Spring Home Walk-Through
Why It Matters
Winter hides damage. A spring walk-through catches problems while they are still small and before they become emergencies.
Quick Guide
- 1
Gather your tools and materials
You'll need: Notepad, Camera or phone. Materials required: necessary materials.
- 2
Perform the spring home walk-through
Conduct a thorough walk-through of your home inside and out after winter, noting any damage or needed repairs.
- 3
Verify and clean up
Check that the work was completed correctly and clean up your workspace.
Tools & Materials
Tools
- Notepad
- Camera or phone
Community Tips
Document roof condition and gutter debris now while climbing is safest in spring weather, as summer heat makes asphalt shingles tacky and fall leaves obscure problem areas like missing granules or pooling water. Photograph close-ups of any bare spots, as this creates an insurance record and helps contractors provide accurate quotes.
Use a Ryobi ONE+ 18V Compact Inspection Camera ($60-90) to peer into foundation cracks, behind downspouts, and under deck boards without ladders or crawlspace entry—digital images immediately reveal hairline fissures or pest entry points that bare-eye inspection misses.
Check caulk around exterior doors and window frames for gaps wider than 1/8 inch, as spring thaw and freeze-thaw cycles can split old caulk lines and allow moisture migration that causes drywall rot inside walls before visible staining appears. Recaulking now prevents costly interior water damage discovered months later. ---