The Ultimate Spring Home Maintenance Checklist

Winter is tough on houses. One focused spring weekend prevents the expensive failures that show up later in the year. Work top to bottom, outside first.

Exterior first

• Walk the roofline with binoculars: look for curled or missing shingles
• Clean gutters and confirm downspouts discharge at least three feet from the foundation
• Check siding, trim and deck boards for rot or winter cracks
• Test outdoor faucets and irrigation before the first watering

Interior essentials

• Replace HVAC filters and schedule the AC tune-up before the summer rush
• Test smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors, replace batteries
• Freshen caulk around tubs, showers and kitchen sinks
• Vacuum refrigerator coils and clean the dryer vent — a top fire-prevention task

Water and safety

• Inspect under-sink shutoff valves and supply lines for corrosion or bubbles
• Drain a few gallons from the water heater to purge sediment
• Check sump pump operation before spring storms

The 80/20 rule

Most of this takes an afternoon. Have a ladder-shy spot or a repair you uncover? Book a local handyman on USAHomeX and knock out the list in one visit.