Check the condition of the exterior surfaces & touch up any areas that need paint before they deteriorate further
Check your inside and outside foundation walls and piers for termite tubes and damaged wood
Clean gaps between deck boards above joists, replace/repair and paint/seal as needed.
Examine the foundation walls for cracks, leaks, pest damage or signs of moisture, and repair as required
Hose off house exterior
Make sure the downspouts direct water at least 5 feet away from your foundation walls
Renail any loose siding or trim boards
Scrub mildewed areas of house exterior and treat for mildew and fungus on decks
Roofs, Fireplace, Chimneys & Gutters
Check electric, antenna guy wires and support straps, repair or replace as needed
Check gutters, downspouts, and roof penetrations for leaks
Clean out gutters and downspout elbows
Examine fascia or soffit boards & replace if they are soft or rotting, and, examine flashing trim and repalir/replace as needed
Inspect the roof for damaged, loose or blistered shingles & replace damaged shingles
Remove leaves and clean debris from attic louvers and soffits
Yard, Drive/Walk ways, Grading & Drainage
Clean around air conditioner compressor & uncover
Clean up fallen branches and other debris around the home
Clear all drainage ditches and culverts of debris
Inspect grading around the house to be sure water drains away from the foundation on all sides
Inspect decks, patios, porches, exterior stairs and railings for deterioration
Make sure that your lawn sprinkler heads do not spray the walls of the house
Re-level any exterior steps or decks which moved due to frost or settling
Repair and paint fences as necessary
Trim branches and shrubs that are touching your home
Undertake spring landscape maintenance and, if necessary, fertilize young trees
Doors and Windows
Check and replace damaged caulking, weather stripping and broken/cracked glass panes around windows and doorways
Clean out basement window wells, doorways & storm drains
Clean windows, screens and hardware, and replace storm windows with screens (check first and repair or replace if needed), then lubricate moving parts, and ensure weep holes are clear
Inspect and repair (if needed) screens
Oil moving parts of garage door
On storm windows and doors, check latches, pivots and hinges for loose connections or signs of wear, and replace loose or worn parts
Plumbing & HWH
Inspect sprinkler heads for leaks and adjust for proper coverage.
Inspect all hose bibs, faucets, shut-off valves and supply valves for leaking
After consulting your hot water tank owner's manual, carefully test the temperature and pressure relief valve to ensure it is not stuck. (Caution: this test may release hot water that can cause burns) And then drin off sediment from the HWH tank
Ensure sump pump is operating properly before the spring thaw sets in. Ensure discharge pipe is connected and allows water to drain away from the foundation
Examine septic system drain field for flooding, odor; have tank pumped yearly
Have well water tested every 6 months for quality & bacteria
Open valve to outside hose connection after all danger of frost has passed, and check all bibs and shutoff valves
Heating & Cooling
Inspect the HVAC fan belt for frayed or worn spots, and check tension (keep spare belt on hand), and also check the whole house attic fan
Shut down and clean furnace humidifier, and close the furnace humidifier damper on units with central air conditioning
Shut off gas heater valve, then check exhaust and air shutter openings for dirt and dust. Clean the burner of lint and dirt by vacuuming air passages to burner
Turn OFF gas furnace and fireplace pilot lights where possible
Interior General
Check attic fans & thermostat, clean blades, lubricate motor and pulley bearings, check and repair drive belt
Check dehumidifier and clean if necessary
Check vents and louvers for free air movement
Inspect your attic to make sure it is getting cool, fresh air and that there is no evidence of condensation