With spring just around the corner, homeowners in the PNW are getting excited about the good weather, outdoor activities, and the glorious sunshine they've been missing during the winter months. Of course, with spring comes spring home maintenance. A good spring cleaning for your house is crucial for long term quality and operation. Over the winter, especially in the PNW, houses can endure high winds, snow, frost, heavy rain, mold, and wildly fluctuating temperatures. By keeping up on your house maintenance, you can ensure that you are prepared for the warmer months ahead. Keep your stress low and variables minimal by following this checklist!

Exterior Home Maintenance Checklist

Garden Work - Depending on what kind of yard or garden you have, this step might be quick or take a while. If you have flower beds, be sure to rake away debris, dead leaves, or rain drainage. A thin layer of mulch will protect your plants during any cold snaps. Be sure to turn on your outside faucets, and check that they’re all in working order. You’ll also want to take a look at your irrigation system to see how it weathered below freezing temperatures.

Driveway - If you have a concrete or asphalt driveway (or walkway), you’ll need to check it for cracks. Freezing and thawing can be really tough on a driveway, and while asphalt can be patched, concrete often needs to be replaced entirely. Additionally, if there’s moss growing in between concrete squares, you might want to wash it out to prevent weeds growing. The PNW stays pretty wet into the spring, and a good powerwash will discourage more moss from growing.

Clean out the gutters! - During winter weather, gutters often get clogged up with leaves, sticks, and other storm debris. In order to prepare for more rain during the spring, you’ll need to clear them out so water can flow off the roof and away from the house. If you feel even a little uncomfortable on a ladder or leaning over a roof, call a professional service.

Roof/Termites - While you’re looking at the gutters, it’s also important to inspect the roof. During windstorms, tree limbs or debris could have impacted the structural integrity. An important note: during the time of March to June, termites flourish and look for places to feed and nest. If you see those flying insects around your home, be sure to hire a professional pest control. You’ll save more time and money in the long run.

Paint, Then Wash - The spring is an excellent time to take a look at the outside of the house for any chips or cracks in the paint. Exterior paint helps protect the outside walls and gives it a uniform look. If needed, apply an extra protection coat and clean up any places that are peeling. Once the paint is done, it might also be time to give your house a bath all over. During the winter, moss and grime has plenty of time to accumulate on the exterior. A good wash helps prolong the lifespan of the paint, but make sure to wait for a nice dry day. Follow these steps from the New York Times Real Estate website:

1. Close all windows and doors, and cover the ground and hedges with plastic sheeting.
2. Avoid the instict to rent a power washer, as it may not be necessary, and it could damage siding or masonry, depending on your building materials. In most cases, an ordinary garden hose will do.
3. Attach a siding cleaning kit to the hose and get to work.
4. Spot-clean heavily soiled areas. Use detergent sparingly, as it i can harm your plants

Window Washing! (and Screen Inspecting) - Before the sunshine returns, be sure to check that all the sunlight possible can get through. Wash the exteriors with a hose and let dry, or hire a professional to get it done. Inspect all your window screens for tears or loose screws. Doing this step before the mosquitos return is a must!

Interior Home Maintenance Checklist

HVAC Inspection - If your home has central air and heating, you’re going to need to do a biannual check up of your HVAC system. The inspector will need to search the ducts for signs of damage, as well as clean the furnace and AC systems. It’s important to make sure this step gets done every spring.

Clean Fireplace - Even if you don’t use your fireplace often, you’ll need to service the chimney, as it helps filter out any smoke or other toxins in the house. While you can clear out old charred logs, you’ll need to get the chimney cleaned by a professional.

Smoke Alarm - Make sure you have smoke alarms, and check the batteries and make sure they’re working. Additionally, you’ll need to check your carbon monoxide alarms and make sure there’s a working one on every floor.

Spring Cleaning - With winter ending, now is the time to take a look at your house’s organization and reorder what isn’t working. Maybe that means cleaning out the garage, storing more efficiently, or donating what you no longer need. Wrap up your spring with a clean and fresh house!