arrived to stay, and we are able to end our winter hibernation. There are lots of activities waiting for us outside, but as responsible homeowners we often put work before play. Do you know what you should be checking for on your home to ensure everything is intact and functional?

A list of things to check on your home in the spring includes cleaning gutters as needed, checking windows and doors, servicing HVAC systems, checking smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, and checking the roof for damage. Additionally, consider cleaning exterior surfaces, checking paint, stain, and caulk, and addressing any signs of termites or pests. 

Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

Exterior

WATER FLOW:

  • Gutters: Clean out debris, check for damage, and ensure proper drainage. There should not be standing water in the gutters. Downspout extensions should extend at least five feet from the foundation.
  • Grading: Not sure what to look for? You want to see six inches of drop in the ten feet around your home, whether it be grass, dirt, driveway, sidewalks, or landscape beds. Negative grading, flat grading, or low spots can all cause problems with your foundation by letting water saturate the soil next to the foundation. And keep in mind that landscape materials like rock or mulch can hide the true grading-water will flow according to the slope of the soil, not the landscape material. Read more in the Foundation Grading article.

OTHER:

  • Driveways and Walkways: Check for cracks, uneven surfaces, and other damage. Uneven surfaces can sometimes be ground down but may need more extensive repairs. I always recommend that all cuts, cracks and joints be filled, to slow deterioration from the freeze/thaw cycle. Also check areas against or near the foundation for settling towards the house and seal any joints against the foundation.
  • Windows and Doors: Address any air flow you noticed over the winter. This may involve adjustment, repairs, re-caulking or re-insulating, or more extensive repairs or replacement. Clean the screens and ensure proper operation. If you have casement (crank-out) windows, pay special attention to cleaning the working parts to keep the windows operating smoothly. Also check for any deterioration on or around windows that would indicate a water leak.
  • Roof: Check for missing shingles, damaged areas, and any signs of leaks.  Also check on the roof for debris, especially in valleys, above skylights and chimneys, over flat or low-pitch areas, and other areas where it may accumulate. A look into your attic can help spot roof leaks as well and may reveal other useful information.
  • Exterior Surfaces: look for cracks in caulking, and re-caulk as needed. Color-matched caulk may save some time re-painting if the painting is not needed otherwise. Clean and paint or stain as needed, addressing any peeling or cracking. Remember it is best to repaint before significant pealing occurs.
  • Woodwork: Reseal decks, fences, and other exterior woodwork to prevent graying, rotting, or splitting. That deck stain doesn’t just make your deck look better; it protects it too. And remember, having vinyl or metal siding doesn’t necessarily mean no painting is necessary. Especially on an older home, you may have some trim or other portions of your home that need painting maintenance.
  • Chimney: Have it cleaned and inspected by a professional, especially if you have a fireplace and have been using it regularly. Annual professional cleaning is always the best.
  • HVAC: Change the filter (commonly needs replaced monthly), and consider scheduling a professional service (recommended 1-2 times annually). Don’t forget to hose off the fins on your air conditioning condenser (the unit that sits outside) to help it run efficiently.
  • Trees, bushes, and other vegetation: Trim back limbs growing over the roof or towards siding at least 5-10 feet and remove any dead branches. Trim bushes and other vegetation 6-12 inches away from all areas of the house, porches, and decks. Vegetation blocks sunlight and keeps the walls from drying out, which promotes decay.
  • Irrigation System: Run your sprinkler system for the first time when you can watch for leaks, broken sprinkler heads, and ensure proper water pressure. Make sure to adjust heads as necessary to direct the water properly.

Interior

  • Smoke Detectors and Fire Extinguishers: Test batteries, check for damage, and ensure proper functioning. Also note that smoke detectors typically should be replaced after 10 years. It’s a good idea to place at least one fire extinguisher in your home. The kitchen is a great place to have one and consider also having them in your garage and basement.
  • Basement (or Crawl Space): Check for leaks or other moisture, mold, or signs of pest infestations. And check your dehumidifier to make sure it is working properly.
  • Plumbing: Check under sinks and around appliances for leaks. Flush the water heater.
  • Electrical: Check for exposed wiring or physical damage. The most common exposed wiring is in an electrical box without a cover installed (all connections need to be enclosed in a junction box).

Pest Control

  • Mosquitoes: Prevent mosquito breeding by emptying standing water.
  • Termites: Remove any wood piles, whether firewood or lumber, near your home, garage, or other buildings. Check for signs of termite infestation, if you know what to look for. If not, start by looking for unusual looking “rotten” wood containing tunnels or grooves, and mud tubes on the foundation wall.

Feeling a little overwhelmed? That’s understandable. If you wish, Smart Choice Inspections can provide a full inspection or a walk-through to help. But if you choose to check these items yourself, you can do it. Just break the list down, take items in small quantities, and remember that doing some of these is better than not doing any of them. The main thing is just to look at your house with fresh eyes and pay attention to the things you normally ignore. Get stumped? Call or text 712-274-2740 with your questions. Yes, really. Free advice. Then after doing the work, reward yourself and go do something fun!