Spring is well underway, and with the change in season comes a great opportunity to give your home some well-deserved attention. With warmer days ahead and the last signs of winter behind us, now’s the perfect time to tackle those maintenance tasks that keep your home running smoothly all year long.
Whether you're spending more time outdoors, getting your garden going, or simply staying ahead of home care, a few smart seasonal updates can go a long way. This guide covers 10 practical things you can still do to get your home in great shape for the rest of spring—and beyond.
1. Clear Out Gutters and Downspouts
Winter can leave behind leaves, debris, and blockages. Clearing your gutters now helps prevent water backups and protects your roof and foundation during spring rains.
Helpful tip: Run water through downspouts with a hose to check for clogs or leaks—and make sure the water is draining away from your home’s foundation.
Helpful tip: Run water through downspouts with a hose to check for clogs or leaks—and make sure the water is draining away from your home’s foundation.
2. Inspect for Winter Wear and Tear
Take a walk around your home and check the roof, siding, walkways, and foundation for any signs of damage from snow, ice, or salt. Early repairs prevent bigger issues later.
Helpful tip: Create a simple checklist as you walk the property—look for cracks in the foundation, peeling paint, loose siding, and any signs of water pooling near the home.
Helpful tip: Create a simple checklist as you walk the property—look for cracks in the foundation, peeling paint, loose siding, and any signs of water pooling near the home.
3. Check Your Sump Pump
Spring can often bring heavy rainfall. Test your sump pump to make sure it’s working properly and consider adding a battery backup in case of power outages.
Helpful tip: Pour a bucket of water into the sump pit to trigger the pump—if it doesn’t turn on, it may need service or replacement.
4. Inspect Attic and Basement for Moisture
Check these often-forgotten spaces for signs of water intrusion or mould, especially after the freeze-thaw cycles of winter. Catching leaks early can save you thousands in repairs.
Helpful tip: Look for discoloured insulation, musty smells, or peeling paint—these are common signs of hidden moisture.
Helpful tip: Look for discoloured insulation, musty smells, or peeling paint—these are common signs of hidden moisture.
5. Clean and Test Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Spring is a perfect reminder to test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries. It’s a quick, easy step that can make your home safer.
Helpful tip: Use the test button to ensure alarms are working, then vacuum around the detectors to clear out dust that can affect performance. If your detector is over 10 years old, it’s time to replace it—check for the date printed on the back.
Helpful tip: Use the test button to ensure alarms are working, then vacuum around the detectors to clear out dust that can affect performance. If your detector is over 10 years old, it’s time to replace it—check for the date printed on the back.
6. Clean Out Your Dryer Vent
Lint buildup in dryer vents is a hidden fire hazard. Disconnect and clean your vent thoroughly—both inside and outside your home.
Helpful tip: A vacuum extension kit or dryer vent brush makes it easier to reach deep into the duct. Make sure the exterior vent flap opens freely.
Helpful tip: A vacuum extension kit or dryer vent brush makes it easier to reach deep into the duct. Make sure the exterior vent flap opens freely.
7. Clean Up the Yard & Prep for Pick-Up
Rake leftover leaves, remove debris, and prep garden beds. Check your local yard waste pick-up schedule so you can bundle everything up at the right time.
Helpful tip: Start by clearing dead branches and leaves from garden beds before your first mow. If the soil is still soggy, wait until it firms up to avoid damaging your lawn.
Helpful tip: Start by clearing dead branches and leaves from garden beds before your first mow. If the soil is still soggy, wait until it firms up to avoid damaging your lawn.
8. Inspect and Clean Windows & Screens
Check windows for cracked caulking, condensation between panes, or damage. Clean both sides and repair or replace screens to get ready for open-window season.
Helpful tip: Use a 50/50 vinegar and water mix for streak-free window cleaning, and a lint roller works great for quick screen dusting.
Helpful tip: Use a 50/50 vinegar and water mix for streak-free window cleaning, and a lint roller works great for quick screen dusting.
9. Service Your Air Conditioning Unit
If you haven’t done it yet, now’s the time to book a service call before the heat really sets in. A well-maintained unit runs more efficiently and helps keep energy bills lower.
Helpful tip: In addition to replacing your air filter, clear at least two feet of space around your outdoor unit by trimming back bushes or debris. This improves airflow and helps your system run more efficiently all season long.
Helpful tip: In addition to replacing your air filter, clear at least two feet of space around your outdoor unit by trimming back bushes or debris. This improves airflow and helps your system run more efficiently all season long.
10. Reseed or Aerate the Lawn
Harsh winters can leave lawns patchy and compacted. Aerating and overseeding now helps your grass bounce back lush and healthy for the warmer months.
Helpful tip: Apply seed after a rainfall or watering, and avoid mowing for two weeks to give new grass a chance to root.
Helpful tip: Apply seed after a rainfall or watering, and avoid mowing for two weeks to give new grass a chance to root.
Walking With You Every Step
Whether you're staying put or planning a move, taking care of your home now sets you up for a great season ahead. And when the time comes to sell, buy, or just ask a few real estate questions, The Walker Team is here to support you—every step of the way.
