rost still grips much of the northern hemisphere, and many home-repair buffs will begin to feel a bit of cabin fever as the winter months plod along.

That pent-up energy can be put to good use planning the list of home repairs to make once springtime debuts again this year. The lead time will allow for multiple trips to the hardware store at your leisure and time to carefully examine the impact winter weather might have had around the homestead.

Start with a general walkaround the exterior of your home, reviewing the gutters, masonry on walls and stairs, window frames and the home's foundation walls. Cracks in the masonry or peeling paint around the windows are a clear indication that some patchwork will be needed before spring rains hit.

A contractor may be required to handle masonry cracks on stairs or chimneys to ensure a safe repair.

Winter can be particularly brutal on shingled roofs. When the weather warms up (don't walk on your roof while it still is freezing as shingles are quite brittle in low temperatures), make plans to repair or replace any curling or cracked shingles to keep things dry in the wet months ahead.

Decks also usually require some maintenance. Boards and railings can come loose for the same reason, posing a hazard when the outdoor activities increase. Have some fresh deck nails on hand to pin back parts of the deck that are a bit wobbly.

As soon as the weather turns warm, the screens go in. This also usually is when we find gaping holes or tears that we swore to fix during the winter. It's not too late to clean and repair screens before summer hits.

Driveways or asphalt paths coming up to the home also may have buckled during the winter, creating a pooling point for spring rains. These should be repaired to keep moisture from seeping into the house.

Of course there may already be some moisture building up in your home. Inspect basement and crawl space walls and floors for signs of dampness or water stains. Moisture problems can be caused by condensation and a dehumidifier or vent can solve the problem.

It seems like an odd time to worry about the furnace, but when the temperature rises, a thorough inspection of the furnace also may be in order.

There will be plenty of time to make any repairs, or begin to contemplate a replacement. Wait until the end of the summer, and you could find yourself checking into a motel while critical adjustments are made to the heating unit.

Most springtime activities also include plenty of yardwork. Turn over your lawnmower, weed wacker, chipper and other small-engine appliances to make sure they are in running order. Look over the oil levels and make any filter replacements or lubrication requirements described in the manuals. Getting the lawnmower blades sharpened and replacing the weed wacker spool also might be in order. A few adjustments to the chain saw or a sharp axe and you will be ready to roll out on that first warm day and take on the fast-growing landscape.

A preliminary tool inventory also is a good step in preventing frustration as you launch home spring home repair projects. Gather up all of those misplaced items scattered around the house, and find a convenient home for them in the garage or tool room. As you rummage along, make a list of those tools you might be missing or need to replace to do some of the pending home maintenance chores and tasks.

Remember to stay safe even when you are just inspecting your home or administering to some light repairs. Always work with someone close by in case of an accident and get a spotter for your ladder if you are going up to the roof. Be extra careful to look at your powertools (lawnmowers and chain saws in particular) to make sure the cutting blades are not engaged before you turn them over for testing or use. Finally, keep some notes on your spring endeavors to remind yourself of the task list you put together in the years to come.