Spring is the time of the year when most of us finally crack open the windows and notice the small issues winter left behind. While the deep clean feels great, spring is also the perfect time to take a closer look at exterior fixes, indoor air quality, plumbing and a garage cleanup. Taking care of these details now helps you avoid the stress of costly, unexpected repairs later.
Spring cleaning is a tradition for many households across the country. As part of your process, it's helpful to look for post-winter wear and tear, such as loose shingles or small leaks, to catch signs of trouble early. Taking a moment to assess these areas reduces unnecessary risks and keeps your property in great shape.
Why spring home maintenance matters
Winter damage can take many forms. US homeowners often deal with frozen burst pipes, damaged roofs, broken gutters, leaks, water damage and mold. If winter brought strong winds and heavy snow, your roof may have structural damage.
Spring is the ideal time to inspect for damage and either fix it yourself or have it repaired. By doing so, you can protect your property and help to retain its long-term value. Following good maintenance practices can also help ensure your insurance reflects the condition of your home.
High-impact areas homeowners are prioritizing this season
According to The American Cleaning Institute, homeowners focus on these tasks during spring cleaning:1
- Cleaning floors and baseboards: 80%
- Cleaning behind furniture: 76%
- Cleaning and organizing storage spaces: 75%
- Washing windows: 75%
Spring cleaning tips: Looking beyond the surface
To make home maintenance tasks more manageable, categorize them into four main groups: exterior maintenance, interior refresh, plumbing and water system check, and garage and storage check. Categorizing makes the list feel less overwhelming.
1. Exterior maintenance for structural protection
Maintaining your home's exterior can extend its lifespan and help prevent emergency repairs. Here are some useful practices to follow:
- Caulk small gaps around windows and door frames to keep out drafts and moisture out.
- Have debris cleared from the roof and gutters so rain melting snow and can flow away from your home.
- Look for cracks in your foundation. You can repair small cracks with the appropriate filler. For major foundation cracks, have a professional inspect the problem.
- Note any damage to the siding — whether wood, cement-fiber planks, vinyl or other material — and plan for any needed repairs.
- Secure loose boards on wooden porches and decks. Remove slippery growth from walkways using a pressure washer or stiff scrub brush to prevent slips.
- Uncover your air conditioning unit before the cooling season begins. Use a garden hose to gently clear debris from the fins. Clear away dead leaves.
DIY tip
Rent tools and equipment you rarely need — such as pressure washers — from a home improvement center, hardware store or rental company.
When to call a professional
Clean your own gutters on a single-story home only if you're confident that you're safe working on a ladder. Hire an insured professional for multi-story homes.
If winter weather has left tree limbs hanging over your roof, hire a professional tree trimming service to remove them.
Roof repairs and major deck repairs require licensed contractors. Roof repairs cost between $350-$1,900, which is much less than full replacement.2 If a contractor's roof inspection shows significant damage, ask for photos so you have documentation if you need to talk with your insurance advisor.
2. Interior cleaning for better air quality and safety
Prioritizing the systems responsible for indoor air quality is essential for maintaining a healthy and comfortable home. To help ensure your family has healthy indoor air, incorporate the following into your spring cleaning:
The technician can also let you know about upgrades that could help with insurance costs.
- Steam-clean carpets.
- Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace the batteries. If the detectors are more than five years old, replace them.
- Move furniture so you can clean under and behind it.
- Have a technician inspect your heating and cooling system. A checkup of your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system typically costs $150-$300 (many HVAC companies offer an annual subscription with a monthly payment). A maintenance checkup of your heating and cooling system can determine if it's running efficiently and can detect major problems early.
DIY tip
Renting a steam cleaner for carpets can be a cost-effective alternative to using a professional carpet-cleaning service.
When to call a professional
Hire a certified technician to service your heating and ventilation system to maintain safety standards and warranties. Off-season discounts may be available if you schedule the checkup at the before cooling season starts.
3. Check plumbing and water systems to prevent future problems
Water damage causes a substantial number of insurance claims every year, but you can help to avoid an issue by regularly checking appliance pipes and drains. Simple checks like these can protect your home in the long term.
During inspections, make sure to:
- Remove lint from the dryer vent pipe to prevent fires and help your clothes dry faster. (Clean the dryer lint trap after every load to slow buildup in the vent pipe.)
- Check ceilings, walls and baseboards for water stains or bubbling paint.
- Look for signs of moisture around windows, doors and bathrooms.
- Check under sinks and behind appliances for small drips or damp spots.
DIY tip
Tightening loose water connections and replacing worn-out washers are simple fixes that can prevent mold.
When to call a professional
Contact a qualified plumber if you notice leaks or if your sump pump isn't working properly. If water damage is significant, contact your insurance advisor for guidance.
4. Optimize your garage storage to regain utility space
A garage can provide a lot of functional space. And if you're planning to sell your house, homebuyers prefer properties with well-maintained garages.
When spring cleaning your garage, do the following:
- Put away rakes, shovels, sidewalk salt and other items you won't need until cold weather returns.
- Maintain and cover your snowblower before moving it out of the way.
- Follow the instructions for routine maintenance in the owner's manual for your garage door opener.
- Dispose of gasoline stored over the winter (it collects moisture during the winter and won't power your equipment), paints (frozen paint won't adhere), and pesticides and other toxic materials. If your city or county doesn't offer hazardous waste collection, check online for a nearby disposal facility. Don't throw them in the trash.
Looking for a comprehensive guide to protecting your home? Get our complete annual home maintenance checklist.
Is your coverage ready for spring?
Before starting on your spring cleaning and maintenance, review your homeowners' policy to be sure it still fits your needs.
- Take photos of new furniture, household items or electronics added over the holiday season to ensure your limit for personal belongings is still accurate.
- Test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms during spring cleaning to help maintain safety and meet policy conditions.
- If your spring cleaning leads to any renovation — like a new roof or upgraded electrical system — notify your insurance advisor.
If you want help with your insurance coverage, contact one of our Personal Lines advisors. We're here to help answer questions and support your maintenance planning.
FAQs
What tools do I need for spring home maintenance?
Some commonly used tools for home maintenance are a sturdy ladder; a power drill/driver with a set of bits, a screwdriver set and a wrenches set for small household fixes; a moisture meter for basement walls; and binoculars to inspect the roof safely from the ground.
Can spring home maintenance lower my insurance costs?
Yes, many insurers offer discounts for improvements or smart water‑leak sensors. However, green discounts vary by state and insurer. For example, insurers in Massachusetts and Vermont offer credits for leak‑detection devices and homes with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification. Your best move is to check with your advisor to see what's available in your area.
What should I do if I find a safety hazard?
If you find a safety hazard, secure the area to prevent injuries and call a professional. Avoid fixing it yourself unless you're equipped and certified to handle it safely.
How should I file a home insurance claim after any storm damage?
Document all storm damage with photos, apply temporary fixes to prevent more damage and notify your insurance company as soon as possible. Your advisor can help you review your coverage before meeting with the adjuster to ensure every repair is accurately valued in your settlement.
*Green discounts vary by state and carrier; please contact a Gallagher advisor to confirm availability.