Home Maintenance Tasks Kansas City Homeowners Should Tackle Before Spring

Kansas City winters can be unpredictable. Freezing temperatures, snow, ice, and wide temperature swings can take a toll on homes across the metro.

As winter winds down, taking care of a few key maintenance items before spring rains and storms arrive can help protect your home and prevent costly repairs.

Inspect Your Roof and Gutters

Winter storms in the Kansas City area can loosen shingles, damage flashing, and clog gutters with debris. Take time to look for missing or lifted shingles and make sure gutters and downspouts are clear and directing water away from the foundation. With spring thunderstorms on the horizon, proper drainage is critical to avoiding leaks and basement issues.

Check for Exterior Damage

Kansas City’s frequent freeze-thaw cycles cause building materials to expand and contract, which can lead to cracking. Walk around the exterior of your home and look for damage to siding, brick, or stucco. Check caulking around windows and doors, and address peeling paint or exposed wood before moisture becomes a problem.

Service Your HVAC System

Before summer heat and humidity arrive, make sure your HVAC system is ready. Replacing filters, clearing debris from the outdoor unit, and scheduling a professional tune-up can improve efficiency and reduce the risk of breakdowns during the first heat wave of the year.

Tackle Outdoor Clean Up

Winter often leaves behind fallen branches, packed leaves, and debris that can block drainage or hide damage. Clearing the yard, raking leaves away from the foundation, and checking patios, decks, and walkways for cracks or shifting can help prevent water issues during spring storms.

Plan the Projects You Want to Complete This Year

Early spring is an ideal time to plan home improvement and maintenance projects. Contractor schedules tend to fill up quickly once warmer weather hits. Creating a priority list, setting a budget, and deciding which projects you’ll DIY versus hire out can help keep projects organized and costs spread out throughout the year.

Prepare Windows and Doors for Spring

Drafty windows and doors impact comfort and energy efficiency year-round. Check weatherstripping and caulking, clean window tracks, and repair or replace damaged screens. Taking care of these items now helps improve airflow and keeps cooling costs down as temperatures rise.

Test Safety Devices

Seasonal changes are a good reminder to test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, replace batteries, and check fire extinguishers. With Kansas City’s spring storm and tornado season, it’s also a smart time to review emergency and severe weather plans.

Get Your Yard and Drainage Ready for Spring Storms

Proper drainage plays a big role in protecting your home’s foundation. Clear yard drains and window wells, check grading around the home, and trim branches away from the roof and siding to reduce the risk of storm-related damage.

Final Thoughts

Pre-spring maintenance is one of the easiest ways to protect your home and avoid costly repairs later in the year. Whether you live in an older Kansas City neighborhood or a newer home in the surrounding suburbs, staying proactive now can pay off all year long.