5 Springtime Home Maintenance Tasks You Should Never Skip, According to Experts

We’re all very familiar with the concept of spring cleaning; most of us associate the warmer days ahead as a time to declutter our possessions, deep-clean every room in the house, and fling open the windows to let in the fresh springtime air as a way to welcome the sunny months on the horizon. It can feel like a rebirth of sorts, allowing us to prepare and get excited about a fresh start.

Although things like decluttering, deep-cleaning, and organizing give us an instant boost of motivation and allow us to immediately see a physical and aesthetic improvement in our homes, it’s equally—if not more—important to tend to certain general home maintenance tasks in order to ensure your home has made it through winter without any issues.

Homeowners should take special care to inspect the exterior of the home just as attentively as the interior—and we spoke to several real estate agents who specialize in home flipping and renovating in order to best understand the often-overlooked aspects that can make or break the integrity of your home and yard.

If you’re ready to start spring cleaning—you’ll want to read on. The following springtime home maintenance tasks should always be at the top of your list, according to experienced real estate agents:

Ensuring proper gutter maintenance

According to Jessica Wright, a Tennessee-based real estate agent with a decade of experience in real estate investing and home renovation, one of the tasks that homeowners should never forget to do in the spring is to clean and inspect their gutters.

“Winter debris, leaves, and twigs can fill gutters and lead to water damage,” explains Wright. “If gutters are overflowing, water will seep into the foundation, leading to structural damage that is expensive to fix. Regular cleaning keeps water flowing and protects the house from lasting damage.”

Doing an inspection of potential damage to the roof

Another important task is also to inspect the roof for damage as winter storms can remove shingles, cause leaks, or compromise the roof’s structural integrity. “Early repairs save money and prolong the lifespan of the roof,” says Wright. “Springtime inspection can assist homeowners in catching issues before they become critical structural issues.”

Inspecting sealants and caulking and general outdoor maintenance

Wright also says that general outside maintenance is crucial—and that neglecting to seal and caulk outside can lead to energy inefficiency and water intrusion. “Water seeps through gaps around doors and windows, leading to mold and higher energy bills,” she says. “Reapplication of sealant and caulk prevents such problems and maintains indoor comfort.”

Taking time to have your HVAC system serviced

Erik Wright, a real estate agent with over two decades worth of home buying and selling experience says that another essential task is having your HVAC system serviced prior to the onset of hot summer weather.

“A serviced HVAC system not only runs more efficiently but also extends its life,” he explains. “I have seen homeowners ride out heatwaves with unexpected breakdowns because they failed to perform this routine maintenance. A professional inspection and filter change will spare you the cost of emergency service calls and keep your home comfortable all season.”

Checking your sprinkler system for damage or leakage

“Homeowners must inspect and fix their sprinkler system on the lawn every spring,” says Alabama-based real estate agent Brandon Hardiman. “A defective sprinkler system leads to overwatering, water wastage, or even damage to the structure of the landscape through unnoticed leaks. Proper inspection guarantees the correct water use and a compelling landscape during hot seasons.”

Related: Landscaper Shows the Best Alternative to Mulch for a Perfectly-Manicured Yard