As winter loosens its grip and spring begins to arrive, March is a great time for homeowners to take a close look at how their home handled the colder months. As a home inspector, I often see small winter-related issues that can turn into bigger problems if they’re ignored. Start outside by walking the perimeter of your home and looking for damage caused by snow, ice, and freezing temperatures. Check your roof for missing or damaged shingles, inspect gutters and downspouts for debris or separation, and make sure water is draining away from the foundation. This is also a good time to look at exterior caulking around windows and doors, inspect siding for cracks, and confirm that exterior faucets and hose bibs didn’t suffer freeze damage.

Inside the home, early spring is the perfect opportunity to tackle a few maintenance tasks that improve safety and efficiency. Replace furnace filters, test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and make sure bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans are working properly. If you have a sump pump, pour a bucket of water into the pit to verify it activates and drains properly before the heavy spring rains arrive. It’s also wise to check for signs of moisture in basements or crawlspaces as snowmelt begins to increase ground saturation. A little preventative maintenance in March can save homeowners from expensive repairs later and helps ensure the home stays safe, efficient, and ready for the warmer months ahead.

Spring is upon us