Your Indiana Spring Home Maintenance Checklist

Spring is just a month away! The snow is melted, the flowers are blooming… And there’s a host of home maintenance tasks to be taken care of. In the winter, it’s too cold to take care of many of these jobs, so they tend to pile up. But they need to be done if you want to keep your house safe, tidy, and presentable. Here’s your checklist of home maintenance tasks for the spring.

Check out our Spring Home Maintenance Checklist to prepare you as the warm weather arrives! We have broken it down into indoor and outdoor so you can be sure your whole home is covered and ready to go.

Outdoor Spring Home Maintenance Checklist

• Asphalt and Concrete: Winter’s freeze-thaw cycles can cause cracks in driveways, sidewalks, and patios. Spring is the best time to repair minor cracks with fillers before they worsen from spring rains. If the damage is significant, consider resurfacing or repaving.
• Drainage and Grading: Snowmelt and spring rains can reveal low spots where water pools near your foundation. Addressing drainage issues now prevents water damage, basement leaks, and mosquito breeding grounds.
• Exterior Siding and Paint Inspection: Winter storms can cause paint to peel and siding to crack. Inspect your home’s exterior for damage, touch up paint, and recaulk gaps to prevent moisture intrusion before summer’s heat causes further expansion and warping.
• Fence and Gate Inspection: Winter moisture can cause wood fences to rot and metal hardware to rust. Inspect and repair any damage, tighten hinges, and reseal wood fences to prolong their lifespan before spring storms arrive.
• Foundation Check: Winter’s freeze-thaw cycles can create cracks in your home’s foundation. Walk around your home and look for any new cracks or shifting. Addressing foundation issues early prevents costly structural damage.
• Gutters: Melting snow and spring rain can clog gutters with debris. Cleaning them now prevents water overflow, wood rot, and pest infestations. Ensure downspouts are directing water away from your home’s foundation.
• Lawn Maintenance: Winter leaves behind sticks, leaves, and other debris that can suffocate your grass. Rake your lawn, remove debris, and inspect for standing water that could attract mosquitoes. If you have an outdoor A/C unit, clear at least two feet of space around it for proper airflow.
• Outdoor Furniture and Grill Cleaning: Winter storage can leave patio furniture dusty or mildewed. Spring is the best time to clean and inspect your outdoor seating, tables, and grill before outdoor gatherings begin. If you have a gas grill, check propane levels and connections.
• Outdoor Lighting Check: Cold temperatures and storms can damage outdoor light fixtures or burn out bulbs. Test all exterior lights, including porch lights, pathway lights, and motion sensors, to ensure safety and functionality as days get longer.
• Pest Prevention: As temperatures rise, pests become more active. Inspect your home’s perimeter for cracks or gaps where rodents and insects could enter. Trim back branches and vegetation touching your home to prevent easy access for ants, squirrels, and other critters.
• Planting (NOT YET): Even though it may feel like planting season, late frosts in central Indiana can still occur. Instead, use this time to plan your garden, prepare beds, and purchase supplies so you’re ready when the risk of frost is gone.
• Roof Cleaning: Algae and moss can grow on your roof over winter, especially in shaded areas. Moss can lift shingles and lead to leaks. On a dry day, apply a bleach-water solution to remove growth and prevent damage before the hot summer sun accelerates deterioration.
• Roof Inspection: Winter’s snow, ice, and wind can loosen or break shingles. Before the spring rains arrive, use a ladder to inspect your roof for damage. If you spot missing or broken shingles, schedule professional repairs to prevent leaks and interior damage.
• Sprinklers: As temperatures rise, your irrigation system will soon be in use. Turn on the sprinklers, check for leaks or broken heads, and adjust them so they efficiently water your lawn rather than sidewalks or driveways.
• Staining and Sealing: Outdoor wood structures, such as decks, fences, and pergolas, absorb moisture over the winter. Spring’s mild temperatures are ideal for staining and sealing wood to protect it from summer’s sun and heat, which can cause cracking and fading.
• Tree and Shrub Pruning: Cold weather weakens branches, making them more susceptible to breaking. Trim dead or overgrown limbs to encourage healthy growth and prevent potential storm damage before trees fully leaf out.
• Windows and Doors: Inspect exterior window and door frames for gaps, cracks, or peeling caulk. Resealing these areas now improves insulation and prevents moisture from entering before the humid summer months.

