Spring might feel like it's a long way off right now, but it has a way of sneaking up on you. And as a homeowner, you know that it's never too soon to start planning ahead for spring maintenance. Our REALTORS® are here to offer some tips for getting your house ready for spring. 

Spring Maintenance Checklist

Every house is unique, and depending on your location and climate, your home maintenance checklist for spring may look a little different from this one. Still, for most areas across the U.S., the arrival of spring brings a similar set of challenges for your home. Here's how to get your house ready when spring arrives:

• Roof: Shingles often wear out, detach or become damaged during winter. If you feel comfortable doing so, climb up on a ladder for a closer look. If not, do a visual inspection from ground level and contact a roofing professional for a more detailed inspection.
  
  
• Siding: Give your home's siding a good cleaning with a high-powered hose or pressure washer to keep mold and mildew away. Check for peeling paint and fix as needed.
  
  
• Gutters and downspouts: Clear all leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts, and reattach any sections that may be loose, sagging or disconnected. Run a hose on the roof to check for leaks and make sure water is draining properly. Fix any leaks you find. Adjust downspouts if necessary to ensure that water flows away from the foundation. 
  
  
• HVAC: Spring is an important time to have your heating, ventilation and air conditioning unit serviced and cleaned. Call a professional to schedule your annual maintenance, and be sure to have a supply of clean air filters handy. 
  
  
• Concrete: Walk around your house and check all concrete – including sidewalks, driveways, steps, and walkways – for cracks and other damage that may have occurred over the winter.
  
  
• Windows and doors: Inspect all windows and doors for air leaks, worn-out caulking, and cracked weather stripping. Repair or replace caulk and weather stripping to reduce air leaks. Check for damaged window and door screens. Repair or replace the screens.
  
  
• Outside faucets: Check exterior faucets for freeze damage by turning each one on and using a finger to block the opening. If this is enough to stop the water flow, you may have pipe damage.
  
  
• Decks and porches: Check your deck for damage, including peeling paint and worn-out finish. Hammer in any nails that may have worked their way out over the winter, and make sure the steps and railings are secure. If needed, powerwash the deck and apply a fresh coat of finish. 
  
  
• Basement and attic: Inspect the walls and floors for leaks, puddles, mold and other signs of water damage. 
  
  
• Landscaping: Rake your lawn and remove leaves, twigs, branches and other debris. Tidy up shrubs and hedges, and prune any bushes that require spring pruning, especially if they brush up against your house. Apply a fresh layer of mulch as needed. 
  
  
• Foundation: Visually inspect your foundation from the outside and inside if possible, and identify any cracks or disturbances that have appeared as a result of the ground shifting during winter. 
  
  
• Hot water heater: Lubricate the circulating pump and motor, and schedule additional maintenance if necessary. 

Contact us at Joyner Fine Properties to learn more about maintaining your home throughout the spring and beyond as well as for all of your homeownership needs. Whether you're searching for Richmond homes for sale or you have a house that you're ready to sell, we're here to help.