There is something about fall that naturally brings our attention back to home. The days become shorter, the air turns crisp and we begin spending more time indoors. It is also the perfect time to take care of the details that will keep your home comfortable, protected and ready for the winter months ahead. After more than two decades in real estate, I have seen how the homes that are cared for consistently tend to hold their beauty and value over time. Fall is an ideal season to be proactive—before the first freeze, heavy snow and winter weather arrive.
Here are a few things I recommend putting on your fall maintenance list.
Start With the Systems You Rely On Most
Before turning on the heat for the season, have your furnace or HVAC system inspected and serviced. Replace filters and make sure thermostats and heating zones are working properly. If your home has a generator, this is also the time to have it serviced and ready. The last thing you want during a winter power outage is to discover that your backup system isn't prepared.
Look Up and Look Down
Your roof and gutters deserve attention before the leaves are finished falling. Have the roof checked for damaged shingles, flashing or areas that could allow water to penetrate. Clean gutters and downspouts and make sure water is directed away from the foundation. Take a walk around the exterior as well. Look for cracked caulking, gaps around windows and doors, damaged masonry or anything that could become a larger problem once temperatures begin to fluctuate.
Give Your Landscape Some Attention
Our yards often require as much preparation as our homes. Trim dead or weakened branches, particularly those close to the house, and have mature trees evaluated if necessary. If you have an irrigation system, schedule winterization before freezing temperatures arrive. Fall is also the time to protect delicate plantings, bring in planters and properly store outdoor furnishings.
Don't Forget the Fireplace
Few things make a home feel more welcoming in the fall than a fire. Before lighting that first fire, have your chimney inspected and cleaned as recommended. Gas fireplaces should also be checked to make sure they are operating properly. It is a small investment that provides both peace of mind and something to look forward to on a cold winter evening.
Prepare the Outdoor Spaces
If you have a pool, spa or outdoor kitchen, make sure everything is properly closed and winterized. Outdoor plumbing should be protected, equipment serviced and furniture cleaned and stored. Taking care of these details now makes reopening everything next spring that much easier.
Protect Your Home From the Cold
Check windows and exterior doors for drafts and worn weatherstripping. Pay particular attention to older windows, large expanses of glass and doors that lead directly outside. Disconnect garden hoses, winterize exterior faucets and insulate exposed plumbing in garages, crawl spaces and other unheated areas.
Take Care of the Small Things, Too
Fall is a wonderful time to walk through your home with fresh eyes. Check exterior lighting, garage doors, railings, walkways and driveway surfaces. Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and make sure your sump pump and security systems are functioning properly. Inside, it can also be the perfect time for those less-visible tasks; professional carpet and upholstery cleaning, servicing appliances and addressing small repairs you've been meaning to get to.
A Season for Preparation
I have always believed that a well-cared-for home is one of the best investments you can make. Regular maintenance protects not only the structure itself, but also the character and details that make a home feel special. Fall gives us a natural opportunity to slow down, look around and take care of what we sometimes overlook during the busier months.
A little preparation now can prevent a much bigger problem later and, perhaps most importantly, allow you to settle in and enjoy your home when winter arrives.
