Seasonal upkeep6 min read

After the thaw.

In spring, start with water: where the melt goes, whether the sump pump still runs, and whether the foundation moved. Then the roof, the AC and the yard. Here is the full list.

Updated July 18, 2026

Spring shows you everything winter damaged. The snow melts, water looks for a path, and the small faults you could not see in January become obvious. Catching them now costs a few hours. Finding the same thing in August costs a lot more.

Here is what I look at every spring, in the order that matters.

What should I check first once the snow is gone?

Water. Step outside during a spring rain and watch where it goes. The ground should slope away from the house, and the downspouts should push water well clear of the foundation instead of dumping it right beside the wall.

Then test the sump pump before you need it: pour a bucket of water into the pit and listen for it to kick on and clear. It is the kind of thing that sits idle eleven months and has to work on the first try.

Should I worry about cracks in the foundation?

Not always. Concrete cracks as it cures, and thin hairline lines are common in our houses. What is worth a call is a crack that has widened since last year, a stair step crack running through a block wall, or any crack letting water or damp into the basement.

Take a dated photo. It is the simplest way to know next spring whether something is actually moving or whether you are imagining it.

How do I tell if winter damaged the roof?

Look from the inside first. Brown rings on a ceiling or high on a wall near the roof edge are the signature of an ice dam: ice built up along the eave and water worked its way back under the shingles.

From outside, standing on the ground, look for lifted, curled or missing shingles, granules piling up at the bottom of the downspouts, and gutters pulled loose by the weight of ice. If anything looks off, send a roofer up rather than going up yourself.

When should I start the air conditioning?

On a mild day, well before the first heat wave. Pull the cover off the outdoor unit, clear the leaves and branches around it, rinse the fins gently, change the filter and let it run a few minutes.

If it starts rough, makes a new noise or does not cool, call right away. Technicians have openings in May and none at all during the first stretch of real heat.

What about the yard before selling season?

Spring is the busiest stretch of the market, and the first impression happens from the sidewalk. Rake up what winter left behind, patch the salt burned grass near the driveway, prune, lay fresh mulch and wash the windows.

If a sale is in your plans this year, do this work before the photos, not after. It is the best spent money in the whole process.

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Frequently asked questions

When should I do the spring inspection?

Once the snow is fully gone and the ground has thawed, usually April on the West Island. Wait for a real rain so you can watch where the water actually goes. It is the best free test there is.

Water came into the basement during the thaw. What now?

Find where it came from first. A short downspout, ground sloping toward the house or a blocked window well explain most cases and cost little to fix. If water keeps coming back with no obvious surface cause, get a waterproofing specialist in before you redo any finishing.

Is this worth doing before I sell?

Yes. A buyer and their inspector see the same signs you do: ceiling rings, damp cracks, a sagging gutter. Sorting them before listing keeps them from turning into a price renegotiation later.