Spring Into Action: 5 Essential Home Maintenance Tips for New Homeowners in Georgia

As spring showers approach, these helpful home maintenance tips for new Georgia homeowners will help.

As a Georgia homeowner you need to be proactive in preparing your home for each season, but especially spring. Georgia’s weather can be unpredictable and hardcore with spring showers, humidity, back to cold and even the occasional tornado. Feeling overwhelmed as a new Georgia home owner and not sure where to start for your home maintenance? Let's keep your home safe and comfortable, with these top five maintenance tasks before spring hits:

1. Clean and Inspect Gutters

In Georgia, spring showers can quickly. If your gutters are clogged this is asking for trouble. When your gutters are clogged with leaves and other debris (we've even seen a sapling pine tree growing out of one!) this will lead to a ton of damage to your roof, siding, foundation and will even risk flooding your home's interior. Make sure that each season you clean out your gutters and downspouts (especially after fall and winter). Also, inspect your gutters for leaks, rust, or even loose sections that could be causing drainage problems. Proper maintenance on your gutters can save you from costly water damage repairs in the future.

2. Inspect and Maintain Your Sump Pump

Heavy rains in Georgia can overwhelm your basement or crawl space. You must make sure your sump pump is properly working before a storm hits. The sump pump helps keep your basement dry by removing excess water, which is a must during Georgia's rainy season. Test your sump pump to make sure drains properly. Clear dirt from the sump pump pit, and check that the sump pump’s power source is reliable (consider installing a battery backup in case of power outages, which happen often during bad Georgia storms).

3. Check for Leaks and Seal Any Gaps

Spring rain and rising Georgia humidity will find its way into your Georgia home through an small crack or gaps. We know, it's such a pain. Quarterly it's a good idea to inspect your windows, doors, as well as your home's exterior walls for leaks. Then seal any gaps that could let water in. Pay close attention to the areas that would be first to experience a plumbing issue, like under sinks, behind walls and around washing machines or dishwashers. The earlier you can detect a leak the better! Georgia is a very humid state and it doesn't take much for mold growth to happen after water damage.

4. Service Your HVAC System

Don't wait till it gets hot. Service your HVAC now and make sure it's running efficiently. Georgia’s heat and humidity make summers unbearable, so a properly maintained HVAC system is essential. Regularly change the air filter(s) and clean the vents. At least twice a year consider scheduling a professional inspection to make sure your system is functioning correctly. A well-maintained HVAC system will not just keep your home cool, it will reduce your risk of costly repairs as well as high energy bills during Georgia’s very hot summer months (there's a reason we call it "HOT-Lanta".

5. Inspect Your Roof

Georgia’s large range of weather can take a quick toll on your roof (especially if it's older) and spring storms can exacerbate any existing damage. Hire a professional to inspect your roof for missing shingles, leaks or signs of wear that could potentially allow water to enter your home. Georgia gets hit by spring storms with high winds every year, so it’s essential to address any roof damage before the weather hits. Roof repairs can prevent significant water damage to your home, especially in areas like attics and ceilings.

Maintenance Throughout the Year Will Protect Your Georgia Home

By staying on top of these spring home maintenance tasks, new homeowners in Georgia can protect their homes from the unpredictable crazy weather and prevent costly repairs. Whether it’s cleaning your gutters, checking your sump pump, or ensuring your HVAC system is running efficiently, early preparation is key.

At First In Restoration, we specialize in water damage restoration and emergency plumbing services in Gwinnett County, Loganville, Johns Creek, and surrounding areas. If you discover water damage, mold growth, or plumbing issues during your spring maintenance, we’re here to help. Don’t let water damage ruin your home—call First In Restoration today to make sure your home is ready for the spring season.