Spring Home Maintenance Checklist: 15 Tasks That Prevent Costly Repairs

Most expensive home repairs start small: a clogged downspout, a loose shingle, a slow leak. A few hours each spring can save you thousands. Here’s the checklist I give my clients after they move in.

Outside the home

1. Clean gutters and make sure downspouts carry water at least a few feet away from the foundation.
2. Look at the roof from the ground with binoculars for missing or lifted shingles.
3. Check that soil slopes away from the house. Fill low spots where water collects.
4. Inspect the deck for loose boards, popped nails and soft wood. Wash and reseal if water no longer beads.
5. Re-caulk gaps around windows, doors and where pipes enter the house.
6. Trim shrubs and branches so they’re at least a foot from siding and the roof.
7. Reconnect hoses and check outdoor faucets for leaks after winter.

Inside the home

1. Schedule an air conditioning tune-up and replace the HVAC filter.
2. Test the sump pump by pouring a bucket of water into the pit.
3. Check the basement and crawl space for dampness, musty smells or water stains.
4. Look in the attic for leaks, daylight or signs of animals.
5. Clean the dryer vent from the dryer to the outside.
6. Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and replace batteries.
7. Flush a few gallons from the water heater to reduce sediment, following the maker’s instructions.
8. Watch for termite swarms, discarded wings near windows, or mud tubes on foundation walls.

Who to call and when

Task	DIY or pro?	Why it matters
Gutter cleaning on one story	DIY with care	Prevents overflow and basement water
Gutter cleaning on two stories or more	Pro	Ladder safety
AC tune-up	Pro	Catches refrigerant leaks and worn parts early
Roof repair	Pro	Small leaks spread under shingles
Termite inspection	Pro	Damage can be hidden inside walls

Why it pays: a quick example

Say a professional gutter cleaning costs $200 and a clogged downspout floods part of a finished basement. Replacing drywall, flooring and baseboards in one room can easily run into the thousands, plus the hassle and a possible insurance claim. Spending a little each spring is cheap protection. These figures are illustrative; get local quotes.

Common mistakes

• Letting downspouts dump water right next to the foundation.
• Waiting until the first 90 degree day to call for AC service.
• Ignoring small water stains on ceilings.
• Power washing wood siding or decks too aggressively, which can damage them.

Northern Virginia extras

Our spring brings heavy rain and the start of humid weather, so moisture control matters. Run a dehumidifier in the basement if humidity stays high, and keep it below about 50%. Check that window wells are clear of leaves so they drain. If you have a sprinkler system, have it turned on and checked for broken heads before you water.

Spring is also a good time to plan bigger projects for summer and fall. Roofers, painters and deck builders book up early, so get quotes while you still have flexibility. If you might sell in the next year or two, focus first on repairs a buyer’s inspector would flag.

Safety first

Ladders cause many spring injuries. Use a stable ladder on level ground, keep three points of contact and never work on a roof alone. Turn off power before replacing light fixtures or outlet covers, and shut off water before working on a leaking valve. If a task makes you nervous, that’s a good sign to hire it out. A professional visit costs far less than an emergency room trip, and many handymen can bundle several small items into one visit.

Frequently asked questions

What should I do in the fall?

Use Winterize Your Home: A 12-Point Checklist.

Should I test for radon?

Yes, especially in Northern Virginia. Read Radon Testing in Northern Virginia.

Where can I find a full year-round plan?

See You Got the Keys. Now What?