There may still be snow in the air, and you may have just returned from the holidays, but spring will arrive whether you're ready or not! We can't wait for the barbecues, spring flowers, and green lawns, but before you start thinking about patio furniture and butterflies, There are a few things you should do to prepare your house for the arrival of spring.

1. Prepare Your Gutters

When the snow and ice on your roof melt, they will need somewhere to go. Make sure your gutters and downspouts are ready. Check for any loose parts and verify that they are firmly attached and pushing water far enough away from your home. Then, ensure the gutters are clean of fallen leaves, snow, and ice and that water flow properly down the downspout.

2. Check the Caulking on Windows

While everything is frozen, cracked, and ruined, caulking will make little difference. When the ice melts and the spring rains arrive, you'll find unwanted water in your home, and it's much more difficult to fix leaky caulking once it's wet.

3. Move the Wood Pile

Like most people, you keep your wood pile against your house, where it's easy to stay dry and accessible when required. When it rains in the spring, your wood pile goes from being a handy source of pleasant warmth to a breeding ground for mildew and bugs. What do you want so close to home?

4. Look for Cracks and Heaving

If you have cracks in your pathways and driveway, you will likely see heaving in the concrete before the winter is through. Prioritize such repairs and complete them as soon as possible since they will only worsen once the spring thaw and rains arrive.

5. Figure Out if Your Fence Needs a Facelift

Most people are unaware that the summer and fall seasons are the busiest for fence companies. The best time of year to obtain a good bargain on a new fence is in the spring before the season starts to heat up. Allow a company to visit your house before spring to measure your fence, provide an estimate, and then have them return as soon as the snow melts. You'll escape the waiting list and receive a better deal this way!

6. Check Out Door HVAC, Lighting, Faucets, and BBQ

Your air conditioner will run nonstop during the spring and summer months. Plan a test to make sure everything is in working condition before you need it. Check the exterior lights and faucets for correct operation, and get your gas grill tested to verify it is safe.

You may assume you have lots of time before spring arrives, but the truth is that it will just take a few weeks. Until you host your first BBQ or get-together, there won't be much time to prepare. Take action now to escape the spring rush!