Spring Home Maintenance Checklist

Homeowner Summary

Spring is the most important maintenance season for your home. After months of freezing temperatures, ice, snow, and wind, your home's exterior has taken a beating, and hidden damage from winter can escalate quickly if left unaddressed. At the same time, spring is your window to prepare cooling systems before the first heat wave, when HVAC companies are overwhelmed and service wait times stretch to weeks.

A thorough spring inspection and maintenance routine takes most homeowners a full weekend of DIY work plus one or two professional service calls. The investment pays for itself many times over by catching small problems early. A cracked roof flashing that costs $150 to repair in April can become a $5,000 ceiling repair by July. A clogged condensate drain that takes five minutes to clear can cause $10,000 in water damage if it backs up during peak cooling season.

Think of spring maintenance as your home's annual physical exam. You are looking for anything winter damaged, anything that needs to be ready for summer, and anything that changed since your last inspection. This checklist walks through every major system, starting with the most time-sensitive items.

Spring Maintenance Checklist

HVAC: Air Conditioning Prep (March-April)

Complete AC preparation before the first warm spell. HVAC technicians are booked solid from mid-May onward.

DIY (Homeowner)

• [ ] Replace or clean the air filter — start the season with a fresh filter (1-inch filters monthly, 4-inch media filters every 3-6 months)
• [ ] Clear debris from the outdoor condenser unit — remove leaves, branches, mulch, and grass clippings; maintain 24 inches (60 cm) of clearance on all sides
• [ ] Gently rinse condenser coils with a garden hose (spray from top to bottom, inside out); do not use a pressure washer
• [ ] Inspect the condensate drain line — flush with 1 cup of white vinegar or a 50/50 bleach-water mix to prevent algae clogs
• [ ] Check visible refrigerant line insulation for cracks or deterioration and replace damaged sections
• [ ] Switch the thermostat to cooling mode and verify cool air comes from vents within 5 minutes
• [ ] Open all supply and return vents that may have been closed during winter
• [ ] Inspect ductwork in accessible areas (attic, basement, crawlspace) for disconnections, holes, or crushed sections

Professional

• [ ] Schedule annual AC tune-up ($80-$150) — includes refrigerant charge check, capacitor testing, amp draw measurement, coil cleaning, and electrical connection inspection
• [ ] Request a combustion safety test if you have gas appliances in the same mechanical room

Timing: Schedule by March 15 for April service. Do not wait until May.

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Roof Inspection (March-April)

Winter is the hardest season on roofing. Ice dams, freeze-thaw cycles, and wind can loosen shingles, crack flashing, and open seams that leak silently for months.

DIY (Homeowner)

• [ ] Inspect the roof from the ground using binoculars — look for missing, curling, or lifted shingles
• [ ] Check flashing around chimneys, vents, skylights, and roof-to-wall transitions for gaps or rust
• [ ] Look for dark stains or moss growth — indicates moisture retention that accelerates shingle deterioration
• [ ] Inspect the attic (if accessible) for water stains, daylight showing through the roof deck, damp insulation, or mold
• [ ] Check soffit and ridge vents for blockages from debris or insulation displacement

Professional

• [ ] Schedule a professional roof inspection ($150-$400) if the roof is over 10 years old, after a severe winter, or if any damage is visible from the ground
• [ ] Hire a roofer to repair any flashing failures, missing shingles, or compromised sealant before spring rains

Timing: Complete before spring rainy season (typically April in most US regions).

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Gutter Cleaning (March-April)

Clogged gutters are the number one cause of foundation water intrusion and fascia rot. Spring cleaning removes winter debris and verifies the system works before heavy rains.

