Home checklist
Fall Home Maintenance Checklist: 7 Jobs to Do Before Winter
A few hours in the fall can save you from the most common winter repairs. Work through this list on a dry weekend before the first hard freeze in your area.
The 7-step checklist
- Clean gutters and downspouts so rain and melting snow drain away from the house.
- Replace the furnace filter and book a heating check if it has been a while.
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries.
- Disconnect hoses, drain outdoor faucets and cover them before the first freeze.
- Seal gaps around doors and windows with weatherstripping or caulk.
- Rake leaves off the lawn and clear them from storm drains and window wells.
- Look over the roof from the ground for loose or missing shingles.
Nice extras
- Reverse ceiling fans to push warm air down.
- Check the dryer vent for lint.
- Store patio furniture and the grill cover.
- Have the chimney inspected before the first fire.
Safety first
Use a stable ladder and a helper for gutters, and call a professional for roof work, gas appliances and anything electrical.
Are you a real estate agent? Share this checklist with your past clients as a fall touchpoint. The Agent Edition makes seasonal client content like this for you, with your name and your market.