Spring Home Maintenance Checklist

Spring is the ideal time to give your home a proper check-up, whether you are a new homeowner or you've owned your property for years. After months of cold, wet and windy weather, small problems can start to appear. For example: loose roof tiles, blocked gutters, cracked sealant, damp patches, tired paintwork or garden damage.

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The good news is that most spring maintenance jobs are simple, preventative tasks. If you do them early, you can reduce the risk of expensive repairs later in the year.

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We've put together 22 spring home maintenance checks below to help you inspect your property inside and out, refresh your living space, and prepare your home for the the warmer months ahead.

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Here's what we'll cover (click to scroll down):

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1. Exterior home checks
2. Summer garden preparation
3. Interior home checks
4. Safety and security checks
5. When to call a tradesperson

Download and print the Hey Alfie Spring Home Maintenance Checklist here.

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But first, let's cover why home maintenance in spring matters.

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Why spring home maintenance matters

Winter can be tough on a property.

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Cold temperatures, heavy rain, frost, wind and reduced ventilation can all take their toll. By spring, your home may need attention in areas you have not looked at for months.

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Regular maintenance can help you:

• Spot leaks, cracks and damage before they get worse
• Prevent damp, mould and drainage issues
• Improve energy efficiency
• Keep your home safe and secure
• Protect the long term value of your property
• Reduce the chance of avoidable home insurance claims
• Prepare your home for the next winter.

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Exterior home checks

1. Check your roof for damage

Start by inspecting your roof from the ground level. Look for slipped, cracked or missing tiles, damaged flashing, sagging areas or anything that looks out of place.

Winter weather can loosen materials and create gaps where water can get in. Even a small roof issue can lead to leaks, damp patches and structural damage if ignored.

Take a picture of your roof and send it to Alfie, who can help you spot obvious damage.

2. Clear gutters and drain covers

Blocked gutters are one of the easiest maintenance issues to miss, and one of the most damaging.

Leaves, moss, twigs and debris can stop rainwater draining properly, causing overflow onto walls, windows, brickwork and foundations.

In spring, it's always best to clear out:

• Gutters
• Downpipes
• Drain covers
• Gullies
• Channel drains
• Any drainage around patios, driveways or paths

Start a chat with Alfie if you need to book a gutter and drain clean.

3. Inspect brickwork, render and external walls

Walk around the outside of your home and look closely at the walls. Check for cracks, crumbling mortar, blown render, staining, damp patches or areas where water appears to be collecting.

Pay attention to air bricks too. These should be clear and unblocked so air can circulate under suspended floors and reduce the risk of damp.

Small cracks may only need monitoring or minor repair, but larger cracks, movement or persistent damp should be assessed by a qualified professional.

4. Check windows and doors

Cold weather, rain and wind can damage seals, frames and paintwork. Inspect all windows and external doors for:

• Cracked or missing sealant
• Rotten timber
• Peeling paint
• Loose handles or locks
• Draughts
• Condensation between double-glazed panes
• Sticking or warped doors

Spring is a good time to repair sealant, repaint timber frames and fix small draughts before they become bigger problems.

5. Inspect fences, gates and boundaries

Winter storms can loosen fence posts, damage panels and weaken garden gates. Check that everything is stable and secure.

Repair or replace damaged sections early, especially if you have pets, children or shared boundaries with neighbours. Small fence repairs are usually cheaper and easier before the damage spreads.

6. Clean patios, paths and driveways

Moss, algae and dirt can build up over winter, making outdoor surfaces slippery. Sweep, wash or pressure-clean patios, steps, decking and paths where needed.

Also look for cracks or uneven surfaces. Water can get into small cracks and make them worse over time, especially after repeated freezing and thawing.

7. Check outdoor lighting and security

As evenings get lighter, outdoor lighting can be easy to forget. Test security lights, porch lights, side access lights and garden lighting.

Replace bulbs, clean fittings and check sensors are working properly. If you have CCTV, a video doorbell or a burglar alarm, spring is a sensible time to test everything before summer holidays and longer periods away from home.

8. Inspect aerials, satellite dishes and external fittings

Strong winter winds can loosen outdoor fittings. Check aerials, satellite dishes, drainpipes, external cables, vents and wall-mounted fixtures.

Do not climb onto the roof yourself. If something looks unsafe, loose or difficult to reach, get a professional to inspect it.

Summer garden preparation

9. Tidy lawns, borders and planting areas

Spring is when the garden starts to wake up. Clear leaves, fallen branches and dead plants from lawns, beds and borders.

