A homeowner’s checklist and what to inspect every spring starts with giving your house a little seasonal TLC. Winter can be rough. Frozen pipes, cracked driveways, and drafty windows may need attention.
Spring is perfect for fresh air and fresh fixes. Walk through your home, inside and out. Catching issues early saves money and stress later.
Snow, ice, and freezing temperatures can leave behind wear and tear that you might not notice until something breaks or leaks.
That’s why having a spring checklist is such a good idea. It helps you catch small issues before they turn into expensive problems.
And if you live in Indianapolis, where winter can hit hard and last a while, it’s even more important.
This guide walks you through simple steps that make a big difference, especially after a long, cold season.
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Start at the Top: Roof and Gutters
Your roof protects everything underneath it. After winter storms and heavy snow, it deserves a careful check.
Grab some binoculars or use your phone’s zoom camera to look for cracked or missing shingles.
If anything looks off, even if it’s just discolouration or lifting corners, that could mean damage.
Look at flashing near chimneys or vents, too. These small areas are common spots for leaks to start.
While you're at it, take a look inside the attic if you can. Water stains or a musty smell might mean moisture has made its way in. Addressing this early can prevent mold or wood rot.
Don’t forget your gutters. Leaves and debris can pile up fast and stop water from draining properly.
That water can back up under your shingles or spill over and soak your foundation.
Clean out the gutters and make sure downspouts are pushing water away from the house.
If you spot issues that seem beyond a quick fix, call a pro.
A dependable Roof Replacement Company Indianapolis can inspect everything for you and suggest what steps to take next.
Sometimes it’s a repair; other times, a full replacement might be the better choice.
Look at the Foundation and Exterior Walls
Once you’ve looked up, turn your eyes to the base of your home. Your foundation is one of the most important parts of the structure.
After a freeze-thaw season, it’s not uncommon to find small cracks.
Most of them are harmless, but you should watch for wider ones or cracks that grow over time.
Those can let in moisture or create structural problems.
Take a slow walk around the outside of your house. Look for areas where siding is warped or separating.
If your house has brick or stone, check the mortar joints.
Crumbling spots can let water inside, especially during spring rainstorms.
While you're walking around, keep an eye out for gaps around pipes or vents—animals and bugs love finding their way into those.
Windows and Doors
Windows and doors are key places where your home can lose energy or let in moisture. Open and close every window to check for ease of use.
If any feel stuck, there could be swelling or warping from the winter weather.
Look at the edges for cracked caulk or broken weather stripping. These are simple to fix but make a big difference in insulation.
Clean out the tracks to prevent dirt buildup. Check the screens too. Small tears can lead to big bug problems later.
Doors should open smoothly and seal tightly when closed.
If you feel a breeze coming in, that’s a sign your home is losing heating and cooling.
Replacing a door sweep or weather seal is a quick way to make your house more comfortable.
HVAC and Air Filters
Before you turn on the air conditioning for the first hot day, give your HVAC system a little attention. Start by swapping out your air filter.
Dirty filters block airflow and make your system work harder. That means higher energy bills and more wear on your unit.
It’s also smart to check your vents and ducts. Look for dust buildup and make sure nothing is blocking airflow.
If it’s been more than a year since your last professional maintenance, now’s a good time to book an appointment.
A quick check can catch small issues before your system is working full-time in the summer heat.
Decks, Patios, and Outdoor Fixtures
Spring is when everyone wants to spend more time outside. But before you set up your patio furniture or invite friends over for a cookout, give your deck or patio a once-over.
For wooden decks, check for loose nails, cracked boards, or soft spots where wood may have started to rot.
Walk slowly and feel for wobbly railings or unsteady steps. If your patio is concrete, look for chips or uneven areas that could be a tripping hazard. Clean off any built-up leaves or grime.
Mold and mildew can make surfaces slippery and unsafe. This is also a good time to test your outdoor lighting.
Make sure fixtures are secure, bulbs are working, and wires are safe from damage.
Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
It’s easy to forget about your smoke detectors until they start beeping at 2 a.m.
Use spring as a built-in reminder to test every unit in your house. Press the button and make sure the alarm sounds.
Swap out the batteries, even if they still seem fine. It’s better to be proactive than to wait until one fails. Don’t forget about carbon monoxide detectors.
These are just as important, especially if you have gas appliances.
If your alarms are more than 10 years old, go ahead and replace them. Technology has improved, and new models last longer and perform better.
Taking a few hours each spring to walk through your home and check these areas can make a huge difference.
You don’t have to be an expert or do it all at once. Break it into small tasks and spread it out over a weekend if needed.
The important thing is to stay ahead of repairs and give your home a little extra care after the long winter months.
Use this checklist as your starting point. If you run into anything you’re unsure about, don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Whether it’s a damaged roof or a faulty HVAC unit, catching problems early can save you money and help your home run better all year long.
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