Spring cleaning is upon us. And if you’re anything like us, you’re pretty much dreading it.

Whether it’s actually doing the tasks at hand or the planning and prep you hate the most, spring cleaning and maintenance can be a real buzzkill. 

For the planning-isn’t-really-my-thing folks out there, this blog is def for you.

The Importance of Regular Home Maintenance

Sometimes the why of it all helps to motivate us to do what we know we should. In this case, we need to take a quick sec to explore why home maintenance is so important (especially around this time of year).

#1 Home maintenance saves money.

A new roof can cost thousands. But regularly checking up on your roofing and repairing as you go might cost a couple hundred. Replacing an HVAC system can easily be a $10,000 venture, while getting it serviced every year costs relative pennies. By keeping your home in good shape all year round, you’re preventing and avoiding costly issues in the future.

#2 Home maintenance keeps you safe and comfortable.

Broken furnace in the middle of winter? Damaged water heater leaving you with cold showers? By keeping up with your appliances, you prevent damage and keep your home livable and safe for your whole family.

#3 Home maintenance extends the life of your appliances.

Home appliances—dishwashers, fridges, washing machines, and more—come with hefty price tags. Simple upkeep and routine maintenance can prolong the life of your appliances and prevent any pricey replacements.

#4 Home maintenance increases your home’s market value.

When you decide to sell your home, all the time you’ve spent (or didn’t spend) on home maintenance will be on display. Your regular HVAC check-ups and gutter cleanings could actually make or break your dream offer!

#5 Home maintenance helps the planet.

Leaking and damaged faucets, pipes, and outdoor irrigation systems are hell for water conservation efforts. And a faulty HVAC that makes your home an energy black hole is also an environmental no-no. Keeping your home well-maintained throughout the year helps keep Mama Earth happy and healthy. 

#6 Home maintenance prepares you for changes in weather.

Spring cleaning and maintenance is especially important following a harsh winter. Snow and ice can cause chimney and roof damage. Chilly weather can put your furnace into overdrive. Inspecting, maintaining, and repairing these critical home systems will keep you in tip-top shape and ready for whatever the changing seasons have to throw at you!

Ready to get your home maintenance on? Here’s our ultimate spring home maintenance checklist.

Spring Home Maintenance Checklist

_ Inspect exterior roof, chimney, walls, windows, and foundation for any weather wear-and-tear.

_ Schedule an annual pest control consult, especially for termites.

_ Clear out clogged gutters and downspouts.

_ Check in on your wooden deck and fences, looking for warped, loose, or splintered boards.

_ Restain and reseal any exterior woodwork.

_ Complete any lawn maintenance needed after winter weather.

_ Run your sprinkler and irrigation systems, checking for leaks or damage.

_ Inspect driveways and sidewalks for damage after freezing and thawing.

_ Deal with any standing water outside your home.

_ Pressure-wash exterior fixtures to get rid of any snowy slush left behind.

_ Wash or rinse your stored lawn furniture.

_ Examine your gas grill burner jets, hoses, and connections.

_ Test your sump pump to avoid the grossest of household inconveniences.

_ Start your pool re-opening process.

_ Check the attic and basement for creepy crawlies and mold problems.

_ Change your HVAC air filters.

_ Schedule your annual HVAC tune up.

_ Inspect all your faucets, drains, and pipes for leaks and clogs.

_ Change batteries in and test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

_ Clean out your fireplace.

_ Clean and test all your exhaust fans.

_ Vacuum refrigerator coils.

_ Check fire extinguishers.

_ Inspect all caulking—especially around the bathroom and all windows.

_ Scan screen doors and windows for holes and tears.

_ Suck out all the lint from your dryer.

_ Scrub-a-dub the whole damn house.

Download the checklist here.

Next year could be different.

Next spring, what if you had this list ready to go? Say goodbye to searching and scrounging for your maintenance lists, contractor contacts, and appliance manuals… and say hello to The Binder!

A binder is the perfect way to stay organized and have all your homeownership details right at your fingertips when you need them most. And we’d love to give you one!

Fill out your contact info below and we’ll be in touch about how to get a prepped binder to you. Happy homeownership!

You’re our kind of people.

We care about you just as much as we care about the planet. (Which is a whole, whole lot.) We’d love to connect more! Drop us a line so we can get to know you better.