You can also:

• Cut back dead growth
• Weed flower beds
• Reseed patchy lawn areas
• Add compost or mulch
• Prune shrubs where appropriate
• Plan new planting for the warmer months

Be careful around hedges and trees, as birds may start nesting in spring. If you need a hand with your garden, just ask Alfie.

10. Check trees and large shrubs

Look for broken branches, leaning trunks, damaged limbs or trees growing too close to the property. Overhanging branches can damage roofs, gutters and windows during high winds.

If a tree looks unsafe or is close to power lines, roads or buildings, speak to a qualified tree surgeon.

11. Prepare garden furniture and outdoor equipment

Clean garden furniture, barbecues, planters and outdoor storage boxes. Check for rust, rot, loose screws or damaged covers.

If you have children’s play equipment, inspect bolts, ropes, swings, slides and climbing frames before regular use.

12. Inspect sheds and garages

Check the roof, walls, and foundation for any winter damage such as cracks, leaks, or rot, and make repairs.

Clear out clutter, inspect stored tools and equipment for rust or wear, and ensure doors and windows are sealing properly.

13. Check outdoor taps and hoses

If outdoor taps were exposed to freezing temperatures, check them carefully before using them again. Look for leaks, cracks or reduced water pressure.

Reconnect hoses, check spray guns and inspect irrigation systems if you use them.

Interior home checks

14. Look for signs of damp and mould

Spring is a good time to check behind furniture, inside cupboards, around windows and in corners of rooms. Look for:

• Black mould
• Musty smells
• Peeling wallpaper
• Damp patches
• Condensation
• Staining on walls or ceilings

Do not just paint over damp. Find the source. It could be poor ventilation, a leak, blocked guttering, damaged brickwork or failed sealant.

15. Improve ventilation

Homes are often kept closed up during winter, which can trap moisture indoors. As the weather improves, ventilate rooms regularly.

Check extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms. Clean dust from vents and make sure air can circulate around furniture, especially against external walls.

16. Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms

Test every smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarm in your home. Replace batteries if needed and check expiry dates.

17. Service heating and cooling systems

Your heating system has likely worked hard through winter. Spring is a good time to check radiators, thermostats and boilers, especially if anything felt unreliable during the colder months.

If you have air conditioning, fans or ventilation systems, clean filters and test them before hot weather arrives.

18. Check your loft and insulation

Inspect your loft for signs of leaks, pests, damaged insulation or poor ventilation. Look for water marks, mould, daylight through the roof, or compressed insulation.

Good insulation can help regulate temperature year-round, not just in winter.

19. Deep clean high-use areas

Spring cleaning is not just about making your home look better. It can also help you spot problems.

Focus on:

• Kitchen appliances
• Extractor fans
• Washing machine filters
• Tumble dryer vents
• Fridge coils
• Skirting boards
• Windowsills
• Carpets and rugs
• Behind large furniture

Cleaning behind appliances and furniture can reveal leaks, damp, pests or damage that may otherwise go unnoticed. Hey Alfie can also help you organise a deep house clean.

Safety and security checks

20. Review locks, alarms and entry points

Check locks on doors, windows, garages, sheds and side gates. Repair anything loose or unreliable.

If you are planning holidays or weekends away, make sure your home looks secure. Test alarms, update keyholder details and consider timers for lights.

21. Check sheds, garages and outbuildings

Outbuildings often suffer during winter. Inspect roofs, locks, windows, doors and flooring.

Look for leaks, pests, damp, rusting tools or damaged electrical items. Clear clutter and safely dispose of anything broken or hazardous.

22. Review home insurance details

Spring is also a practical time to review your home insurance. Make sure your policy reflects your current property, contents and any recent changes, such as renovations, new valuables, home office equipment or security upgrades.

Routine maintenance is still your responsibility, so keeping your home in good condition can help avoid disputes if you ever need to make a claim.

When should you call a tradesperson?

Some spring maintenance jobs are fine to do yourself, but others often need expert help.

Alfie always recommends calling an expert if you notice the following:

• Roof damage or suspected leaks
• Electrical faults
• Gas boiler issues
• Structural cracks
• Persistent damp or mould
• Unsafe trees
• Blocked drains you cannot clear
• Damaged chimney stacks
• Loose external fittings at height

It's best not to take risks with ladders, roofs, electrics or gas. A small professional repair is usually cheaper than fixing damage caused by delay or injury!

Alfie's final thoughts

Spring home maintenance is about prevention. You are checking what winter damaged, refreshing what has been neglected, and preparing your home for warmer weather.

The best approach is simple: walk around your home slowly, inside and out, and deal with small issues before they become expensive ones.

A few hours of maintenance in spring can help keep your home safer, drier, more efficient and more comfortable for the rest of the year. If you ever need a hand, Alfie is always here.