The sun is shining, seeds are sprouting, and cats are wondering what cute pose might earn them a spot on The Consumerist; summer is on the way, which means it's time to get outside and inspect your house. Winter can exact a punishing toll on any home, necessitating repairs that are best done in the warm weather. Yahoo Finance offers five spring tips to help protect your most valuable investment:

• Clean your gutters and inspect for damage caused by ice damming.
  
• Inspect the roof.
  
• Inspect siding, paint, and caulking around openings, and cracks in brick and mortar.
  
• Make sure all windows and doors open and close smoothly.
  
• Change your furnace filters.

Spring Maintenance for a Worry-Free Summer [Yahoo via FreeMoneyFinance]
(Photo: qousqous)