The coming of fall calls for some maintenance around the house. You need to make sure everything is ready for the cooler weather!

When winter comes, everything you’ve overlooked during fall will come back with a vengeance. To prevent any damage during these colder seasons, here’s the basic list of things you need to check:

  • Gutters
  • Roof
  • Siding
  • Chimney
  • Foundation and Concrete
  • Insulation
  • HVAC

To make it easy for you, save this list to your bookmarks and keep it handy! (Shortcut: Ctrl+D / Command+D).

Gutters

Cleaning the gutters is a very important first step
Cleaning the gutters is a very important first step. Source: Zars & Rogers

Clogged or leaking gutters are a common occurrence during fall. The damage from not maintaining them goes from mild to severe water damage, animal nesting, or worse.

Gutters have to be maintained regularly during fall months as well since leaves tend to accumulate and clog the downspouts frequently. Luckily, you can save money and time with the right tips.

To clean the gutters you’ll need to:

  • Get the right equipment
  • Remove any accumulated debris
  • Clean the downspouts.

And how do you do that? Check out our resources that will help you:

Roof Inspection

https://homeyou.s3.amazonaws.com/media/fall-checklist-home/roof-fall-checklist.jpg
A good roof inspection is a basic need before Fall. Source: Pexels

Your roof could have cracks or leaks that lead to serious damage over time. The longer it takes to get those fixed, the bigger the damage will be - and the higher the cost to fix it.

How to start inspecting your roof:

  • Clean any leaves and debris that have accumulated and check often, at least once a week
  • Be sure no animals have nested in downspouts or clogged drains
  • Perform a few tests to identify possible leaks - even a small one can lead to serious damage if you wait too long

Sounds simple enough, right? For a quick roofing check-up, read this:

Siding Inspection

The same that’s been said about the roofing goes for the siding - it may have cracks or general damage that although may not look so bad now, but could lead to more severe consequences in the future. Most of the basic siding inspections can be done simply by looking for:

  • Cracks or stains
  • Rotted sections (in case of wood siding)
  • Crocked, loose, or broken boards

Different siding types (wood, vinyl, stucco, etc.) require different care and maintenance. Learn more on our Vinyl Siding Inspection Checklist.

Chimney Sweep

Chimney sweeping is very important to make sure your home is safe.
Chimney sweeping is very important to make sure your home is safe. Source: Pexels

Cold weather means it’s time to light up the fireplace again for some good old-fashioned heat.

But before that, you should make sure your chimney is clean and ready - overlooking this can trap smoke inside your home, cause irreparable damage to your chimney, or even cause fires. So it’s better to be sure everything is in perfect working condition before Fall.

Foundation and Concrete

Cracks on your foundation or driveway can lead to severe damage if not taken care of.
Cracks in your foundation or driveway can lead to severe damage if not taken care of. Source: 123rf

The foundation is frequently overlooked when it comes to fall preparation - make sure to fill any cracks before winter, since moisture can seep in and freeze, causing serious damage in the future. The same goes for concrete sidewalks. driveways, and decks.

To inspect your foundation or any concrete walkways, it’s recommended you hire a pro - with this link you can get a free quote anytime you want.

Insulation

Insulation is the best way to make your home energy efficient.
Insulation is the best way to make your home energy efficient. Source: How Stuff Works

Good insulation is one of the best ways to make your home 100% energy efficient. It keeps the heat inside your home and prevents cold breezes from disturbing you!

The reasons for you to insulate your home are plenty:

  • You can reduce heating bills up to 40%
  • Keep your home warm for longer
  • Reduced environmental impact

Now that you know the benefits, you can find the costs of insulation for where you live right here.

HVAC

Your HVAC system needs regular maintenance to function properly.
Your HVAC system needs regular maintenance to function properly. Source: The Spruce

The HVAC has to be inspected and tested to make sure everything is working normally. Chances are you haven’t used it much during summer, but during fall, you’ll want to keep that heating in check!

Here are some basic HVAC inspection tips:

  • Check the quality of air filters and replace them if necessary - a faulty or old air filter can harm you and your family.
  • Make sure all the ducts are clear of dust, particles, or small animals that could be trespassing
  • Inspect carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms and make sure they’re working properly

Want to know more? Here you go:

Following this list, you’ll be able to get your home ready for fall in no time! Check our resources and tips, and when in doubt, feel free to get in touch!

How many of these checks have you done already? Let us know in the comments below or over on our Facebook page! If you’re already finished with your fall checklist, start thinking about getting your home ready for winter!

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