1. Gutters and downspouts
Winter ice loads bend gutters and pop gutter spikes. Walk the perimeter — any gutters sagging, pulling away from the fascia, or with visible debris need cleaning and re-hanging. Downspouts should drain at least 6 feet from the foundation; extensions are cheap insurance.
2. Deck and fence
Walk the deck with a screwdriver looking for soft boards (see our deck board guide). Check fence posts at ground level — winter heave often loosens them. Gates that stuck in winter usually need hinge tightening or a screw upgrade.
3. Caulking around windows and doors
Inspect exterior caulk around window and door frames — winter freeze-thaw splits it. Failed exterior caulk lets water behind siding. Recaulk now while temperatures are mild. Interior bathroom caulk should also be checked (see our bathroom caulk guide).
4. Doors and locks
Lubricate all exterior door locks with graphite (NOT WD-40 — it gums up over time). Check that every storm door closes properly and the closer isn't leaking oil. Re-hang anything that's started to drag during the winter heave/contract cycle.
5. Inside: drywall and ceiling check
Walk every ceiling looking for water stains — late-winter ice dams cause leaks that show up in spring. Yellow or brown stains mean water got through. Drywall water-damage repair is a common spring service call.
6. HVAC and exhaust fans
Change all filters. Test bathroom exhaust fans — most run for years past their replacement window. A weak fan means humidity isn't leaving, which means mildew. Exhaust fan replacement is $175–$325 installed.
Book a spring punch-list day
We do spring catch-up days — bring your list, we knock it out in one half- or full-day visit. Request a quote here.
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