DIY (Homeowner)

• [ ] Clean all gutters and downspouts — remove leaves, shingle granules, and debris by hand or with a gutter scoop
• [ ] Flush gutters with a garden hose to verify water flows freely to downspouts
• [ ] Check for sagging sections — re-secure hangers and add hangers where spacing exceeds 24 inches (60 cm)
• [ ] Inspect downspout extensions — verify they discharge at least 4 feet (1.2 m), ideally 6 feet (1.8 m), from the foundation
• [ ] Look for signs of overflow — water stains on fascia, erosion at the foundation line, or mulch displacement below gutters
• [ ] Inspect gutter seams and end caps for leaks; reseal with gutter sealant as needed

Professional

• [ ] Consider gutter guard installation if cleaning is needed more than twice per year ($7-$15 per linear foot installed)

Timing: After trees have finished dropping spring pollen and seed pods (late April in most regions).

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Exterior Inspection (April-May)

Walk the entire perimeter of your home, looking at the condition of every exterior surface from the foundation to the roofline.

DIY (Homeowner)

• [ ] Inspect siding for cracks, warping, gaps, rot, or paint peeling — these are entry points for water and pests
• [ ] Check the foundation for new cracks wider than 1/4 inch (6 mm) or horizontal cracks (which indicate structural pressure)
• [ ] Examine caulking and sealant around windows, doors, hose bibs, utility penetrations, and trim — recaulk any gaps
• [ ] Inspect masonry (brick, stone) for crumbling mortar joints and schedule tuckpointing if needed
• [ ] Check exterior paint and stain — address peeling, cracking, or bare wood before moisture penetrates
• [ ] Test all exterior outlets (GFCI) — press the test and reset buttons
• [ ] Inspect exterior lighting — replace bulbs, clean fixtures, check for damaged wiring or water intrusion into fixture housings
• [ ] Check dryer vent exterior flap for lint buildup and verify it opens freely when dryer runs

Timing: After the last freeze date for your region.

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Landscaping Startup (April-May)

Spring landscaping is about more than aesthetics. Proper grading, drainage, and vegetation management protect your foundation and keep moisture away from the structure.

DIY (Homeowner)

• [ ] Verify grading — soil should slope away from the foundation at a minimum of 6 inches (15 cm) drop over the first 10 feet (3 m); add soil if settling has occurred
• [ ] Inspect retaining walls for leaning, cracking, or bulging
• [ ] Turn on and test the irrigation system — check each zone for broken heads, misaligned spray patterns, and leaks; adjust for spring watering needs
• [ ] Trim trees and shrubs back from the house — maintain at least 3 feet (1 m) from siding and 10 feet (3 m) from the roof
• [ ] Remove dead plants and winter debris from beds
• [ ] Refresh mulch to 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) depth, but keep mulch at least 6 inches (15 cm) away from siding and foundation to deter termites
• [ ] Check fence posts for rot or leaning; resecure or replace as needed
• [ ] Clean and inspect the driveway and walkways for cracks caused by frost heave; repair to prevent water infiltration and further damage

Timing: After soil temperatures consistently reach 55 degrees F (13 degrees C).

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Window and Door Check (April-May)

Windows and doors are your home's primary defense against air infiltration, water intrusion, and energy waste.

DIY (Homeowner)

• [ ] Inspect weatherstripping on all exterior doors — replace if cracked, compressed, or torn (stick-on foam: $3-$8 per door; V-strip: $5-$10 per door)
• [ ] Check door thresholds for gaps — adjust or replace threshold if daylight is visible beneath the closed door
• [ ] Inspect window glazing and caulking — recaulk any gaps between frames and siding
• [ ] Test window operation — open and close every window; lubricate tracks with silicone spray if sticking
• [ ] Check window screens — repair small tears with screen patch kits; replace screens with holes larger than a quarter
• [ ] Inspect sliding door tracks — clean debris, lubricate with silicone spray, and verify the lock engages fully
• [ ] Look for condensation between double-pane glass — indicates a failed seal (requires professional glass replacement)

Timing: Complete before you need windows open for ventilation.

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Deck and Patio Maintenance (April-May)

Wood decks deteriorate faster than any other exterior surface. Annual spring maintenance can double the lifespan of a deck.

