Minnesota is hard on houses. Big temperature swings, heavy snow, spring thaws, and humid summers all take their toll. The good news is that most problems start small, and a little routine attention keeps them that way.
Here is a simple Minnesota home maintenance checklist by season. Print it, stick it on the fridge, and knock out a few items each weekend.
Spring
After the snow melts, walk around the outside of the house and look for winter damage.
- Check the roof from the ground for missing or lifted shingles
- Look for gutters pulling away or downspouts knocked loose by ice
- Make sure downspouts carry water at least a few feet away from the foundation
- Check that soil slopes away from the house so water doesn’t pool against it
- Test the sump pump by pouring a bucket of water into the pit
- Look for cracked caulk around windows and doors
- Schedule air conditioner service before the first hot week
- Clean or replace window screens before you open the windows
- Turn the outdoor faucets back on and check for leaks inside the wall. A frozen pipe often doesn’t show itself until the water runs.
Summer
Summer is the best time for outdoor repairs, since paint, caulk, and stain all need warm, dry weather.
- Touch up peeling paint, especially on window sills and trim
- Recaulk gaps around windows, doors, and where different materials meet
- Clean and seal the deck if water no longer beads on it
- Check weatherstripping on doors and replace any that is torn or flat
- Trim shrubs back so they don’t touch the siding
- Clean the dryer vent from the outside. Lint buildup is a fire risk.
Fall
Fall is the most important season on the list. What you do in October decides how your house handles January.
- Disconnect garden hoses and shut off and drain outdoor faucets before the first hard freeze
- Have the sprinkler system blown out
- Clean the gutters after most of the leaves have dropped
- Replace the furnace filter and schedule a furnace check
- Seal gaps where pipes and wires enter the house. Mice look for a warm spot in fall.
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and replace batteries
- Mark the edges of the driveway for snow plowing
- Bring in or cover patio furniture and the grill
A note on carbon monoxide alarms. Minnesota law requires a working CO alarm within 10 feet of every bedroom. Fall is a good time to check that you have them and that they work.
Winter
Winter maintenance is mostly about keeping an eye on things.
- Check the furnace filter monthly and change it as needed
- Keep furnace and water heater vents on the side of the house clear of snow. Many newer furnaces vent through a wall instead of the roof, and a buried vent can shut the furnace down.
- Watch for ice dams along the roof edge and for icicles that keep getting bigger
- Watch for heavy condensation on windows, which can mean humidity is too high
- Know where your main water shutoff is in case a pipe bursts
Small jobs add up
Most homes have a running list of little things. A loose cabinet door, a wobbly towel bar, a drywall ding, a fixture you have been meaning to swap. None of them are urgent, but together they make a house feel worn.
One easy approach is to save them up and knock them out in a single visit. An afternoon with the right tools clears a list that might otherwise linger for months.
How we can help
Starting in May 2027, Eminence Services offers handyman work through licensed, insured partners that we choose, schedule, and manage. Every job starts with a written, flat-rate quote, and the work includes:
- Drywall patches and repairs
- Fixtures and hardware
- Doors, locks, and trim
- TV mounting and shelving
- Caulking and weatherproofing
- Seasonal maintenance and small repairs
Our Premium membership includes 2 hours of handyman help, and Elite includes 6 hours in all plus spring and fall home checkups. Our own crews handle the outside work too, including gutter cleaning, power washing, and lawn care.
We are booking now for 2027. See our handyman service, or request a free quote.
Home maintenance questions
What should I do to my house before winter in Minnesota?
Shut off and drain outdoor faucets, blow out the sprinkler system, clean the gutters, change the furnace filter, and test smoke and CO alarms.
How often should I change my furnace filter?
Check it monthly during heating season and replace it when it looks dirty. The filter’s packaging lists how often that model should be changed.
What if my project is too big for a handyman?
We focus on repairs and small projects. For larger remodels, we will tell you so up front.
