After a long Wisconsin winter, the bright sun and warm breeze are certainly a breath of fresh air. The only downside?  All that sunshine spotlights your peeling paint, leaf-filled gutters and cracked driveway.

Here’s a quick checklist to help make sure you’ve handled some of the seasonal home maintenance chores that keep your home and yard looking and functioning in tip-top shape.

• Power wash the siding of your house.
• Check gutters for clogs and clean out any debris. Make sure downspouts are secure.
• Wash windows and sills.  Repair or replace any damaged screens to prevent bugs, etc.
• Test and lubricate garage doors.
• Check your driveway and walkways for cracks and repair or reseal them in warm weather.
• If you have an attic fan, test it before the hot weather sets in.
• Make sure trees around your yard are not affecting wires or power lines.
• Check the roof for holes, crumbling, blistering, or rotting shingles, and repair/replace as needed.
• Powerwash your deck, patio, or porch, keeping an eye out for damaged stairs, sagging roofs, or peeling paint. Make sure supports are in solid condition.
• Reseal exterior woodwork such as wood decks, fences, railings, trellises, pergolas, etc.  They’ll last longer and stay in better condition if they’re stained or resealed every year or two.
• Test your sump pump to ensure it’s working properly.
• Vacuum the lint from the hose of your clothes dryer.
• Check your dishwasher for leaks.  Clean out the bottom and make sure the washer arm spins as its supposed to and the drain hose arcs up to prevent backwash.
• Remove shower heads and clean out any buildup.
• Replace flashlight batteries.

Use this checklist to help you target the areas of need so you can get your chores done quickly, leaving you time to get outside and enjoy the sunshine!