DIY (Homeowner)

• [ ] Inspect the deck structure — check for soft or spongy boards, loose railings, wobbly posts, and corroded hardware
• [ ] Look underneath the deck (if accessible) for rot at ledger board attachment, joist damage, or post-to-footing connections
• [ ] Perform the water test — sprinkle water on deck boards; if it beads up, the sealant is still working; if it soaks in, it is time to reseal
• [ ] Clean the deck — sweep debris, then clean with a deck-specific cleaning solution or oxygen bleach (avoid chlorine bleach, which damages wood fibers)
• [ ] Power wash at low pressure (500-600 PSI for softwoods, up to 1,500 PSI for hardwoods) — hold the nozzle 12 inches (30 cm) from the surface and work with the grain
• [ ] Re-stain or reseal after cleaning if the water test indicates the previous coat has failed ($30-$50 per gallon for quality stain; covers 200-400 sq ft per gallon)
• [ ] Tighten or replace loose screws and nails — upgrade popped nails to deck screws for a stronger hold
• [ ] Inspect composite decking for mold, mildew, or fading; clean with manufacturer-recommended products

Professional

• [ ] Schedule structural inspection for decks over 15 years old or if any signs of structural movement are present ($100-$300)

Timing: Clean and seal when temperatures will be above 50 degrees F (10 degrees C) for at least 48 hours with no rain in the forecast.

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Pest Prevention (April-May)

Spring warmth activates termites, carpenter ants, mosquitoes, wasps, and rodents. Prevention is dramatically cheaper than extermination.

DIY (Homeowner)

• [ ] Seal gaps and cracks in the foundation, siding, and around utility penetrations with caulk or expanding foam — any gap larger than 1/4 inch (6 mm) is an entry point
• [ ] Inspect for termite mud tubes on the foundation, in the crawlspace, and around plumbing penetrations
• [ ] Move firewood at least 20 feet (6 m) from the house and elevate it off the ground
• [ ] Eliminate standing water — empty saucers, old tires, clogged gutters, and low spots where water collects (mosquito breeding)
• [ ] Trim vegetation away from the house — insects and rodents use branches as bridges to the structure
• [ ] Check door sweeps and garage door seals — replace if gaps are visible
• [ ] Inspect the attic and crawlspace for signs of animal entry: droppings, nesting material, gnawed wires, or damaged insulation

Professional

• [ ] Schedule annual termite inspection ($75-$150) — required in many states for real estate transactions and critical in termite-prone regions (Southeast, Gulf Coast, Southwest)
• [ ] Consider perimeter pest treatment ($150-$300 per application) if pest activity was present last year

Timing: Start prevention before soil temperatures reach 50 degrees F (10 degrees C), when subterranean termites begin swarming.

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Warning Signs

Watch for these red flags during your spring inspection that indicate urgent attention is needed:

• Water stains on ceilings or walls (roof leak or plumbing issue — investigate immediately)
• Foundation cracks wider than 1/4 inch or any horizontal crack (structural concern — get professional assessment)
• Soft or spongy wood anywhere on the exterior (rot has set in — repair before it spreads)
• Termite mud tubes or piles of wing fragments near windows (active infestation — call pest control immediately)
• AC compressor makes grinding or banging noises at startup (motor or bearing failure — do not continue running)
• Standing water near the foundation after rain (grading or drainage problem — correct before damage occurs)
• Musty odor in the attic or crawlspace (mold growth — investigate moisture source)

Pro Detail

Dealer Upsell Opportunities: Spring

Spring is the highest-value maintenance season for service dealers. Homeowners are motivated by visible winter damage and the urgency of preparing for summer heat.

