The Ultimate Spring Facilities Management Checklist

by Ellie Gilbert | Industry News

Simple seasonal wins to keep your site safe, functional, and looking its best

Spring is the season of new beginnings - and it’s not just for your wardrobe or garden at home. In the world of facilities management, this time of year is perfect for assessing the wear and tear winter left behind and putting plans in place before summer footfall ramps up.

A seasonal tidy-up doesn’t just keep things looking pretty. It also reduces health and safety risks, improves user satisfaction, and can help you avoid costly repairs down the line.

Here’s our go-to spring checklist to help your site thrive through the warmer months.

Leaves rake img

1. Jet Washing & External Cleans

Winter weather can leave a not-so-charming trail of dirt, algae and moss across outdoor areas. Jet washing walkways, cladding, patios and entrances doesn’t just brighten up the space — it also removes slippery build-up that can become a safety issue.

If your site sees a lot of public or customer footfall, this is a quick, cost-effective way to boost kerb appeal and reduce accident risk.

2. Gutter Clearance & Drainage Checks

Out of sight, out of mind… until the leaks start. Gutters and downpipes tend to collect leaves and debris over the colder months, which can lead to blockages. When spring rain hits, that trapped water can overflow and cause damage to walls, ceilings, and even foundations.

A simple gutter clearance and visual check of your drainage can save a lot of money (and hassle) later on.

3. Leaf & Debris Removal

While autumn gets the credit for falling leaves, winter winds do a great job of scattering debris where it’s least wanted - think entrances, car parks, and pathways.

Clearing leaves, branches and litter not only keeps your outdoor areas looking well-kept, but also reduces trip hazards and potential drainage blockages.

4. Bench & Outdoor Furniture Maintenance

As the temperature rises, people naturally start using outdoor spaces more - especially staff break areas, schools, or hospitality venues. But neglected furniture can quickly become a safety hazard or an eyesore.

Now’s the time to:

  • Sand and re-stain wooden benches
  • Repaint metalwork
  • Replace or repair broken seating
  • Pressure wash picnic tables and bins

Small details like this can completely change how a site feels to users.

5. Grounds Maintenance & Planting Schemes

A well-maintained green space goes a long way in creating a positive impression of your site. Spring is a brilliant time to:

  • Re-edge and weed borders
  • Reseed patchy lawns
  • Add seasonal planting for colour
  • Trim hedges and tidy flower beds

If you have a larger estate or commercial space, planting schemes can also be tied into sustainability targets and biodiversity initiatives.

6. Building Fabric Checks & Minor Repairs

Winter can be tough on buildings. Take advantage of spring’s milder weather to inspect for any damage caused by cold snaps, storms, or frost.

This can include:

  • Checking roof tiles or flat roof surfaces
  • Inspecting cladding for cracks or lifting
  • Testing door closers, window seals, or locks
  • Identifying any internal signs of water ingress

Catching minor issues now can prevent major repair costs later in the year.

7. Energy Efficiency Tune-Up

Your heating systems might not need to be working as hard as they were in January - but without a review, they might still be running full tilt.

Spring is a great opportunity to:

  • Adjust heating timers for longer daylight hours
  • Clean or service HVAC filters
  • Check lighting controls or install motion sensors
  • Switch off or scale down seasonal systems

Not only does this lower energy bills, it also helps sites move towards better energy management - which is increasingly important for ESG targets and compliance.

Final thoughts…

Spring cleaning isn’t just a domestic ritual - it’s a smart facilities management strategy. A seasonal check-in keeps your site looking professional, feeling safe, and performing efficiently.

Whether you manage a school, commercial site, retail space or office environment, these small tweaks now can prevent bigger issues down the line.

Want help tackling your spring checklist? The fm Company supports clients with seasonal maintenance, deep cleaning, grounds care and more across over 2,000 UK sites. Get in touch to book your spring prep and give your site the seasonal refresh it deserves.

Pressure washer being used on outdoor floor bench and springtime flowers img
Author: Ellie Gilbert