SPRING MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST
Landscape Maintenance
- Spring clean-up - Remove all leaves, sticks and debris from the landscape
- Lawn - Begin fertilizier and pre-emergent applications, spot seed thin or bare lawn areas. Begin mowing as needed
- Irrigation - Turn on and check for leaky valves, exposed lines, and improperly working sprinkler heads. Turn on outdoor hose bibs
- Trees - Trim back tree branches and shrubs to ensure they are not in contact with the house. Begin tree care program
- Grade - ensure that the grade of the land around the house encourages water to flow away from the foundation
Exterior
- Foundation - Examine the foundation walls for cracks,
leaks or signs of moisture, and repair as needed
- Roof - Check for damaged, loose or missing shingles. Check flashing around roof stacks, vents, and skylights for leaks
- Roof vents - Inspect for damage or bird nests
- Gutters and downspouts - Clean out, inspect and repair any weaknesses, check for proper drainage and adjust as needed
- Siding - Inspect and clean siding, repair as necessary. Check all paint, caulk, mortar, grouts, sealants. Scrape, clean, and replace as needed
- Windows and doors - Check operation. Replace any cracked glass, tighten or repair loose or damaged frames and repaint as needed, replace broken, worn, or missing hardware, tighten and lubricate door hinges, closures
- Window screens - Clean windows and hardware, and replace storm windows with screens, repair screens as needed
- Chimney - Have a certified chimney sweep inspect and clean the flues (if not done in the fall)
- Pathways - Check for cracks in asphalt or concrete on driveway, sidewalks, and paths. Repair as needed
- Fences - Repair and paint fences as needed
- Porches and decks - Inspect for sagging ceilings, loose rails or boards, and damaged steps. Clean, preserve and repair as needed
- Pests - Check for early signs of bird and stinging insect nests in key spots -- eaves, ledges, etc.
- Outdoor furniture - Bring outdoor furniture out of storage
- Grill - Check and prepare for the season
- Lighting - Check exterior lights for proper operation, repair or replace if needed
- Garage - Check garage-door opener for proper operation and adjust if needed
- Firewood - Remove firewood stored near the home. Firewood should be stored at least 18 inches off the ground at least 2 feet from the structure
- Deer damage control - Spray deer repellent or fence out as needed
- Pool and Spa - schedule an opening date
Interior
- Air Conditioning - Have a cooling professional check and prepare your system
- Humidifier - Turn off unit and water supply. Move duct damper from winter to summer setting
- Dehumidifier - Clean, start operation in basement as needed
- Plumbing - Look for signs of leaks and corrosion, clean
faucet aerators
- Drains - Check for speed of drainage. A slow drain may be a clog or a blocked vent pipe
- Caulking - Check tub and shower caulking. Replace as needed
- Crawlspace or basement - Check for moisture, fungus and mold
- Doors and drawers - Check operation. Look for swollen spots and sticking, Lubricate hinges and glides
- Ceilings - Inspect ceilings for stains, which could indicate a roof or plumbing leak
- Attic - Check for evidence of leaks, proper ventilation, and for evidence of pests
- Washer - Check washer hoses for signs of aging or leaks. Replace as needed
- Dryer - Check dryer vents for tears. Vacuum or brush out lint
- Refrigerator- Clean coil, clean drain pan, and check drain
- Kitchen hood - Replace or clean exhaust hood filters
- Bathroom exhaust fans - Clean grill and fan
- GFCI Outlets - Test all outlets
- Whole house fan - check belt; lubricate and clean
- Water filters - Change as required by the manufacturer
- Safety equipment - Ensure that all smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers are in good working order. Replace batteries in appropriate devices as needed, or at least twice each year