Fall Home Maintenance Checklist

As a homeowner you find comfort and security in your home–the place where you create lasting memories and connections with family and friends. As such, you also likely feel the weighty responsibilities that accompany ownership. Properly caring for your home not only ensures your own comfort and security, but also protects your investment by maintaining your home’s value.

Chances are, when you dreamed of owning a home you weren’t dreaming about home maintenance. Upkeep needn’t be overwhelming! As with any daunting task, the job becomes easier when broken down into a manageable checklist. With autumn on the horizon, now is the time to start preparing your home–inside and out–for the colder months ahead. As you cozy up by the fire this winter you’ll be grateful for the time you spent earlier in the season to assure your comfort and peace of mind.

Indoor Maintenance

• Check attic insulation and add more if necessary.
• Check for roof damage and schedule repairs of any leaks.
• Check windows and doors for air leaks and drafts. Install weather stripping where necessary.
• Schedule a routine check of the furnace now, before companies are slammed with winter emergency calls. Purchase extra furnace filters and change the filter every 1 – 3 months (depending upon the type).
• Test all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and install fresh batteries if needed.
• Have the chimney cleaned and serviced to make sure the damper works properly and that there are no blockages. If your home has an alternative heating source, such as a gas fireplace or pellet stove, have it cleaned and serviced as well.
• Clean your dryer’s vent after every use to prevent fires.

Outdoor Maintenance

• Inspect the area around doors, windows, and trim. Repair cracks with paintable caulk.
• Clean and store screens and replace them with storm windows, if applicable.
• Cover and insulate outdoor pipes to prevent freezing.
• Clean gutters to be sure they are free of leaves, bird nests, and other debris.
• Inspect the roof for any damage that may cause leaks.
• Repair any cracks or other damage to sidewalks, steps, concrete patios and driveways.

Lawn & Garden Maintenance

• Drain and turn off sprinkler systems.
• Prune plants and bushes, and trim any dead tree branches
• Clean up flowerbeds by dividing and moving perennials as necessary, and removing dead summer annuals.
• Some potted plants, like geraniums, can survive indoors. Bring them inside before the first freeze.
• Rake leaves and pine needles.
• Store garden hoses and turn off outdoor water valves.
• Make sure rain gutter spouts and other drainage are directed away from your house.
• Service and store your lawn mower. Clean and store gardening tools.
• Aerate, fertilize and seed your lawn.

Adding a few home maintenance tasks to your calendar each week will help ensure that you get them done, so you can enjoy a warm and cozy winter.

Keeping your current home in good shape will help you when you are ready to sell. Sheffield Homes can help, too. To find out more, contact us for a free new home consultation today.