Spring is a useful inspection window because winter damage is visible before vegetation fills in and before summer schedules become crowded.
SAFE FIRST STEPS
What you can do now
Walk the exterior in daylight and photograph loose shingles, gutters, flashing, siding, branches, and any new ground movement.
Run water at every fixture, flush toilets, and look below sinks and around appliances for leaks.
Inspect decks, stairs, railings, and porches for movement, rot, loose fasteners, or winter heaving.
Check basements and crawlspaces for moisture, mold-like growth, pest activity, or sump-pump problems.
Clear safe-to-reach surface drains and confirm soil and downspouts move water away from the house.
Test smoke/CO alarms and verify heating, cooling, well, and other seasonal equipment before you depend on it.
A note on safety
These are general property care suggestions, not a substitute for licensed or emergency service. If there is an immediate risk to people, the building, or utility lines, contact the appropriate emergency service first.
