Annual Spring Home Maintenance Checklist

As temperatures begin to rise in Michigan, the start of spring is the ideal time to inspect your home and complete seasonal maintenance. Preventative care will help systems operate efficiently throughout the year, avoid potential costly repairs and – most importantly – protect your home investment.

Mitch Harris Building Company recommends the following high-impact, critical spring maintenance tasks for your home:

Exterior:

• Clean out gutters and downspouts
• Inspect roof for loose, damaged or missing shingles
• Check exterior caulking around windows and doors
• Wash siding and exterior surfaces

Landscaping:

• Turn on and inspect your irrigation system, including sprinkler head positions and controller settings
• Ensure water drains away from foundation
• Trim shrubs and trees away from siding and rooflines
• Add fresh mulch to landscaping beds

Mechanical Systems:

• Replace HVAC air filter
• Schedule professional HVAC and air conditioning maintenance
• Adjust humidifier settings
• Clear debris from outdoor AC unit

Plumbing

• Test sump pump
• Check outdoor faucets for freeze damage or leaks

Miscellaneous

• Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries, if necessary
• Switch ceiling fans to counterclockwise to help cool home

For extensive and thorough spring maintenance, Mitch Harris Building Company recommends considering the following:

1. EXTERIOR:

Roof and Gutters

• Clean out gutters and downspouts
• Ensure downspouts direct water at least 4-6 feet away from the foundation
• Check for signs of ice dam damage from winter
• Inspect roof for loose, damaged or missing shingles
• Check flashing around vents

Siding and Exterior Surfaces

• Wash siding, patios, porches and walkways
• Inspect siding for loose, warped or damaged panels
• Check trim, fascia and soffits for moisture damage
• Note peeling paint and areas needing touch-ups

Windows and Doors

• Inspect exterior caulking and weather stripping
• Replace cracked or deteriorating sealant
• Clean window tracks and screens
• Look for condensation between panes, indicating potential seal failure

Decks and Porches

• Check for wood rot or warping on porch columns and railings
• Clean surfaces and reseal if wood
• Inspect for loose boards, railings and nails

2. LANDSCAPING:

Irrigation System

• Turn irrigation system back on
• Check each zone for leaks and broken heads
• Adjust sprinkler heads to avoid siding and concrete as much as possible
• Confirm controller settings and seasonal/daily schedule

Lawn & Landscape Care

• Remove winter debris from yard and landscape beds
• Apply fresh mulch to landscape beds
• Prune shrubs and trees away from siding and rooflines
• Consider spraying shrubs and trees for invasive species, like the box tree moth

Property Grading & Drainage

• Following rain, ensure water drains away from foundation
• Fill any low spots where water pools
• Check that soil level remains 6-8 inches below siding

3. FOUNDATION & BASEMENT:

Inspect Foundation and Basement

• Inspect for cracks in foundation walls
• Check for signs of water intrusion or efflorescence

Test Sump Pump

• Test sump pump by pouring water into sump put to ensure pump activates
• Check discharge pipe outside the home
• Verify outlet drains away from the foundation

Egress Window (If applicable)

• Clear debris and leaves from window well
• Inspect window well cover
• Clean window tracks and ensure it opens easily

4. HVAC SYSTEM:

HVAC System Maintenance

• Schedule professional HVAC maintenance
• Replace HVAC filters
• Adjust humidifier’s humidistat to appropriate setting and close the duct damper to “summer”
• Clean any dust build up from registers and vents

Outdoor Air Conditioning Unit

• Remove debris and leaves from around unit
• Ensure 2 feet of clearance around condenser
• Gently rinse condenser coils if dirty

5. PLUMBING:

Outdoor Faucets

• Turn on exterior hose bibs and inspect for leaks that may indicate freeze damage
• Attach hoses and test water pressure

Plumbing Fixtures

• Check sinks, toilets, bathtubs and showers for leaks
• Inspect under the sinks for moisture or water stains
• Test water pressure throughout home

Water Heater

• Inspect for leaks or corrosion
• Consider annual flushing if recommended by manufacturer

Water Softener

• Clean the brine tank and check for salt bridges
• Flush the system, inspect for leaks and update settings
• Schedule professional inspection if evidence of hard water is noticeable throughout home

6. INTERIOR:

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

• Test all detectors
• Replace batteries, if necessary
• Replace units older than recommended lifespan

Walls and Ceilings

• Inspect for cracks from seasonal settling
• Check ceilings for water stains
• Touch up paint, if necessary

Inspect Attic

• Check for signs of roof leaks
• Ensure insulation has not shifted
• Inspect for signs of pests

7. GARAGE AND DRIVEWAY:

Garage Door

• Inspect weather stripping at the bottom
• Lubricate rollers and hinges

Driveway and Walkways

• Inspect for cracks caused by weather freeze and thaw cycles and seal cracks, if necessary
• Pressure wash surfaces

8. SAFETY AND SEASONAL PREPARATION

Dryer Vent Cleaning

• Clean lint trap and inspect vent line
• Remove lint buildup from exterior vent

Pest Prevention

• Inspect exterior for entry points
• Seal gaps around pipes, vents and utility lines
• Look for ant or insect activity as temperatures warm

Ceiling Fans

• Switch fans to counterclockwise for summer cooling

9. OPTIONAL SPRING MAINTENANCE

• Service lawn equipment
• Power wash patios and outdoor furniture
• Clean interior windows
• Deep clean carpets and rugs
• Reseal natural stone surfaces and grout