Spring Home Maintenance Checklist

Everything to check, fix, and schedule before summer.

Scott Gentry

eXp Realty · License# 365010

📞 (910) 477-7615✉️ scott@hamiltonrealtygroupnc.com

📅 Date Completed: ___________________🏠 Property Address: ___________________

🏠 ROOF & GUTTERS
✓	TASK	NOTES / DATE
☐	Inspect roof from ground — scan for missing or lifted shingles Binoculars recommended. Look for bare patches where granules have worn.
☐	Check flashing around chimney, skylights, and all roof penetrations Flashing gaps are the most common source of attic water intrusion.
☐	Clean gutters of leaves, debris, and granules
☐	Flush downspouts with garden hose — confirm clear flow end to end
☐	Verify downspouts discharge at least 4 feet from foundation Water near the foundation is one of the most expensive problems to fix.
☐	Check for gutter sags or sections pulling away from fascia

🪨 FOUNDATION & DRAINAGE
✓	TASK	NOTES / DATE
☐	Walk perimeter after rain — water must flow away from house on all sides Pooling near foundation = grading issue. A few hours with topsoil fixes it.
☐	Inspect foundation walls for new cracks ⚠️ Horizontal cracks are more serious than vertical — call a structural engineer.
☐	Check basement or crawlspace for moisture or seepage
☐	Regrade low areas near foundation where water collects

🪟 EXTERIOR WALLS, WINDOWS & DOORS
✓	TASK	NOTES / DATE
☐	Inspect and replace failed caulk around all windows and doors Hard, brittle, or pulling away from the surface = replace it.
☐	Check caulk at material transitions — wood-to-brick, siding joints, pipe penetrations
☐	Press wood trim and fascia boards firmly for soft spots Soft = active rot. Caught early it's a repair. Caught late it's a replacement.
☐	Inspect siding for cracks, warping, or gaps
☐	Test all exterior locks, latches, and deadbolts
☐	Lubricate door hinges and window hardware

🌳 DECK, DRIVEWAY & WALKWAYS
✓	TASK	NOTES / DATE
☐	Press each deck board as you walk — soft spots indicate rot beneath the surface Walk the full deck. Rot lives just below what looks fine.
☐	Push laterally on all railing posts — any movement is a safety hazard A wobbly railing is not cosmetic. Fix it immediately.
☐	Inspect deck screws and ledger board connection to house Ledger board failures are the most common cause of deck collapses.
☐	Fill driveway and walkway cracks — prevent trip hazards and water entry
☐	Clean and reseal or restain deck as needed

❄️ HVAC SYSTEM
✓	TASK	NOTES / DATE
☐	Replace air filter Filter size: _____________________ Replace every 30–90 days (1" filters) or 6–12 months (4–5" media).
☐	Clean outdoor condenser unit fins with garden hose Turn off power first. Rinse inside-out. No pressure washer — bends fins permanently.
☐	Clear 18–24 inches of space around outdoor unit — trim all growth
☐	Turn the AC on now to test before summer Discovering a problem in April is far cheaper than an emergency call in July.
☐	Schedule professional HVAC tune-up Typically $75–$150. Book early — schedules fill fast in spring.
☐	Replace humidifier filter or water panel if applicable

🍳 KITCHEN
✓	TASK	NOTES / DATE
☐	Vacuum refrigerator condenser coils Unplug first. Coils under kick plate or behind unit. 10 minutes, once a year.
☐	Test refrigerator door seals — close door on paper, it should resist when pulled A failed seal lets cold air escape continuously.
☐	Clean or replace range hood filter Metal mesh filters: soak in hot soapy water or run through dishwasher.
☐	Run garbage disposal — listen for issues, check under sink for drips
☐	Check all supply lines under sink for slow drips or mineral buildup

🚿 BATHROOMS & PLUMBING
✓	TASK	NOTES / DATE
☐	Inspect supply lines under sinks and behind toilets ⚠️ Replace if 5+ years old. They fail without warning and flood fast.
☐	Test water heater pressure relief valve Lift lever briefly — should release and reseat cleanly. Drips after = replace valve.
☐	Flush water heater to remove sediment Connect hose to drain valve, run until water runs clear. Extends life significantly.
☐	Re-caulk around tubs, showers, and sinks where cracked or peeling Failed caulk lets water into wall cavities invisibly.
☐	Test all shut-off valves under sinks — confirm they actually turn
☐	Check toilet fill valves — listen for running water after flush

🔥 SAFETY SYSTEMS — NON-NEGOTIABLE
✓	TASK	NOTES / DATE
☐	Test all smoke detectors — press test button, replace batteries in every unit
☐	Replace any smoke detector older than 10 years Check manufacture date on the back. Sensitivity degrades over time.
☐	Test all carbon monoxide detectors — replace batteries CO is odorless. Required within 10 feet of every sleeping area.
☐	Check fire extinguisher — gauge in green zone, pull pin intact No kitchen extinguisher? This is the first purchase on the list.
☐	Clean dryer vent duct — disconnect and vacuum ⚠️ Dryer fires are one of the most common residential fires. Long runs: hire a pro ($80–$120).
☐	Test GFCI outlets in kitchen, bathrooms, garage, and exterior Press Test — power should cut. Press Reset — power should fully restore.

🔧 GARAGE & UTILITY
✓	TASK	NOTES / DATE
☐	Test garage door auto-reverse safety feature Place a 2x4 flat on the ground. Door must reverse immediately on contact.
☐	Lubricate garage door hinges, rollers, and tracks Use garage door lubricant — NOT WD-40, which attracts dirt.
☐	Test sump pump — pour water in pit until float triggers, should activate promptly Test on a dry day in April, not during the first heavy spring rain.
☐	Inspect electrical panel for tripped breakers, heat, or scorch marks Any scorching or warm breakers = call an electrician immediately.
☐	Inspect washing machine supply hoses — replace if bulging or cracking

🌿 LANDSCAPING & IRRIGATION
✓	TASK	NOTES / DATE
☐	Turn on irrigation system gradually — run each zone and inspect all heads Open valves slowly to prevent pressure surges that crack fittings.
☐	Trim trees and shrubs to 6-foot clearance from roofline Overhanging branches deposit debris in gutters and give pests a bridge to your structure.
☐	Turn on outdoor hose bibs slowly — listen for drips inside walls Freeze damage to pipes may not be visible until water flows again.
☐	Service lawn mower and store or dispose of winter equipment