Spring Home Maintenance Checklist: 8 Tasks to Do Before April

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 agai