Spring Home Maintenance Tips

Home maintenance checklist for spring

After a long winter, we’re sure you are looking forward to spending some time outside and enjoying the warm weather, even if it means checking items off your spring home maintenance checklist.

The key to making sure you don’t miss anything is to create a checklist. Great news – we’ve already put one together for you.

Follow this spring maintenance checklist for your home to ensure your property is ready inside and out for the season - and don't forget to review your home insurance to ensure you have proper coverage at the best price.

The importance of spring home maintenance

Homeowners want low maintenance. To achieve this, you need to be diligent and complete your to-do list each season to keep your home in the best shape possible.

Here is why seasonal maintenance is essential:

• Value: It helps you maintain and add to the value of your home.
• Appearance: It improves the appearance of your property.
• Protection: It protects your house against weather and other threats.
• Reduce long term costs : Maintenance costs are less when you do it regularly.
• Identify issues: It allows you to identify the problems before they become major repairs.
• Fewer surprises: Fewer unforeseen issues will arise.
• Save time: The more frequently you do it, the less time it will take each season.

Interior spring home maintenance tips

Even when spring arrives, it can sometimes be too cold to do maintenance outside. The good news is that you can start inside. Here is a checklist of interior maintenance tasks:

1) Check the smoke and carbon monoxide alarms

A change of season is the perfect time to check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, make sure they are working correctly and change the batteries. Check your fire extinguishers to ensure no leaks and the pin is in place. Contact your insurer to clarify how much protection you have, or if you need additional fire insurance.

It's time to give your policy some seasonal maintence

While you're decluttering and tackling home repairs, spring is a great time to update your policy and find a cheaper rate. Start comparing quotes with our team of brokers. It's free to find out how much you can save on your coverage!

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2) General spring cleaning

Spring cleaning is a common thing that many homeowners do as spring approaches. The warmer weather gives us a boost of energy to clean out the clutter and get our space in order before the nice weather hits.

It’s a good time to deep clean spaces that are often neglected, such as:

• Deep clean your oven, fridge, and sort through your pantry
• Dust or vacuum chairs, window casings, cabinets, and ceiling fans
• Wash or dry clean fabrics or drapes
• Use a damp cloth to clean wood and vinyl blinds
• Vacuum upholstered furniture and mattresses
• Consider renting a carpet cleaner

Focusing on the deep clean will help remove dust, mites, and other allergens from your living space.

3) Check the AC

Spring is the perfect time to ensure your air conditioner or HVAC system is working efficiently and ready for the summer. Check all the connections, change the filter, and, if necessary, have it serviced.

4) Test electrical panel

Electrical systems are often overlooked for home maintenance (until you don’t have any power). Prevent future issues by testing the ground fault circuit interrupters and the electrical panel. If you are ever unsure, contact a professional.

5) Head-up to the attic

It’s essential to check the attic to ensure no leaks have developed from melting snow. You will also want to ensure that no mice, insects, or other critters have nested over the winter. Check the insulation to ensure it is intact. Look for signs of damage from mould and water.

6) Inspect the basement

We all know that the basement is prone to issues, especially after the seasons change. Check for cracks in the cement walls and look for signs of leaks.

While you are down there, it’s also a good idea to check your sump pump, washing machine hoses, inspect the basement windows for mould and leaks, and signs of pests. Basements are also at risk for backwater floods - you may want to get sewer backup insurance.

7) Look for leaks and signs of mould

Building on the previous point, looking for leaks and mould is important in all areas of your home. Take the time to inspect all windows, doors, bathrooms, and other places where damage from water could occur. Address these issues immediately. If you have a large amount of it, contact a remediation company to dispose of it properly. Additional water damage insurance can protect you if there are any accidents.

8) Eliminate clutter

Things can add up quickly, especially after the holiday season. Spring is the perfect opportunity to clean out the garage, basement and other areas where things have been piling up. Donate unwanted items to local charities, sell them online, or give them away to family and friends. You may want to consider contents insurance for valuables you want to keep.

