Published October 4, 2023

Fall Maintenance Checklist: What Every Homeowner Needs to Know

Written by The Norman Home Team of Keller Williams Gateway

Fall Maintenance Checklist: What Every Homeowner Needs to Know header image.

Fall is an important time for homeowners to perform maintenance tasks that will help keep their home in good condition and prepare it for the colder months ahead. The winter can be pretty harsh on homes especially from extremely cold temperatures, high wind storms, or heavy snow. Here are some tips for keeping your home ready for winter:

Inspect and clean gutters: Fall is a good time to inspect and clean your gutters to make sure they're functioning properly. Clearing out leaves, sticks, and other debris will help prevent clogged gutters and ice dams. A build up of ice and debris could cause the gutters to fall and anything under those gutters to be damaged.
Check your roof: Inspect your roof for any damaged or missing shingles. It's important to address any issues before the winter weather sets in to prevent further damage. Water can work its way inside or pool and freeze creating larger gaps in the roof.
Clean and Insulate Attic and Crawl Spaces: Add insulation where needed to prevent heat loss and improve energy efficiency. Proper insulation in these areas can help keep your home warm and reduce energy bills.
Seal windows and doors: Check your windows and doors for any air leaks, and seal any gaps or cracks to help reduce heating costs and improve energy efficiency. Replace weatherstripping and seal any cracks to improve energy efficiency and keep the cold air out.
Service your heating system: Have your heating system (furnace, boiler, or heat pump) inspected and serviced by a professional. This ensures it operates efficiently and reduces the risk of breakdowns during the colder months. Make sure to replace your furnace filters every month.
Clean chimneys and fireplaces: If you have a chimney or fireplace, it's important to have them cleaned and inspected by a professional before you start using them for the winter. Ensure the damper is working correctly.
Drain and Shut Off Outdoor Faucets: Disconnect garden hoses, drain outdoor faucets, and shut off the water supply to prevent freezing and burst pipes. Turning off the water from the inside helps ensure no one can turn on the water from the outside accidentally.
Prune trees and shrubs: Trim back overgrown trees and shrubs to prevent damage from heavy snow and ice. Remove dead branches that could pose a hazard during winter storms.
Prepare outdoor furniture: If you have outdoor furniture, it's important to prepare it for winter. Clean and cover it, or store it in a protected area to prevent damage from the elements.
Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Replace batteries in smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors, and test them to ensure they are in good working order. Safety is a top priority.

Performing regular maintenance tasks in the fall can help keep your home in good condition and prevent any unexpected issues from arising during the winter months. Follow us for more tips on how to keep your home in tip top condition!

If you're thinking about buying or selling and would like a no-obligation consult to see how we can serve you, contact The Norman Home Team at 443.489.5225! Visit our website for information on all the services we provide We look forward to hearing from you and helping you achieve your goals