Spring Home Maintenance Checklist: Exterior

Spring is the perfect time to give your home a check-up. A little seasonal maintenance keeps your property looking good, keeps everything working and protects your home's value from the slow damage of neglect.

This is part one of our spring maintenance series and covers the outside of your house. Part two covers the interior of your home.

How to Get Started

Pick a pleasant day, park your car on the street instead of in the garage, and walk all the way around the house. Bring a notepad to write down what you find. A pair of binoculars makes it easier to inspect the roof from the ground.

Your Exterior Checklist

1. Roof

Look over every visible section for missing, cracked or curling shingles and damaged flashing. If you are comfortable on a ladder you can take a closer look, but if not, call a professional. Safety comes first.

2. Gutters, Downspouts and Drainage

Make sure gutters are firmly attached, seams are sealed and downspouts direct water away from the foundation. Clear out leaves and debris. Standing water causes problems over time.

3. Sprinklers and Hose Bibs

Turn everything on and check for leaks. Confirm every sprinkler head is attached and working, and note any that need replacing.

4. Trees and Shrubs

Trim branches and shrubs back from the house. Insects and animals use them as a bridge to your roof and walls. Have any limbs growing toward power lines cut by a professional.

5. Paint and Siding

Look for cracks, peeling paint and signs of water damage. Small spots are easy to fix now and expensive to ignore. Our guide to choosing home exterior materials can help if replacement is due.

6. Windows

Check that caulk and seals are intact. A failed seal lets air leak in and out and drives up energy bills. See Pane Points: Let's Talk Windows for more.

7. Driveway and Walkways

Note any cracked, broken or uneven sections that could become tripping hazards.

8. Decks, Pools, Chimneys and Fences

If you have them, inspect them closely for loose boards, rot, cracks and rust. Read don't neglect your deck for a deck-specific checklist.

Need a Hand?

For year-round reminders, keep our basic home maintenance tips handy. If your list turns up repairs or bigger projects, our handyman team and remodeling crews can help turn your house into the home you want.

Found something on your checklist? Call Tracy Tesmer Design and Remodeling at 678-450-1700 or request service today.