| Service | Typical Price | Closing Rate | Notes | |---------|--------------|-------------|-------| | AC tune-up | $80-$150 | High | Loss leader that generates repair/replacement leads | | AC repair (found during tune-up) | $150-$2,500 | Very high | Customer already trusts the technician on-site | | Roof inspection + minor repair | $150-$500 | Medium | Bundle with gutter cleaning for higher ticket | | Gutter cleaning + guards | $150-$500 | Medium | Recurring revenue opportunity | | Whole-home energy audit | $200-$400 | Medium | Identifies insulation, air sealing, and HVAC upgrade opportunities | | Deck sealing/staining | $500-$2,500 | Medium | Seasonal demand drives urgency | | Termite inspection + treatment | $75-$1,500 | High | Fear-based purchase; high perceived value |

Bundle Strategy: Offer a "Spring Home Health Package" combining AC tune-up, roof inspection, gutter cleaning, and exterior assessment at a 15-20% discount over individual pricing. Typical package price: $350-$500. This positions the dealer as a whole-home partner rather than a single-trade contractor.

Code & Compliance

• AC tune-ups do not require permits; however, any refrigerant work requires EPA Section 608 certification
• Deck repairs that involve structural members (ledger board, posts, joists) may require a building permit depending on jurisdiction
• Tree trimming near power lines must be performed by the utility company or a licensed tree service
• Termite treatment chemicals (termiticides) must be applied by a licensed pest control operator in all 50 states

Cost Guide

| Task | DIY Cost | Professional Cost | Notes | |------|----------|------------------|-------| | AC tune-up | N/A | $80-$150 | Always use a licensed HVAC technician | | Air filter replacement | $5-$40 | Included in tune-up | Depends on filter type and MERV rating | | Gutter cleaning | $0-$20 (supplies) | $100-$250 | Price varies by home size and stories | | Roof inspection | Free (ground-level) | $150-$400 | Professional inspection recommended for older roofs | | Deck cleaning and sealing | $50-$150 | $500-$2,500 | Size and condition dependent | | Exterior caulking | $20-$50 | $200-$500 | Time-intensive but simple DIY | | Pest inspection | N/A | $75-$150 | Professional always recommended | | Window screen repair | $5-$15 per screen | $25-$50 per screen | Simple DIY with a patch kit |

Total estimated spring maintenance cost: $300-$800 for a mix of DIY and professional services.

Energy Impact

Completing spring maintenance has a measurable impact on summer energy costs:

• A clean AC system with a fresh filter runs 5-15% more efficiently than a neglected one
• Sealing air leaks around windows and doors can reduce cooling costs by 10-20%
• Proper attic ventilation reduces attic temperatures by 20-40 degrees F, reducing the cooling load
• Shade trees strategically placed on the south and west sides of the home can reduce AC energy use by 15-25%

Skipping spring AC maintenance is the single most expensive energy mistake homeowners make. A system running with a dirty filter and clogged condenser coil can use 20-30% more electricity while delivering less cooling.

Shipshape Integration

SAM leverages spring as the anchor maintenance season, using it to set the tone for the entire year's home health management:

• Automated spring reminders: SAM sends a personalized spring maintenance checklist in early March, prioritized by the home's age, location, and maintenance history. Homes with older roofs get roof inspection prompts first; homes with aging AC systems get HVAC scheduling urgency messaging.
• AC scheduling integration: SAM connects homeowners with their assigned Shipshape dealer to schedule the AC tune-up, pre-populating the service request with equipment details (brand, model, age, last service date) so the technician arrives prepared.
• Weather-triggered alerts: SAM monitors local weather data and sends frost warnings (protect plants), severe storm alerts (inspect after), and heat wave warnings (verify AC is ready) throughout the spring season.
• Home Health Score impact: Completing the spring checklist maintains or improves the Home Health Score. Each deferred item reduces the score incrementally — an overdue AC tune-up drops the score by 3-5 points, while an uninspected 15+ year roof can drop it by 8-12 points.
• Photo documentation: Homeowners can upload photos of their spring inspection findings through the Shipshape app. SAM stores these for year-over-year comparison, helping dealers identify deterioration trends.
• Dealer task generation: When homeowners mark inspection items as "needs attention," SAM automatically creates prioritized service recommendations for the assigned dealer, complete with context about the issue, estimated cost, and urgency level.