Spring is almost here, and your home needs attention after winter. Here's a practical checklist of 8 maintenance tasks to tackle in March — before small problems become expensive ones.
1. Inspect Your Roof and Gutters
Winter storms, ice, and debris take a toll. Grab binoculars and scan for missing or damaged shingles from the ground. Clean out gutters and downspouts — clogged gutters cause water damage fast.
DIY difficulty: Easy (gutter cleaning) to Moderate (roof inspection)
Cost if ignored: $2,000–$10,000+ for water damage repairs
2. Check Your HVAC System
Before you need AC, replace your furnace filter and schedule a tune-up. A clean system runs 15-20% more efficiently.
Pro tip: Write the date on your filter with a marker. If it's been more than 90 days, swap it now.
3. Seal Gaps and Cracks Around Windows and Doors
Grab a tube of exterior caulk and walk the perimeter of your house. Look for gaps where old caulk has cracked or pulled away. This is also your first line of defense against spring pests (see #5).
Cost: $5–$15 per tube of caulk
Savings: Up to 20% on energy bills
4. Test Your Sump Pump
If you have a basement, pour a bucket of water into the sump pit. The pump should kick on, drain the water, and shut off. If it doesn't, fix it NOW — before spring rains arrive.
5. Spring Pest Prevention
Pest season is coming. Do a perimeter check:
- Trim bushes and tree branches away from your house (at least 3 feet)
- Remove standing water sources
- Seal foundation cracks with hydraulic cement
- Check window screens for tears
- Store firewood at least 20 feet from the house
The earlier you act, the fewer pests you'll deal with all summer.
6. Test Smoke and CO Detectors
Press the test button on every detector. Replace batteries even if they seem fine — spring forward is a good reminder. Detectors older than 10 years should be replaced entirely.
7. Service Your Water Heater
Drain 2-3 gallons from the bottom valve to flush sediment buildup. This extends the life of your unit and keeps it running efficiently. Check the anode rod if your heater is over 3 years old.
8. Inspect Your Deck and Exterior Wood
Look for soft spots, popped nails, and discoloration. Splash some water on the deck surface — if it soaks in instead of beading up, it's time to reseal.
Best time to seal: When temperatures are consistently above 50°F
Not Sure Where to Start?
If you're staring at a problem and not sure whether it's a quick fix or a call-the-pro situation, try Fixy. Snap a photo, describe what's going on, and get an AI-powered diagnosis with step-by-step repair guidance. It's like having a handyman in your pocket.
Spring maintenance isn't glamorous, but 2-3 weekends of prevention saves thousands in emergency repairs. Start at the top of this list and work your way down.
What's on your spring maintenance list? Drop it in the comments.
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