Spring Home Maintenance Checklist

As the seasons change and the nice weather returns,
more home maintenance tasks crop up.

• Clean out winter debris from the gardens and de-thatch the lawn.
• Fertilize the grass, trees and the garden as necessary.
• Mulch the gardens to reduce weeds and maintain moisture levels.
• Watch for pests, their nests, and any damage that they may be causing around the home.
• Clean out drains and ditches of debris.
• Clean out gutters and drainpipes and ensure that downspouts are working well.
• Level out any heaved deck or fence posts, as well as patio stones and stairs.
• Inspect the foundation for cracks, splits, leaks, and any other damage.
• After the last threat of frost has passed, open up hose valves / bibs, reattach hoses.
• Take off storm windows and put in screens, replacing or repairing wherever necessary.
• Turn off the gas furnace heat and extinguish pilot light if applicable.
• Clean the air conditioning filter or replace if necessary.
• Switch on the A/C system, test in a similar fashion to the Fall furnace test.
• Check dehumidifier and drain if necessary.
• Change the furnace filter (monthly).
• Check that your sump pump is operating well and clean out any debris in the pit.
• Turn off, clean out, drain furnace humidifier, close the damper if you have central air.
• Stain / paint wood decks / fences once they dry out, but before the heat sets in.
• Test smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, security systems. Replace batteries.