Spring Home Maintenance Checklist for GTA Homes

A GTA winter is hard on a house — freeze-thaw cycles open up caulking and concrete, ice and wind work on the roof, and snowmelt tests every downspout and grade. Spring is when you find and fix all of it before summer heat and storms arrive. Here is the checklist we would work through once the snow is gone, grouped so you can knock it out over a weekend or two.

Roof, gutters & exterior

• Look over the roof from the ground for shingles that curled, cracked, or lifted over winter, and check for any signs of ice-dam damage at the eaves.
• Clean the gutters and downspouts of winter debris so spring rain drains freely, and confirm downspouts carry water well away from the foundation.
• Walk the exterior and reseal gaps and cracks in caulking around windows, doors, and trim that freeze-thaw opened up.
• Check the foundation and walkways for new cracks or heaving from the frost, and note anything that needs a closer look.
• Inspect decks, fences, and railings for winter damage and loose fasteners before outdoor season.

Cooling & mechanical

• Service or tune up the air conditioner before the first heat wave, when HVAC companies are not yet swamped — and clear leaves and debris from around the outdoor unit.
• Replace the furnace or HVAC filter heading into the cooling season.
• Test the sump pump before spring melt and rains — pour water into the pit and confirm it kicks on and clears.
• Reconnect and check exterior taps and hoses you shut off for winter, and watch for a leak that signals a pipe froze.

Grading, water & yard

• Check that the soil grade slopes away from the foundation — winter frost can shift it, and water pooling against the wall is the top cause of basement leaks.
• Extend or redirect downspouts so roof water lands well away from the house.
• Clear window wells of debris and confirm their drainage.
• Look for low spots in the yard where meltwater collects near the house and plan to regrade them.

Inside & safety

• Check the basement for any signs of winter moisture — damp spots, efflorescence, or a musty smell — while it is easy to fix.
• Test smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms and replace batteries as part of the seasonal routine.
• Open and inspect window screens, and check that windows open and seal properly for ventilation season.
• Look in the attic for any staining that would signal a winter roof or condensation issue.