Spring has sprung! April occupies a sweet spot on the calendar, marking the bridge between winter’s chill and the warmth of summer. It’s a crucial time to fix the toll that winter’s took on our homes as well as it prepare for the warmer months. April is a HUGE home maintenance month, so to help, I’ll equip you with this free printable Home Maintenance Cheat Sheet for April. A practical, useful checklist developed by a homeowner for homeowners.
Checklist/ Cheat Sheet/ Whatever You Want to Call It
Let’s face it, keeping track of all the different maintenance needs for your home can feel overwhelming. I’m terribly unorganized unless I write down a to-do list to follow. And that goes for home maintenance tasks as well.
Admittedly there are a ton of other printable home maintenance checklists online. Some I’ve liked. Some were lacking. Especially those developed by companies who are more into fancy-looking graphics and not actual helpful content.
So I decided to create home maintenance checklists for each month. In this post, I share my home maintenance cheat sheet for April – ensuring you don’t miss a single thing.
After working through the checksheet, you have recommendations, email me. Unlike the big home improvement online websites, I’ll listen.
Home Maintenance Cheat Sheet for April
Like my other month-by month home maintenance checklists, these cheat sheets are divided into the below 4 sections.
- Safety and Security
- Exterior Maintenance
- Spring Cleanup
- Interior Maintenance
What I like about this is that there are usually 4 weeks (or weekends) in a month. If you don’t feel like tackling the entire checklist in one day or weekend, you can pick a section to do each weekend.
Look at me, already organizing you 😉
Ready? Here we go!
[Click here to jump right to the printable pdf checklist. Sure, there’s a lot of great info below BUT I get it, you want to jump right to the checklist….. 😉]
1. Safety & Security
When it comes to home maintenance, safety and security should always be top priorities. Last month you checked your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. For April, here’s two items for your to-do list.
Check Fire Extinguisher
Having a properly functioning fire extinguisher readily available in your home can make a critical difference in an emergency. During your April maintenance, inspect your fire extinguishers to ensure they are fully charged and the pressure gauge is in the green zone. Familiarize yourself with the operating instructions and consider participating in a fire extinguisher training course if you haven’t already.
RELATED POST: Guide to Fire Extinguishers [Homeowner Perspective]
Inspect Outdoor Electrical Lights & Outlets
Properly functioning outdoor lighting not only enhances curb appeal but also improves security around your property. Walk around your house at night and check all your exterior light fixtures, including spotlights, sconces, and overhead lights. Replace any burned-out bulbs and ensure all the fixtures are working properly.
Next, check for any signs of damage or wear and tear on the electrical outlets themselves, as well as the wiring leading to them. For outlets, avoid using them until a qualified electrician can address the problem. Remember, exposed or damaged electrical wiring poses a serious electrical shock hazard.
2. Exterior Maintenance
In between those April showers, head outside to inspect how winter wreaked havoc on your home’s exterior and get it ready for summer.
Care for Deck or Patio
As the weather warms, your deck or patio will likely become a favorite spot for outdoor gatherings. Before the entertaining begins, check your deck or patio for any signs of damage, such as loose boards, rotting wood, or cracks in the concrete. Make any necessary repairs to ensure a safe and enjoyable outdoor space.
RELATED POST: 9 Lessons Learned and Tips for Restoring an Old Deck
Patrol for Pests
April showers bring not just flowers, but also the potential for unwelcome guests like termites, ants, and rodents. During your exterior maintenance, keep an eye out for signs of pests, such as nests, droppings, or gnaw marks.
Prepare Grill
I miss my grill during the winter! The first day of grilling season is a happy one in my house. Clean your grill thoroughly, inspect for any gas leaks (if applicable), and replace propane tanks if necessary.
Note that the remaining items under Exterior Maintenance are also listed as to-do items on the March Home Maintenance Checklist. Depending on your geographic location and weather, these tasks can be done either month.
Clean Gutters & Downspouts
Clogged gutters are a recipe for disaster. Overfilled gutters can overflow during heavy rain, causing water damage to your roof, siding, and foundation.
Remove leaves, debris, and any blockages that might hinder water flow. Flush the downspouts with a hose to ensure water drains properly away from your home.
Clean Siding
Winter’s grime and dust can leave your house siding looking dull. To restore its shine and improve curb appeal, wash your siding in April. Opt for a power washer for tougher jobs, but be sure to use a low-pressure setting to avoid damaging the siding material.
