Your Winter to Spring Property Checklist: 5 Things to Do Now

As winter comes to an end and spring arrives, it’s the perfect time to give your property a little attention.

The change of season provides a great opportunity to clear away winter debris, identify maintenance issues and prepare your home or investment property for the warmer months ahead.

Whether you're a homeowner or a landlord, a little preventative maintenance now can help protect your property, avoid bigger issues later and keep everything looking and performing its best.

Here are five things to add to your winter-to-spring property checklist.

1. Clear Out Winter Debris

After the colder months, gutters can become filled with leaves, moss, dirt and small branches. If they're not cleared, rainwater may not be able to flow away properly, increasing the risk of overflow and potential damage to fascia boards, walls, ceilings and foundations.

Take the time to check that your gutters are clear and that your downpipes are flowing freely. It's also worth checking where water is going once it leaves the downpipe and making sure it is draining away from the property as it should.

Regularly clearing gutters and checking drainage can help prevent small maintenance issues from becoming expensive problems.

2. Give Your Property a Spring Clean

Spring cleaning isn't just about making your property look fresh and tidy. It's also a great opportunity to look for issues that may have developed over winter.

Clean your windows, screens and window tracks to remove built-up dirt and let more natural light into your home. While you're cleaning, take a closer look at bathrooms, kitchens, wardrobes and other areas where ventilation may be limited.

Keep an eye out for signs of mould, condensation or dampness, particularly in areas that may have remained cold or poorly ventilated throughout winter.

A thorough spring clean can leave your property looking its best while also helping you identify maintenance concerns early.

3. Wake Up the Garden

Your garden may need a little extra attention after winter.

Clear away fallen leaves, branches and other debris, remove weeds and trim back overgrown plants. Pay particular attention to trees and shrubs that may have grown towards the house, gutters, windows or pathways.

Outdoor areas should be clear, safe and easy to use, particularly as you're likely to spend more time outside as the weather warms up.

It's also a good time to assess your lawn, garden beds and outdoor entertaining areas. Cleaning decks, patios and outdoor furniture can make a huge difference to the overall presentation of your property and help you make the most of the warmer months.

4. Get Ahead of Maintenance

One of the best things you can do as winter ends is to stop waiting for something to break.

Spring is an ideal time to check some of the essential systems and fixtures around your property, including:

• Heating and cooling systems
• Ventilation and exhaust fans
• Hot water services
• Smoke alarms
• Lighting
• Outdoor taps
• Decks and outdoor areas
• Fences and gates

Don't forget to check outdoor timber as well. Prolonged exposure to winter moisture can contribute to deterioration, so look for signs of rot, splitting, loose boards or damaged surfaces before they become larger maintenance or safety issues.

Addressing these problems early can often save time, money and stress down the track.

5. Get Your Property Ready for Spring

Spring is a great time to step back and look at your property as a whole.

For homeowners and landlords, preventative maintenance can help protect the condition and value of your property. For landlords in particular, staying on top of maintenance can help provide a safe, comfortable home for tenants while reducing the likelihood of larger issues developing.

And if you're considering selling your property, spring is an excellent opportunity to make sure your home is looking and performing at its best before it goes to market.

Small improvements and maintenance jobs completed now can make a significant difference to the overall presentation of your property when it's time to sell.

Spring Is the Time to Get Ahead

The change from winter to spring is a simple reminder to take a closer look at your property.

Take a walk around your home or investment property and look up, look down and look a little closer. Check the areas you don't normally notice and address small issues before they have the opportunity to become bigger ones.

At Peter Lees Real Estate, we believe property management and real estate should be about being proactive, educating property owners and tenants, and doing things differently.

Because when it comes to looking after your property, getting ahead is always better than catching up.