Spring-cleaning is one thing: airing out linens and rugs, washing floors and windows - all those tasks that are more enjoyable when you can open up the windows and let the fresh air in.
Spring home maintenance is something else - it's making sure your home is sound, inside and out, in preparation for spring storms, and relaxing comfortably outdoors!
Here's an easy-to-follow checklist you can print out and get the satisfaction of checking off the items you complete. Most are easy to do, and some may require a professional, but you'll rest easy knowing your home is ready for anything April Showers and May Flowers can offer.
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Springtime
Home Maintenance Checklist
Inside:
Change HVAC Filters
Have air conditioning inspected
Clean and inspect window screens for damage
Check moisture in the crawlspace and basement
Make sure sump pump is in working order
Check washing machine hoses for wear
Disconnect the dryer vent and check for lint buildup
Clean forgotten corners like behind doors and appliances, the backs of cabinets, refrigerator coils, etc.
Get ready for an ant invasion. Terro Ant Bait traps work best and are easy to put out and toss.
Outside:
Make sure gutters are cleaned out and seal any leaks
Trim trees and shrubs away from the house before the forsythia starts to bloom (like, now)
Trim brush away from heat pumps or outdoor HVAC units
Inspect the caulking around doors and windows for cracks and separation
Check wood decks, railings, windowsills, steps, fences, and gates for rot
Pressure was: patios, decks, driveways, walkways, outdoor furniture, soffits, and siding if needed
Seal driveway
Inspect outdoor sprinkler heads for damage from snow removal equipment or cold weather cracking
Inspect and tune up lawn equipment, sharpen hand tools
Clean debris away from foundations and window wells
Move firewood - make sure it is 18" off the ground and 3 feet away from any structures
Lawn:
Remove all debris - limbs, pine needles, leaves, twigs, pine cones, gumballs, etc.
Aerate the soil if it wasn't done the previous fall
Revive dead patches by cutting the areas back to bare soil, loosening the dirt, and reseeding
Do a soil evaluation to check pH level, nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium levels so you know which amendments you need to add (Luster Leaf's Rapidtest kit for lawns is easy to use)
Top dress the soil - apply a half-inch of top dressing (a light compost like mushroom compost) when the soil is dry
Over seed - mow back the lawn, rake to loosen the soil, and oversees at 1/2 the recommended rate for bare soil, then water immediately and daily until new sprouts appear
Avoid foot traffic - time to pull out those "get off my lawn" signs
Be patient.
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Sources: Mr. Handyman, Good Housekeeping, Better Homes & Gardens, Bob Vila