Exterior spring home maintenance tips

With another winter in the rearview, it’s time to inspect your home and see if it caused any damage. The signs of winter damage often reveal themselves once the weather warms up and the ground thaws.

Here is a checklist of things to inspect:

1) Check out the roof

It is vital to ensure your roof is free of damage. An issue with your roof, such as damage to shingles, flashing, or leaks, can quickly impact other areas. Look for missing, torn, or curling shingles and any shingles with missing granules. Some of these repairs won't be included in roof insurance.

2) Clean out the gutters and downspouts

Over time, gutters and downspouts can get clogged, especially if you have many trees and vegetation in your neighbourhood. We all know that clogged gutters can cause water damage and prevent water from being directed away.

Remove any debris, patch holes in your gutter with exterior grade caulking, and check your downspouts to ensure they are properly directing it away from your structure.

3) Inspect the foundation from the outside

Your foundation is often the source of water issues in your basement. Do a walk around the exterior, check for cracks in the foundation, and inspect the exterior walls, siding, and brick for damage. If you identify issues, contact a foundation specialist to look.

4) Check seals around exterior windows and doors

The cold weather can cause cracks or harden the caulk around your windows and doors. Inspect the seals on all windows and doors and replace them as required. This will help prevent water from getting in and help reduce your energy bill. Replace any broken or damaged screens.

5) Take a closer look at the garage doors

Check the garage doors to make sure they are working. Vacuum dust and dirt around the doors, make sure nothing could fall and prevent the doors from working properly.

6) Check the chimney

If you have a fireplace or wood burning stove, it’s important to check the chimney and the unit for any blocks or damages. Look between the joints of bricks and stones.

Spring yard maintenance

Now that it's warm enough (and the rain has finally stopped), it's time to get outside and warm up your green thumb. Here are some yard maintenance tips this spring:

1) Prepare the lawn, trees and greenery

It’s time to get the lawnmower out, change the engine oil, and sharpen the blade, so it’s ready for the season. Head to your local hardware store to stock up on landscaping supplies such as yard bags and grass seed, and pick up the tools you need to thatch, weed and clean out your garden beds.

You’ll want to do a walkthrough around the property. Look for any branches that are getting close to your building or if they are at risk of falling.

2) Fence and deck maintenance

Checking your fence and deck is important. Look for signs of damage, cracked or split boards, unstable areas and signs of pest damage. Look for holes under the deck and fence. Depending on the type of wood, you may also need to seal or stain your deck.

3) Get out the outdoor furniture and BBQ

Pull out your patio furniture from storage, clean out your BBQ and get it ready for grilling season. Check your propane tank and get it filled if necessary.

4) Look for issues with your driveway and walkways

It’s common to find cracks in walkways and driveways after the winter. How you repair these cracks will depend on the type of surface you have (brick, asphalt, concrete).

5) Check all outdoor lights

Check exterior lights and motion sensors to ensure they function properly and replace bulbs as necessary. You can also take this time to re-install solar lights in your walkways and gardens.

Bonus spring maintenance tips for your home

Here are some additional tasks you may also want to complete this season:

• Lights: Replace any burnt-out light bulbs and consider changing to LED.
• Dryer: Check and clean out your dryer vent to minimize fire hazards.
• Vents: Check all exterior vents for issues.
• Kitchen: Check the vacuum refrigerator coils and behind the stove.
• Thermostat: Adjust your programmable thermostat for spring temperatures to optimize efficiency and lower costs.
• Wardrobe: Get out your spring clothes and store away winter clothing. Consider decluttering and donating and selling items that no longer interest you.
• Energy efficiency: Consider scheduling an energy audit to learn where and when to improve your energy use.
• Outside taps: Turn on the water to the outside taps and look for spouts or leaks.

Spring into home and vehicle savings

While you’re ensuring the safety of your home, don't forget to review your policy and contact us to find a more affordable car insurance quote.