Top Spring Home Maintenance Chores & Tips

One of the best things about spring is that it's finally time to get out and enjoy the good weather. Unless you're lucky enough to live in a state that has sun all year. Regardless of the weather where you live, spring is a time for rejuvenation, deep cleaning, and home repair. Read on to see the top tips you'll want to put on your to-do list.

Start With an Interior Inspection

Spring cleaning will be on the top of your list, but before you get started, take a walk around your home and do an inspection. Bring a pad of paper or your phone to take notes. Once you see what needs to be done, you can schedule the chores over the next month. That way, you can stay organized and not get overwhelmed. Here are our top chores we suggest doing:

Top Interior Chores

• Service Your Air Conditioner – Before it gets warm and HVAC servicers are super busy, call your favorite provider and have them come out and service your air conditioner. Also, have them check your furnace or heater to see if anything should be repaired.
• Change Interior HVAC Air Filters ­– Although we have this on the spring to-do list, many homeowners (especially ones with allergies) change their A/C filters each month. Doing this will keep your home and air you breathe cleaner and your HVAC unit running more efficiently.
• Inspect Your Washing Machine Water Hoses – Often forgotten, the washing machine hoses should be checked at least every spring. It only takes a small leak to make a big mess. Having this chore on your list will make sure that it gets done. You never want to have any standing water, even just a small amount, anywhere in your home or garage. Checking those hoses will make sure everything is tight.
• Clean Clothes Dryer Vents ­– Did you know that the majority of home fires start from the dryer? So, make it a habit not just to clean your dryer vents in the spring. It's good practice to check them every time you throw a load in. Doing this will keep your home and family safer.
• Take Care of Pest Control ­– Nobody likes to think about pests. They're easy to ignore when you can't see them. But they could be hiding in many places. So, when springtime hits – have this chore on your list. Call a trusted pest control company to come out and do any needed control. Make sure if you have an attic ­– that they're checking there and also in the crawlspace.
• Wash Windows & Screens – You can wash your windows yourself or have a service do it. It doesn't cost that much to have someone come in. Plus, the job is much better because they have the right tools and cleaning solution. Also, have your screens cleaned, checked, and repaired if needed.
• Adjust Ceiling Fans ­– Besides cleaning your ceiling fans, while you're at it – adjust them to suit the weather. Here's a helpful video from HomeDepot, showing you how.

Start With an Exterior Inspection

Just like your inspection of the interior of your home, now it's time to take a walk around and make a note of what needs to be repaired. Once your list is complete, decide what you're going to tackle yourself – and which chores you'll want to call a professional for. Before you know it, your list will be complete! Here are our top tasks we suggest doing:

Top Exterior Chores

• Check Over Porch and Entry – Let's start with the entryway of your home. When you're running through the door with groceries in the winter trying to get out of the rain, you're probably not aware of peeling paint, stained siding, dry rot, or other issues. Now is the time to step back and see what needs a little TLC. Doing this will add loads of curb appeal.
• Clean Gutters and Downspouts – This can be a dirty job. So, if you have teens get their help. Otherwise climb up on the ladder and roof yourself or hire a professional. Once the gutters and downspouts are cleaned, then you'll be able to see what needs to be repaired, reattached, or replaced. Completing this chore will prolong the life of both your gutters and your roof.
• Check the Roof – It’s time to call a professional for this job. They'll know just what to look for, including loose shingles, worn areas, leaks and cracks around vent pipes, damage from past storms, or falling trees. Make this call early in the spring before roofers get booked up.
• Prepare Lawnmower and Garden Tools for Spring – This is another chore you'll want to do right away. If needed, take your mower into the shop for repair and have the blades sharpened. If gas has been sitting in your lawnmower, weed eater, or other lawn tools, they'll need servicing.
• Pressure Wash Your Patio and Sidewalks – This is another perfect job for homeowners who love DIY. Renting a pressure washer is inexpensive from Home Depot, Lowes, or Ace Hardware. If you're pressure washing decks – make sure not to put the tip of the wand too close because you can damage the wood.
• Repair Deck Planks – If you have a deck, check for nails and screws that have popped up and any loose boards. Then pressure wash the entire deck and put on at least one good seal coat. Call a pressure washing company or house painter if you don't want to do this yourself.
• Inspect Mailbox – Ah, the little lost mailbox is often forgotten and neglected. Spring is the perfect time to show it some love. If needed, give it a little coat of paint, and check for bugs and hornet nests. Make sure it's easy for your mailperson to drop your mail off. If needed, install a new box.
• Aerate Your Lawn – Did you know that lawn health starts with oxygen? That's right. If your lawn is compressed from dogs, kids, and foot traffic, it won't grow as well. Take the time to rent an aerator or call a landscaper.
• Check Trees – Take a look at your trees, especially those hanging over the house. Do any need to be trimmed? Doing this regularly helps you avoid damage from falling limbs and a big tree bill from deferred maintenance.

Taking care of your home is easier to do if you go one step at a time. We hope these tips have been helpful and that you're motivated to dive in and enjoy the spring.