Spring Into Action: The DIY Home Checklist

Take advantage of temperate spring days to refresh the house and get a jump on outdoor projects.

Spring is the time to tackle outdoor maintenance and make sure your home and yard are ready for summer. VVVproduct/Shutterstock

Bye-bye, winter! The birds are singing, bees are buzzing, and early flowers are starting to bloom—it’s time to embrace glorious spring and give the home and yard a thorough going-over after months of harsh weather. Hit the ground running with a DIY checklist to make the most of these few weeks before the summer—and prime outdoor living season—arrives.

If the home was properly prepped in the fall, it should be a spring breeze to make short work of roof and gutter cleaning and minor repairs. Also, schedule concrete pressure washing; air conditioning pre-check and service; and inspections and repairs for items such as irrigation systems, screens, decks, and porches. Then move on to some fun updates such as a new mailbox or house numbers.

Let’s roll up the sleeves—never mind, they’re probably already short sleeves now—and kick-start the prime do-it-yourself months efficiently.

Start at the Top

Get out the ladder to check the gutters. Use a gutter scoop (or simple garden trowel) for tough blockages. Be sure to check the downspouts, too, for the rare blockage; a plumber’s snake (drain snake) works well here. In fact, get a hose on top of the roof and run water to ensure that the entire system flows smoothly.

Look for peeling paint or rust, which are signs of potential water leaks, and make sure that all gutter joints and attachments are secure. Repair as needed.

Lastly, confirm that water is directed three to five feet away from the house’s foundation. Add an easy-install, snap-on plastic downspout extender if needed.

While on the roof, check for missing, curled, buckled, cracked, stained (could be algae growth from water getting in), and otherwise damaged shingles. Look for rust, cracks, gaps, and loose seals around vent penetrations and chimneys. When back on the ground, look for water stains or wood changing color on the underside of the soffit, and then inspect the attic. Repair ASAP if needed.

Inspecting the roof each spring allows you to catch any winter damage before it requires costly repairs. triocean/Shutterstock

Power Up

Power washing concrete driveways, patios, walkways, and sidewalks gives a property an instant facelift, as it quickly removes accumulated dirt and mildew. Power washers are available as electrical (simpler) or gas (stronger) power, for purchase or convenient rental.

If there’s a choice of nozzles, a 25-degree angle works best for efficient, even coverage. Work in small sections with a steady sweeping motion, repeating as necessary for stubborn stains. Then rinse thoroughly and allow to dry completely, especially if applying a concrete sealer afterward.

For oil stains, pre-treat with a specialized concrete cleaner or a degreaser designed for driveway oil and grease spots.

While it’s handy, why not give the garbage can a quick rinse, too?

Power washing restores the brightness and appearance of outdoor surfaces that accumulated grime from salt and mud over the winter. Dale Morrison/Shutterstock

Cool Down

Few actions say “winter is finally over” as strongly as uncovering the outdoor AC unit. Take a moment and clear a space at least two feet around it of any accumulated plant growth, leaves, and other debris to ensure that the unit gets proper airflow.

Making sure the power is off (it shouldn’t have been turned on yet), spray down the coils outside the casing using a garden hose. Start at the top and work down to remove dirt and debris. Work carefully so as not to bend the delicate fins. Inspect the interior and exterior refrigerant lines for cracks, leaks, and other damage. If any are found, they may require professional repair.

Next, check to make sure that the condensate (drain) line, the main cause of water leaks indoors, is clear. Use a wet vacuum to suck out any clogs. Be sure to change the air filter, unless it was done last fall. Next, turn the unit on to check for proper airflow and cooling.

If there’s a problem, particularly if the unit is making unusual noises, has a bad odor, or is leaking, turn the system off immediately. Unless you have significant DIY HVAC experience, call a pro.

DIY Inspector

Some checklist items simply need a thorough inspection, and if one is lucky, everything will be fine.

A good example is a deck or porch. While winter can be hard on them, most are tough. First, sweep off any leaves, dirt, and other debris, keeping an eye out for rotten wood and loose screws, nails, or bolts. Make sure that the railing and stairs are secure, with no wobble. Repair as needed. If the problem is a rough spot or splinters, simply sand it smooth and reseal. If the deck needs more than a good sweep, consider a pressure wash with a mild detergent, then a quick retouching with a two-in-one stain and sealer.

Screens are durable, keeping bugs out while letting spring breezes in, while also vulnerable to damage from winter storms, pet claws, and other mishaps. Do a quick walk-around of windows, screened doors, and porches. Replacement kits for 48-inch or smaller windows and doors, including all tools, start at less than $20 online. No special skill, other than patience, is required.

Weather permitting, a landscape irrigation system should be tested a month before it’s really needed. This allows time to repair or replace any damaged sprinkler heads or pipes discovered on the walk-around. This is doubly important if the problem is a sprinkler pump that needs to go to the shop for a few days.

Staining every two to three years can significantly extend the life of a wooden deck. Radoslav Cajkovic/Shutterstock

Thoughtful Updates

It doesn’t take a lot of work to achieve a big design impact. For example, new house numbers can give the home a whole new ambience.

Hello, Neighborhood

Consider getting a new mailbox or refreshing the old mailbox with a new coat of paint and new numbers. Perhaps go red to make a statement, or pick a serene pastel that matches the flower garden. Or consider going techno with a smart mailbox that protects deliveries. The possibilities abound.

Lighting Strategies

All that’s needed is an outlet, and sometimes not even that. Strings of Edison light bulbs add a whimsical touch, while path lights (solar or wired) and rope lights under railings are glamorous and practical. Color-changing solar tree/statue lights and an occasional battery-powered decorative table lantern add further ambience.

Camp at Home

Fire pits aren’t just for early spring’s still chilly nights. They do double duty as wood grills in summer, and let’s not forget marshmallows for the kids’ sleepovers. If you opt for cast concrete curved blocks or large stones, the project will require only a mid-level DIY skillset and attention to detail.