It has been a long, cold winter, but now the warm days of spring are finally here. As the weather warms up and the last traces of snow melt, it is time to think about your home.

Spring cleaning is important for the inside of your home, but spring maintenance is just as vital for your home’s exterior. When the snow was flying and the temperatures were growing colder, you probably did not want to spend much time outside. Now that things are looking up, it is time to get out there and give your home a once-over.

If you want to make the most of your pre-season home maintenance, it helps to have a checklist to work with. You will feel great as you check each item off your list, and when you are done, Here is a 10 point spring maintenance checklist that will have your home looking great in no time.

10 point checklist:

• Check the roof – Winter can be hard on your roof, so look for missing shingles, broken pieces and other damage. If you are not comfortable climbing a ladder, you can hire a professional to do the work – or have your kid fly their drone overhead.

• Clean the gutters – Clogged gutters are a big problem in the springtime, especially when the first spring rains make their appearance. Cleaning fallen leaves and other debris out of the gutters now can significantly reduce your risk later.

• Move the firewood – If you use firewood during the winter, now is the time to pack it away and get it away from your home. A warm day spent moving firewood into your storage shed will give you some great exercise, and a feeling of accomplishment.

• Examine the screws and fasteners on your window casings – Those bolts and screws can work their way loose over time, so make sure they are tight.
• Clean everything – You will be turning your AC on before you know it, and now is the time to make sure your filters are in great shape and your home is cleaned top to bottom.

• Make sure your concrete is in good shape – The constant freeze/thaw cycle of a cold winter can really take a toll on concrete walkways and sidewalks. Now is the time to look for cracks, loose pieces and other problems.

• Check for driveway problems – From road salt on your tires to sudden changes in temperature, your driveway goes through a lot of stress each winter. Take the time to look for cracks, missing chunks and other imperfections that can be easily patched once the weather turns.

• Repair holes and tears in your window screens – The screens did not matter much when the windows were closed, but those holes and tears will mean a lot when it is time to let the air in.

• Make sure your outdoor lighting is in working order – Summer means backyard barbecues and parties, so now is the time to check your outdoor lighting. Make sure your solar path lights are in good repair, and that the bulbs in your deck and pool lights are working as they should.

• Store away your winter things – Always running out of room, especially in your closets? Put away those heavy coats and all none needed clothes and equipment to a cost effective self storage near your home.

The spring season is the perfect time to get your home in shape. The hot days of summer will be here before you know it, but for now, you still have plenty of time to whip your home into shape, so you can sit back, relax and enjoy the warm weather to come.