Even if you wouldn't describe yourself as handy, it's important for homeowners to have the skills and equipment to tackle routine maintenance and repairs. Thankfully, most of those tasks require nothing more than a few basic tools and a little elbow grease.

Springtime brings an energy like no other season. So, why not put that energy to good use with some easy maintenance tasks that will have your home ready for the laidback days of summer and beyond?

"A lot of this work is proactive rather than reactive and can save money in the long run," said Jeff Howells, professional home inspector with Nu Level Inspections.

Here are his top spring maintenance tasks for homeowners, inside and out: