New England Spring Maintenance Checklist: How to Prevent Insurance Claims

Once spring has sprung, it’s important to make sure any leaks in your home haven’t. Checking your plumbing, changing out your HVAC air filters, and cleaning your gutters are just three of the steps you should take to prepare your home for the changing seasons.

As the harsh New England winter ebbs and our region grows warmer, several risks can mount that could, if left unchecked, result in expensive repairs or liabilities. To avoid filing homeowners insurance claims, here is a comprehensive list of the steps you can take to get the interior and exterior of your property ready for spring.

Save this checklist to your device or print it out and check the tasks off as you go. While some of these steps can be completed on your own, many require the help of a licensed professional.

Following these spring home maintenance tips today will help you save in the long run.

Steps to Prepare Your New England Home’s Interior for Spring

Here’s how you can get the inside of your home, including your appliances, plumbing, and HVAC system, ready for the warmer months. By taking these steps, you can lower your risk and hopefully enjoy a claim-free spring and summer.

While some can be done on your own, it’s a good idea to get in touch with a plumber, HVAC professional, or other contractors to perform many of these tasks.

HVAC Maintenance

1. Change your HVAC air filters
2. Inspect your air conditioning system for leaks
3. Inspect air ducts for mold, allergens, and debris
4. Clean the drain lines if they are clogged
5. Trim brush around the outside of the unit, if necessary
6. Clean AC coils if needed
7. Clean and inspect your boiler

Appliances & Plumbing Maintenance

1. Inspect your washing machine’s water hoses for cracks
2. Look for moisture in your basement and crawl space
3. Check exposed pipes and valves for leaking and corrosion
4. Inspect water dispensers, ice makers, refrigerators, and dishwashers for signs of leaks or wear and tear
5. Drain your water heater, check for leaks and corrosion around it, and see the owner’s manual for other recommended maintenance
6. Check for leaks and corrosion on pipes, supply lines, and fixtures under sinks and around toilets
7. Make sure your sump pump is in working order
8. Inspect and clean your dryer vent pipe, lint trap, and the space underneath the dryer

Other Interior Maintenance

1. Clean your window screens and inspect them for damage
2. Check your electrical outlets and cords for fire hazards, such as frayed wires or loose-fitting plugs

Steps to Prepare Your New England Home’s Exterior for Spring

Once the weather starts to warm, head outside to complete this exterior spring home maintenance checklist. These tasks are important for keeping your home functional, avoiding costly damage, and preventing liability claims.

Some of these tasks can be done on your own, but to complete others, you should contact a licensed professional.

Exterior Home Maintenance

1. Hire a roofing professional to check for roof damage caused by snow and ice, and to make necessary repairs
2. Check the outside of any skylights for leaves and debris buildup
3. Inspect your gutters and downspouts for damage and debris — clean them out and repair as needed
4. Inspect caulking around doors and windows for damage or wear — replace if needed to improve your home’s energy efficiency
5. Pressure wash soffits and siding
6. Repair any damaged siding if needed
7. Clean debris from foundation vents and window wells

Landscaping & Patio Maintenance

1. Trim healthy trees and shrubs near your house to prevent damage to your siding, windows, roof, and utility wires
2. Remove dead trees that might blow over in heavy winds
3. Inspect wooden decks, railings, and steps for rot or loose boards — replace or repair damaged wood and touch up with paint, stain, or wood finish
4. Pressure wash your patio, deck, driveway, walkway, and any outdoor furniture
5. Repair cracks and broken or uneven surfaces in your walkway and driveway to ensure a safe, level walking area
6. Inspect sprinkler heads for snow plow or cold weather damage
7. Look for leaking valves in your sprinkler system and around hose spigots
8. Verify your sprinkler system’s watering schedule on the control panel
9. Inspect and tune up any lawn maintenance equipment you have — sharpen tools, charge batteries, lubricate moving parts, and replace old gas
10. Store any oil and gas for your lawn care equipment in a vented, locked area

Make the Most of Your Homeowners Insurance

If you’re looking to get more out of your Massachusetts homeowners insurance or for ways to save, get in touch with the experts at C&S Insurance today.