Spring in Montgomery is the most important maintenance window of the year. The mild weather between winter and the brutal summer heat is the best time to handle preventive work that keeps small problems from becoming expensive emergencies in July. Here's the checklist we follow on every property we manage.
HVAC: Get Ready for Summer Now
Montgomery summers regularly hit 95F+ with brutal humidity. Your HVAC system is going to work harder than at any other time of year, and a failure during a heat wave is both expensive and dangerous for tenants. Spring is when you fix problems before they become emergencies.
Tasks to complete:
- Replace HVAC filters (do this monthly during summer)
- Schedule a professional HVAC tune-up - typically $80-$150 per unit
- Check refrigerant levels and inspect coils
- Clear debris from around the outdoor condenser unit
- Test the system on cooling mode before May arrives
One spring tune-up per property prevents the majority of summer HVAC emergencies. The cost is minimal compared to a panicked emergency call in July when every HVAC tech in Montgomery is booked solid. Read more in our preventive maintenance guide.
Roof and Gutters
Winter storms and tree debris take a toll on roofs and gutters in central Alabama. Spring is the time to assess damage before summer thunderstorms arrive.
- Inspect roof for missing or damaged shingles
- Clean gutters and downspouts of leaves and debris
- Check that downspouts direct water away from the foundation
- Look for soft spots or sagging in the roof line
- Trim tree branches hanging over the roof
Exterior Inspection
Walk the property and look for issues that develop during winter months:
- Check exterior paint for peeling or cracking, especially on south-facing walls
- Inspect siding, brick, and stucco for damage
- Look for cracks in driveways and walkways
- Test outdoor faucets and hose bibs for leaks
- Check window screens for tears or missing pieces
- Make sure all exterior light fixtures work and have functional bulbs
Landscaping
Curb appeal matters for both tenant retention and property value. Spring is when Montgomery yards either come back to life or fall apart.
- Apply pre-emergent herbicide to prevent summer weeds
- Fertilize lawns with a spring application
- Trim trees and shrubs before they leaf out fully
- Reseed bare patches in the lawn
- Check sprinkler systems for broken heads or leaks
- Refresh mulch in landscaping beds
Interior Items Worth Checking
If your tenant agrees to a routine inspection, spring is a good time to address interior preventive items:
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors - replace batteries
- Check for water stains on ceilings (potential roof leak indicators)
- Inspect under sinks for slow leaks or water damage
- Test GFCI outlets in kitchens and bathrooms
- Look at caulking around tubs, showers, and windows
Pest Prevention
Alabama's warm, humid spring is when pests come back in force. Address prevention before infestations start:
- Schedule preventive pest treatment for ants, roaches, and termites
- Seal any exterior cracks or openings where pests could enter
- Trim vegetation away from the home's exterior
- Check crawl spaces and attics for signs of rodents or insects
Termite inspections are particularly important in Alabama. The state has one of the highest termite pressure rates in the country, and an annual inspection costs far less than termite damage repair.
Section 8 Properties: Pre-Inspection Time
If you have Section 8 properties, spring is when annual recertifications and inspections kick into gear for many tenants. Use this time to do a self-inspection against HQS standards and address any issues before the official inspection.
The Cost of Skipping Spring Maintenance
A few hours and a few hundred dollars in spring prevents the most common summer disasters:
Skipped HVAC tune-up: Average emergency HVAC repair in summer runs $400-$1,200. A spring tune-up costs $80-$150.
Clogged gutters: Water damage to fascia and soffit averages $1,500-$3,000 to repair. Cleaning gutters costs $100-$250.
Untreated termite issues: Termite damage repair averages $3,000-$8,000. Annual inspection costs $100-$200.
Deferred roof repair: A small leak ignored in spring becomes interior water damage by August. Catching it early often means a $300-$500 repair instead of $3,000+.
Don't Want to Manage This Yourself?
This is exactly the kind of thing professional property management handles. We coordinate seasonal maintenance across our entire portfolio so nothing falls through the cracks. No more wondering whether the HVAC got serviced or if the gutters need cleaning. See our full pricing and services.
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