7 Tips to Spruce Up Your Home for Spring

By Eric Vanasdale, Supervisor, Loss Control 

When the snow starts melting and spring flowers appear, you may notice your property needs a little TLC. Winter weather can take its toll on your home, so it’s important to take steps to tidy up your property, repair any damage and prepare for spring severe weather. According to a survey from COUNTRY Financial, one in four homeowners say they have experienced property damage as a result of severe weather or natural disasters. Regular home maintenance can go a long way in preventing costly future damage, and our home maintenance checklist can help get your property in shape.

Your spring home maintenance checklist 

1. Check your roof

Repair any cracked or missing shingles and remove debris build-up, such as leaves and branches, from the valleys and between the roof peaks. If you have a newer roof or if you’re planning to put a new roof on your home, you may be eligible for a discount on your COUNTRY Financial home insurance. 

2. Clean gutters and downspouts 

Clearing your gutters and downspouts of leaves and debris will help all of those spring rains flow freely when draining off your roof, reducing the likelihood of a backup that would cause damage.

3. Trim your trees

Falling trees and large limbs are key causes of damage during windstorms. Cut back any limbs growing over your roof and remove dead branches.

4. Check for other exterior damage

Repair torn window screens and weather stripping, cover holes and gaps where animals and bugs can get in and check the chimney for signs of water damage.

5. Keep your basement dry

If you have valuables in your basement, talk to your insurance agent about home insurance coverage for sump pump back-up. If your basement is damp, you may have poor ventilation and need to buy a dehumidifier. 

6. Check your smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector batteries

These devices can literally be lifesavers and are a key deterrent for home fires, eliminating or reducing the damage in home insurance claims.

7. Check in with your insurance agent

Make sure you’re protected with proper home insurance before spring severe weather hits. 

Remember that normal wear and tear and maintenance on your home are not covered by your homeowners insurance policy. Completing the items on this home maintenance checklist can keep property looking good and help you avoid future home insurance claims. 

Updated 4-10-23