Feel free to contact Bauerle to come out and inspect your home for issues! We are experienced inspectors and can give you a rundown on your roof, gutter, and siding health!

Contact Us!

Indoor Spring Home Maintenance Checklist

• A/C Maintenance: Before summer heat arrives, schedule a professional HVAC inspection. Spring is the ideal time to service your air conditioning system, ensuring it has the proper refrigerant levels, clean filters, and optimal efficiency. Early maintenance helps avoid breakdowns during peak cooling season and may lower energy bills.
• Attic and Basement Maintenance: Spring rains and melting snow can expose moisture issues in your attic or basement. Inspect for leaks, water stains, mold, mildew, or musty smells. Addressing these problems now prevents further damage and costly repairs before humidity levels rise in summer.
• Ceiling Fan Reversal: Reverse your ceiling fans to spin counterclockwise, pushing air downward to create a cooling breeze. This simple switch helps lower cooling costs as temperatures warm up. Spring is the best time to do this before consistently using the A/C.
• Decluttering and Deep Cleaning: Spring is traditionally the season for deep cleaning, as warmer weather allows for open windows and better ventilation. Dust surfaces, vacuum under furniture, and remove clutter to create a fresh and organized indoor space.
• Dryer Vent Cleaning: Lint buildup in dryer vents is a fire hazard. Over the winter, lint may have accumulated more than usual due to increased indoor drying. Clean out the vent now to improve dryer efficiency and prevent potential fires before summer heat arrives.
• Faucets: Turn on outdoor faucets and spigots after winter to ensure they work properly. Check for leaks or reduced water pressure, which could indicate freeze damage. Placing your finger over the opening can help detect blockages. If the water stops completely, call a plumber for inspection.
• Fix Screens: Warmer temperatures bring an increase in bugs. Inspect window and door screens for holes, gaps, or tears. Repair or replace damaged screens to keep insects out while allowing fresh spring air in.
• Garage and Storage Organization: Winter often leads to clutter in garages and storage areas. Spring is the best time to reorganize, discard unused items, and create accessible space for summer outdoor gear like lawn tools, bikes, and pool accessories.
• Gutter Interior Inspection: While cleaning the exterior gutters is essential, spring is also a great time to check for indoor water damage caused by clogged or overflowing gutters. Look at ceilings and walls near gutters for signs of leaks and mold.
• HVAC Filter Replacement: Even if you’re not ready to turn on the A/C, replacing the HVAC filter in early spring helps maintain air quality as pollen levels rise. Clean filters also improve system efficiency and prevent strain on your cooling unit.
• Pantry and Refrigerator Cleaning: As seasonal eating habits shift, go through your pantry and refrigerator to discard expired or stale items. Spring is a great time to deep clean shelves and drawers, making space for fresh, seasonal foods.
• Plumbing Leak Check: Winter’s temperature changes can lead to hidden plumbing issues. Inspect under sinks and around toilets for leaks or moisture buildup. Addressing minor leaks now prevents costly water damage and mold growth.
• Safety Checks: Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms, replacing batteries if needed. Inspect fire extinguishers to ensure they’re full and functional. Spring is the perfect time to check these essentials before the increased electrical and cooling system use of summer.
• Termites: Spring is peak termite season as these pests become active after winter dormancy. Look for warning signs such as peeling paint, pinholes in drywall, mud tubes, or hollow-sounding wood. Call an exterminator immediately if you suspect an infestation to prevent structural damage.
• Windows and Doors: Cold weather can cause seals around windows and doors to shrink or crack, leading to energy loss. Inspect and recaulk as necessary to improve insulation before you start using air conditioning.

Unless you’re an experienced contractor, it’s best to leave most work beyond basic maintenance tasks to professionals rather than attempting them yourself—potentially causing more damage. If you’re in doubt, remember that our inspections are always free. It never hurts to check everything on this spring home maintenance checklist. Call us, and let us help you ensure your home is in proper shape and ready for spring!

Feel free to contact Bauerle to come out and inspect your home for issues! We are experienced inspectors and can give you a rundown on your roof, gutter, and siding health!

Contact Us!