Taking the time to inspect the outside of your home now can save you time and money down the road. Here are some important tips to follow when inspecting your home:
 

Make a Visual Inspection of Your Roof
Extensive damage can be caused when shingles fall off completely. Look for signs of age such as curling, shrinking, or broken or missing shingles. In order to avoid costly leaks, repair or replace damaged or missing shingles.
Inspect Window and Door Screens
Inspect screens for holes and tears. You can purchase a screen repair kit from your local hardware store.
Turn On Hose Bibs
Before you turn on your hose bibs, inspect pipes between the hose bib and shut-off valve for signs of frost damage or splits in the pipes. Also check for separated joints. Once you've checked that everything is in good shape, make sure your outside hose bib is turned off, and turn on the shut-off valve inside your home. Your outside hose bib is now ready for use.
Inspect Air Conditioning System and Change Filter
Now is the time to have your air conditioning system checked by a licensed HVAC mechanic. Have your furnace or air handler filter replaced and be sure to change it monthly. If you are unsure how to change the filter, ask the HVAC mechanic to show you how it is done.
Inspect Your Deck
Winter weather can be harsh on wood, so look for loose nails and boards. Also, check for rotted boards that need to be fixed or replaced.
Paint
Look for signs of cracking or peeling paint and caulking. Scrape, sand, and repaint areas as needed so that you don't end up with rotted wood or the need to repaint the entire house.
Clean Fireplaces and Wood Stoves
Remove as many ashes as possible and close your chimney flue. Consult the owner's manual for your wood stove for proper spring cleaning.
Inspect and Clean Gutters and Downspouts
Ice that may have formed over the winter in gutters can cause the gutter to pull away from the house as well as break seals in gutter joints and downspout connections. Loose or clogged gutters can allow rain to run over your fascia board, into your eaves, and ultimately into your house. Loose gutters can also allow rain to collect near your foundation causing your basement to leak. Gutter cleaning, inspections, and repairs generally require using an extension ladder which can present a potentially dangerous situation. It is recommended that this task be performed by your local licensed handyman or gutter service.
Drainage
Inspect the perimeter of your home looking for signs of settling or voids that would allow rain to run down into your foundation. A properly sloped yard has a minimum of a 5 inch fall from the house to 5 feet out in the yard. This should be true on all sides of your home. This is a minimum condition, the greater the slope, the better your chances of maintaining a dry basement.