Inspect Roof
Winter’s harsh winds and snow can take a toll on your roof. If you didn’t get to it in March, take advantage of April’s clear weather to conduct a thorough inspection.
Look for missing or damaged shingles, cracks around chimneys or vents, and any signs of leaks or water damage.
Check for Cracks in Foundation or Siding
Your home’s foundation is its core, literally. In April, take a moment to inspect your foundation for any cracks. Hairline cracks are often nothing to worry about, but larger cracks can indicate a more serious problem. If you notice significant cracks, consult a professional.
Prep Outdoor Faucets & Spigots
Winter weather can freeze and damage exposed pipes and faucets. Hopefully back in the fall you turned off the water supply to outdoor faucets. Now is the ideal time of year to turn those outdoor faucets back on and check for any leaks or signs of damage.
It’s also a time to consider if you want your gutters to run double-duty by harvesting rainwater into rain barrels to water your garden, but you should balance the pros and cons.
RELATED POST: 8 Disadvantages of Rain Barrels (That Don’t Make Them Worth It)
Swap Out Window & Door Storms
Window and door screens play a vital role in keeping your home pest-free during spring and summer. Remove and store the winter window and door storm glass and replace with the screen.
Before installing the screens, carefully examine the entire screen surface for rips, tears, and holes. Remember, those little suckers can squeeze into ridiculously small holes. Also be sure that the screen material is held taut to the frame using a “spline” – a thin, flexible rubber strip. Make sure that strip isn’t excessively worn or cracking.
If you need to replace, luckily there are screen patch kits at most hardware stores. For larger screens, some hardware stores offer screen replacing services. We had a large hole in our door screen and ACE Hardware replaced at a reasonable cost.
Fix Loose Trim
Over time, nails holding trim boards (around windows, doors, etc.) can loosen or pop out. Check for any loose trim and re-nail to maintain a good-looking house.
3. Interior Maintenance
April makes me happy since it means longer days and the opportunity to open the windows. BUT April is synonymous with spring cleaning. And I’m NOT a huge fan of cleaning…. But it’s gotta get done, right? #adulting
For this checklist, I don’t focus on a spring cleaning and deep cleaning extravaganza for April. Instead I break up the top-to-bottom refresh by room over the year.
Room of the Month
That being said, you may notice in my other monthly home maintenance cheat sheets, I pick a room to focus on for a declutter, deep clean and organizing. I’m not a fan of deep cleaning the whole house in one weekend. Who has time for that??? I have 3 kids – I barely have time to wash my hair on some weekends.
For April, let’s focus on these two rooms.… drumroll please…..your mudroom/ entryway and garage.
Refresh Mudroom
For many households, the mudroom acts as a catch-all for shoes, bags, coats, and sports equipment. And in the winter, it bears the brunt of the elements as your family sheds and drops their winter gear.
Dedicate some time in April to specifically clean and organize your mudroom. Clean and store winter boots, hats, gloves, scarves and heavy coats. Hang up coats and bags on designated hooks or shelves. Invest in storage solutions like bins or baskets to keep smaller items like gloves, hats, and scarves organized.
Once complete, treat yourself by adding curb appeal to your mudroom’s front entrance. Step outside and add colorful flowers in pots or window boxes and add a fresh welcome mat. Bonus points if you give your front door a new coat of paint for a vibrant spring entrance.
Reorganize Garage
In our house, the garage is a hot mess by the end of winter. This neglected space desperately needs organization to transform it from a dumping spot of snow shovels and salt bags into a streamlined space for bikes, beach chairs, and gardening tools.
Start by decluttering ruthlessly. Donate or sell unused winter gear like skis or snow tubes. Consider a yard sale to offload unwanted items and make some extra cash. Once the clutter is gone, sweep away winter’s dust and grime.
Then, it’s time to break out the summer essentials. Install hooks for bikes, shelves for gardening tools, and clear bins for pool equipment.
Change HVAC filter
Last month you scheduled a professional cleaning for your HVAC system to ensure your air conditioning system will work at optimal performance throughout the hot summer months.
This month, depending on your system, you may need to change out your HVAC. Some filters need to be changed monthly, some or once every 3 months. To be on the conservative side, this series of home maintenance checklists will assume once a month.
