Your pre-spring checklist
The end is in sight! We’ve nearly made it through the long, cold winter months, and this means sunshine and blossoms are just around the corner. Are you ready for it?
Winter can be a grind for everyone, and even your home can bear the brunt of bad weather and cold snaps. Many properties emerge from the winter months with hidden damage that often goes unnoticed until it turns into a big, expensive problem.
As the days start to get longer, what should you be doing around your home to get it ready for spring?
✅ Look for hidden moisture and water damage
One of winter's biggest impacts is moisture. Rain, condensation and reduced ventilation can create dampness that may not always be obvious. Now is the time to check your home for:
Water stains on ceilings or walls
Mould or condensation damage on window frames
Dampness in cupboards and wardrobes
Leaks under sinks or around plumbing fixtures
Spotting early signs of moisture in your home means damage can often be fixed relatively easily. But left unchecked, moisture can lead to mould growth, timber damage and expensive repairs.
Quick tip
If you've spotted early signs of moisture, improve ventilation by opening windows regularly, wiping away condensation and moving furniture slightly away from external walls.
For minor leaks, try tightening loose fittings or replacing worn seals.
✅ Clear gutters and downpipes
Accumulated leaves, moss and debris from winter storms can block your gutters, which can lead to leaks, damage and increased pressure on your home’s drainage systems.
Remember, when doing any kind of home maintenance, especially like clearing gutters while up a ladder, safety should always come first. If your home is more than one storey or access is difficult, professional gutter cleaning is the best option.
Quick tip
After removing leaves and debris, run some water through your gutters and downpipes to check that it is flowing freely. This will help you identify if there are any blockages.
✅ Inspect decks, paths, and outdoor areas
Wet winter conditions can accelerate wear and tear in the outdoor areas of your home.
To prepare for the change of season and the prospect of more time spent outside, check any areas that may need attention, including:
Loose or damaged boards on your deck
Moss or leaf-litter build up on paths that can make them slippery
Deteriorating timber in handrails or fences
Many of these issues start off small but can become safety hazards over time. Spring is the perfect season to clean, repair and refresh your outdoor living spaces.
Quick tip
A seasonal spray with a moss and mould inhibitor can help keep decks and paths clear between deep cleans, making outdoor maintenance more of a set-and-forget task.
✅ Tidy the garden before spring growth kicks in
Spring growth is a wonderful thing… until your garden gets out of control! Stay on top of your garden by tackling maintenance before it becomes an issue.
Tidy up fallen leaves and branches, prune your trees to allow more sunlight into your space and clear overgrown vegetation away from your walls and gutters. Spring is also the time to get your hands dirty and prepare your garden beds for new-season planting.
Quick tip
Spend five minutes clearing leaves whenever you're outside. Little-and-often maintenance can help keep outdoor spaces in good shape without needing to dedicate a whole weekend to the job.
✅ Give your heat pump some attention
Chances are your heat pump has been working hard all winter. A seasonal clean can improve efficiency and help extend its lifespan.
A professional heat pump service to assess your unit and clean and replace filters can also identify issues that aren't immediately visible to ensure the unit runs efficiently into the warmer months.
Quick tip
Stay on top of heat pump maintenance by cleaning dust from exterior vents and checking that outdoor units are clear of leaves and debris.
A change of season is one of the best times to check in on your home. By tackling small issues and addressing winter wear and tear, you can help protect your property and potentially avoid unexpected repair bills.
Many seasonal maintenance tasks can be tackled yourself, but others are best left to the professionals. That's where AA Home Book a Job can help. Book a trusted tradie today and tick off your new season to-do list.
