No shadows here! Spring is right around the corner. Whether you buy into Punxsutawney Phil’s predictions or not, it’s a great time to start planning your home maintenance. Clear skies, mild temperatures and longer days are the perfect motivation to shake off the winter blues and welcome warm weather.

Don’t get discouraged before you start. Follow this quick checklist, and you’ll be back relaxing and enjoying your lovely home in no time.

Exterior

Roof

Look for missing or damaged shingles, excessive debris buildup or warping along the roofline. If something concerns you, contact a professional roofer to perform an inspection. Clean debris from gutters and downspouts, and inspect soffits, eaves and fascia.

Exterior walls

Whether you have Hardie board siding, vinyl or stucco, look for water stains or cracks that may be an early indication of additional damage.

Termites 

Be on the lookout for winged insects flying out of holes in the woodwork. Act fast – termite and other pest damage is not covered under standard home insurance policies. Contact a pest control company to ask about termite bonds to help protect your home.

Windows and doors

Replace cracked caulking or frayed weather stripping. Reseal around windows and doors to prevent water intrusion and higher cooling costs.

Interior

Air conditioning

Change the filter, check connections and vacuum any dust that has collected on the unit. Clear weeds and debris from the compressor (outside). Schedule a system tuneup to ensure everything is in order.

Attic

Check for signs of nests or animal habitats. Ensure there is proper ventilation and no wet spots on the insulation. Consider installing additional insulation.

Leaks

Address leaky faucets and clogged drains. Check hose connections to the washer and hot water heater for cracks or dampness.

Change batteries

Test and replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Replace detectors more than 10 years old. Set a monthly schedule of retesting.

Clean ceiling fans

Keeping your fans clean and maintained helps overall home efficiency and reduces the amount of dust and dirt in the air.

Yard

Shrubs and branches

Trim overgrowth and collect fallen and dead branches. Reduce lawn debris that can blow into your home during a storm.

Sprinkler systems

Cycle through the zones and walk the area to spot broken or damaged sprinkler heads. Redirect sprinkler heads spraying your house, windows, the street or sidewalk.

Decks and patios

Inspect decks for warped and lifting boards. Check and secure loose railings and stairs. Replace rotting boards and loose or rusty nails. Clean the decks and patios regularly to enjoy them for years to come.

Prevent mosquitoes

Survey your yard for any areas where water can collect. Get rid of standing water. Maintain problem areas regularly to keep them bug-free.

Pool service and safety check

Run the pool pump and check the system for repairs. Schedule a pump service to ensure everything is in good working condition. Brush down the sides and bottom of the pool regularly. Skim off leaves or debris and clean the strainer basket.