Pack Up Bedding
As the weather warms, it’s time to pack away those heavy winter comforters and duvets. Wash your winter bedding thoroughly to remove dust mites and allergens. Store them neatly in breathable containers or bags for next season. Freshen up your pillows by washing or dry cleaning them according to the care instructions.
Clean Light Fixtures
Light fixtures, neglected throughout the winter months, can accumulate dust and grime, reducing their brightness and casting a dull light on your entire space. Dedicate some time during your spring cleaning blitz to refresh your light fixtures and chandeliers to illuminate your home in all its spring glory.
Switch Over Closets
Spring is a great time to refresh your wardrobe. And if you live in an old house, then you probably have small closets which only hold 1-2 seasons of clothes max.
Dedicate some time to declutter your closets. Donate or sell clothes you no longer wear, keeping only items that fit well and spark joy. Switch out winter for summer wardrobe. Clean and store winter clothes up in the attic or other storage areas.
Organize your remaining clothes by category (shirts, pants, dresses) and season for easier access.
Deep Clean Carpets & Upholstery
Regular vacuuming is important, but a deeper clean in April to remove dirt, dust, allergens, and pet hair that embeds in your carpet and upholstery over the winter months. This not only improves indoor air quality but also extends the life of your furniture and carpets. You can rent a carpet cleaner for a DIY approach, or hire professional cleaning services for a more thorough deep clean.
Check Attic
Attics can be a prime location for moisture damage, mold growth, and even pest infestations. In April, dedicate some time to inspecting your attic. Look for signs of leaks, water damage, or mold growth.
While you’re at it, consider organizing your attic storage to maximize space and make it easier to find what you need.
Wash Windows & Treatments
You’ve tackled swapping out the window storm glass and installed the summer screens.
Grime and dust accumulated over winter can leave your windows looking dull and block the sunshine from entering your home.
In addition to freshening up the glass, don’t forget the window sills and your window treatments. Washable fabric curtains can be laundered according to their care instructions. Blinds can be refreshed using a microfiber cloth or a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment to remove dust and allergens.
RELATED POST: 25 FAQs & Best Tips For Washing Windows – From the Experts
4. Yard & Garden
April showers don’t just bring May flowers – they also kickstart the gardening season! Yoo-hoo!!!!! Here’s how to get your outdoor space ready for spring and summer. (Remember: This list is a general guideline. Tailor it to your specific needs and climate.)
Look for Low Drainage Spots
Heavy spring rains can highlight drainage issues in your yard. Walk around your property after a downpour and look for any areas where water pools or collects. Poor drainage can damage your foundation – and THAT’S an expensive fix! Plus, standing water in your yard provides a breeding ground for pesky mosquitos.
Address any low spots by filling them with soil or regrading the area to encourage proper water flow.
Spruce Up Grass
Spring is a prime time to give your lawn a boost with a springtime aeration, feeding and seeding. Choose the right products and techniques appropriate for your grass type and climate. With a bit of time and effort you can create a healthy lawn with a lush green appearance and improved resistance to pests and diseases.
Test Irrigation System
If it was too cold in March to test, hopefully April is warm enough to turn on and inspect each zone of your irrigation system. Identify any sprinkler heads that are clogged, misaligned, or leaking, and fix.
Prep Garden Beds
Remove any dead plants, leaves, and debris that accumulated over winter in your garden beds. Loosen compacted soil with a rake or garden fork to improve aeration and drainage. Reseal the wood on raised garden beds.
RELATED POST: How to Reseal Wood on Raised Vegetable Garden Beds
For vegetable beds, hopefully you have received the results of your soil test and you can amend the soil with compost or other organic matter as recommended.
Live in a warmer climate? Then April may be the perfect time to start planting flowers, bushes, trees, vegetables and herbs.
PRINTABLE Home Maintenance Cheat Sheet for April
Whew! That’s a lot. Sorry this article is a bit long – BUT I wanted to be sure that you had enough detail to get what you needed.
While this home maintenance cheat sheet for April provides a solid foundation, remember it is just a guide. Your climate influences the specific tasks you need to prioritize.
Ready to get started? Download your printable Home Maintenance Cheat Sheet for April below and tick off these essential tasks as you complete them! Transition your home into spring stress-free.
Any issues? Problems? Suggestions? Be sure to reach out! Click here to contact me.
Next Month…..May..
Ready for May’s monthly home maintenance checklist????
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