Ultimate homeowner spring cleaning checklist

Key insights

• Whether you plan to sell or stay put this season, our spring homeowner checklist will help you prepare for the upcoming sunny months.
• After the snow melts, consider hiring someone to check your air conditioning unit, gutters, eaves and roof for any winter damage.
• Spruce up the exterior of your home by power washing your siding, fixing up your driveway cracks and updating your landscaping.

As the sun begins to shine and the cold is replaced by milder weather, you’ll know it’s time to begin your spring cleaning and home maintenance routine. To ensure your home is ready for the warmer months ahead, follow this homeowner checklist that covers everything from energy savings to the latest landscaping trends.

Check your systems and energy usage

Before that first 90-degree day hits, you’ll want to check in on your air conditioning unit. Hire a professional to make sure everything is in working order. Alternatively, you can follow these five DIY steps, courtesy of Bob Vila:

• Check for any leaks in the hose connections.
• Ensure drain pans are draining freely.
• Vacuum dust and debris from the unit and its base.
• Be sure to change your HVAC filter every 1-3 months.

Keep in mind that high energy bills tend to sneak up on you as your air conditioning usage increases throughout these warmer months. But, you can creatively decrease your energy bills with these tips.

Clean up your gutters, eaves and roof

While it’s a smart idea to clean your gutters before winter arrives, it’s still possible that debris may have accumulated over the winter. Set aside time during the weekend to clear your gutters or hire a professional to do the job. Pricing for this task can depend on the size of your house, so get an estimate first to secure a price you’re comfortable with.

Spring is also a great time to have your roof inspected and repaired. If you suspect winter snowstorms may have damaged shingles or seals on your roof, now’s the time to set up an appointment with an expert.

Freshen up your landscaping

Is yellowed grass bringing you down? In just a few short weeks, you can bring it back to life again! Simple lawn care tips aim to save your lawn from the effects of our harsh midwestern winters, including:

• After the ground is fully dry, rake the lawn to aerate the soil.
• Spread lawn seed in patchy areas.
• Sprinkle water on the seeds weekly until they sprout.
• Aerate soil three times once new grass appears.

Once your lawn is in tip-top shape, you can spruce up your landscaping with these DIY ideas for beginner gardeners.

Give your home’s exterior a facelift

Spring cleaning may have you decluttering your home on the inside, but it’s also time to get rid of grime on the exterior of your home. Pressure washing the outside siding of your home can help to get rid of dirt and other stains that may have accumulated throughout the winter. Hire professionals to do the job, or save money by renting a pressure washer and making it a do-it-yourself project.

In addition, these mild-weather months are an optimal time to repair cracks or holes in your driveway or sidewalks. Concrete repair kits can be relatively inexpensive, but you may need help from a professional if you are working with asphalt.

Pay attention to your garage

Now is a good time to take a look at your garage door, too. Whether the face of your garage simply needs a good washing or it’s time to replace your garage door entirely (which can yield a great return on investment) you’ll want to make sure it’s looking sparkly clean for spring.

Once the outside of your home is ready to go, spend some time organizing your garage. This may be especially necessary if you have extra tools laying around from your spring yard work. Here are some quick tips to approaching garage organization:

• Sort your items by category, such as sports, gardening, cleaning, etc.
• Pick all belongings off of the ground and rehome them in labeled bins.
• Invest in shelving or extra storage containers to create more space.

Plus, if you’re planning to sell anytime soon, an organized garage with plenty of storage options is a big demand among today's buyers.

Considering selling?

If you hope to sell in the spring, this spring homeowner checklist will help set you up for success as you build curb appeal that will draw in buyers.

For specialized advice on how to renovate your home or price it to sell , reach out to Edina Realty or one of our agents. We’ve got you covered with local real estate experts that serve your neighborhood.