Walk the Property: What to Look for After a Vermont Winter

Whether you are selling your home or simply trying to take care of it, one of the best things you can do after a long Vermont winter is walk the property and really look at it.

Not a quick glance. A real walk.

This is the kind of inspection any Vermont homeowner can do on their own, and doing it early in the season means you catch small problems before they become expensive ones.

Start at Ground Level

Start on the ground. Pick up the debris, the twigs, the dead leaves. Look at your walkways and steps. Frost heave moves things over a winter, and what looks like a minor shift can create a trip hazard or a drainage problem. Look at the ground around your foundation. Where is water pooling? Where is it moving? [INTERNAL LINK: drainage and grading around Vermont foundations]

Then Look Up

Rooflines, fascia, trim. I noticed a stain coming off our front porch roof this winter and we still are not entirely sure what caused it. Debris that worked its way up there, something left behind by a pest, water moving in a direction it should not have been. We are getting up there this spring to figure it out. That is exactly the kind of thing a property walk reveals.

One of our fascia boards has peeling paint that probably started before this winter but the past few months finished it off. Vermont winters are long and they are hard on houses. Now is the time to make note of what needs repair, what needs paint, and what needs to be replaced before it becomes a bigger problem.

How to Phase Your Post-Winter Property Walk

Think about your property walk in two phases. Right now, while it is still cool, focus on everything at ground level. As the weather warms up and you can safely get a ladder out, work your way up to the roofline. Doors, window screens, gutters, fascia. The whole picture.

You do not have to fix everything today. You just have to know what you are dealing with.

Quick Tips

Bring your phone. Take photos as you go so you have a record of what you found and where.

Make a list. Do not rely on memory. Two weeks from now you will not remember which fascia board or which section of walkway caught your eye.

Look for water first. Anywhere water is pooling, staining, or moving toward the house is your highest priority. How water gets into Vermont basements

Do not wait for perfect weather. A dry day in early April is enough to get started on the ground level portion of your walk.

Phase it out. Ground level now, roofline and upper exterior once the weather cooperates and you can safely get a ladder out.

Call in help when you need it. Some of what you find will be a straightforward DIY fix. Some of it will need a contractor. Knowing the difference early saves money later.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to do a post-winter property walk in Vermont? Early April is a good target. You want the snow to be gone and the ground to have thawed enough that you can see drainage patterns clearly. You do not need to wait for warm weather to walk the ground level portion.

What are the most common issues Vermont homes show after winter? Frost heave on walkways and steps, peeling exterior paint, fascia damage, gutter separation, and water pooling near the foundation are the most common. Older homes may also show foundation movement or cracks that widened over the freeze-thaw cycles.

Do I need a contractor to do a post-winter property walk? No. You can do this yourself with nothing more than your phone for photos and a notepad. The walk is about knowing what you are dealing with. A contractor comes in later, once you have identified what actually needs attention.

What should I do if I find water pooling near my foundation? Note where it is collecting and whether it is moving toward or away from the house. Water moving toward the foundation is a priority. Depending on what you find, you may need a contractor to regrade the ground or address a drainage issue. [INTERNAL LINK: grading and drainage around Vermont home foundations]

If I am planning to sell this spring, should I do this walk before listing? Yes, absolutely. Buyers and their agents notice deferred maintenance, and a Vermont buyer doing a showing in April will walk the yard. Knowing what is there before you list gives you the chance to address it on your terms rather than having it come up in an offer negotiation or inspection.

The information in this post is based on 20 years of personal experience in Vermont real estate and is intended for educational purposes only. It should not be considered legal, environmental, or professional inspection advice. Always consult a licensed inspector, contractor, or relevant professional for guidance specific to your property and situation.

Ready to Talk Vermont Real Estate? If you are getting your home ready to list this spring or just want a second set of eyes on what your property walk turned up, I am happy to talk through what matters most to buyers in this market. Whether you are thinking about buying, getting ready to sell, or just want an honest conversation before making a move, let's talk.

Call: 802-846-8813 Email: nancy@asknancywarren.com Visit asknancywarren.com for listings, resources, and more. Follow @asknancywarren for real estate and home insights.