As the snow melts and the days get longer, spring in Alberta presents a valuable opportunity to give your home the attention it deserves. Winter can be hard on a property, especially in our climate—so now’s the time to tackle seasonal upkeep that protects your investment, improves comfort, and gives your space a fresh start.
Whether you’re a first-time homeowner or just looking to stay ahead of the curve, this spring maintenance checklist is designed to be approachable, manageable, and effective.
1. Start With the Exterior: Spot the Signs of Winter Wear
Alberta’s winters can be rough on your home’s exterior, so a quick visual inspection now can help prevent small issues from becoming big repairs later.
- Roof Check: Look for missing or damaged shingles, rusted flashing, and signs of ice damming near the edges.
- Gutters & Downspouts: Clear out leaves and debris to prevent blockages. Check for sagging or water pooling near the foundation.
- Windows & Doors: Wash exterior glass and inspect seals or caulking. Re-seal as needed to prevent energy loss.
- Siding & Foundation: Walk around your property to spot cracks, warping, or moisture buildup along walls and the base of your home.
- Driveways & Walkways: Freeze-thaw cycles can cause cracks or unevenness. Mark them for potential patching in warmer months.
Pro tip: Use your smartphone to snap photos of anything that looks off. It’s easier to keep track of future fixes that way.
2. Get Your Yard Ready to Wake Up
Even if landscaping isn’t your thing, a bit of early attention goes a long way in keeping your yard healthy and inviting.
- Rake and Remove Debris: Leaves, sticks, and other winter leftovers can smother new grass and plants.
- Lawn Maintenance: Fertilize early in the season, over-seed thin patches, and consider aerating if your lawn feels compacted.
- Prune Trees and Shrubs: Trim dead or damaged branches to encourage new growth and prevent hazards in storms.
- Clean Outdoor Furniture & BBQ: Give everything a wipe-down or wash so you’re ready for those warmer days ahead.
Optional: If you’re planning to garden, start planning layouts and prepping soil now. Alberta’s growing season is short, so a head start helps!
3. Take a Tour Inside: Check Your Systems
While the outside gets most of the attention this time of year, indoor systems are just as important to keep in good shape.
- Change Your Furnace Filter: A clean filter keeps air quality high and your HVAC system running efficiently.
- Schedule A/C Service: Don’t wait until the first hot day—spring tune-ups can catch issues before peak season.
- Smoke & CO Detectors: Test all devices and replace batteries. Alberta law requires working smoke detectors on every level of your home.
- Sump Pump (if applicable): Pour water into the pit to make sure it turns on. If not, it may need repair or replacement before spring runoff hits.
- Water Heater: Check for any signs of leaks or rust and flush the tank if recommended by your model’s manual.
4. Quick Interior Updates for Comfort & Cleanliness
Spring is also a great time to do a few feel-good tasks that make your space lighter, cleaner, and more livable.
- Declutter One Room at a Time: Start small—like a hallway closet or your kitchen junk drawer. It’s less overwhelming and still rewarding.
- Dust in Unexpected Places: Ceiling fans, baseboards, vents, and light fixtures tend to collect winter dust.
- Fresh Linens & Light Decor: Swap out heavy blankets or dark colours for lighter tones to match the season.
- Check Windows & Doors for Drafts: Replacing weather stripping or using caulking can improve energy efficiency for summer.
Why This Checklist Matters
It’s easy to overlook seasonal maintenance—especially with a busy schedule or a new home. But taking a few hours in spring to walk through these areas creates a habit of care that helps protect your investment, keeps your systems running well, and prevents surprise expenses down the road.
These aren’t meant to be high-effort projects. Instead, think of this list as your home’s seasonal reset—just like your own fresh start every spring.
Final Thought: You Don’t Need to Do It All At Once
Spring home maintenance doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Spread the tasks over a couple of weekends, get your family or partner involved, or even create a shared checklist you can revisit each year.
Most importantly, give yourself some credit—if you’re reading this, you’re already one step ahead in caring for your home.
