Your Fall Home Checklist
Simple Steps to Prepare for the Season
Fall brings cooler temperatures, changing leaves, and plenty of reasons to get outside and enjoy the season. It is also one of the best times of year to take care of a few important projects around your home.
A little preparation now can help prevent costly problems when colder weather arrives. Use this fall checklist to get your home ready for the months ahead.
Clean Your Gutters and Downspouts
Falling leaves can quickly clog gutters and downspouts. When water cannot drain properly, it can overflow near your foundation, damage siding, or contribute to roof and ice problems as temperatures drop.
Clear leaves and debris from gutters and make sure downspouts direct water safely away from your home’s foundation.
Inspect Your Roof
Before winter weather arrives, take a look at your roof for missing or damaged shingles, loose flashing, or other signs of wear.
You do not necessarily need to climb onto the roof. Many potential problems can be spotted safely from the ground. If something does not look right, consider having a professional inspect it.
Check Your Heating System
Do not wait for the first cold night to discover that your heating system needs attention.
Schedule routine maintenance if needed, replace your furnace filter, and make sure vents and registers are clear. If you use a fireplace or wood-burning stove, fall is also a good time to have the chimney and fireplace inspected and cleaned.
Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
With furnaces, fireplaces, and space heaters getting more use during the colder months, properly working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are especially important.
Test each detector and replace batteries when necessary. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations for replacing older detectors as well.
Shut Down Outdoor Water Sources
Disconnect garden hoses and drain outdoor faucets before freezing temperatures arrive. If your home has an irrigation system, follow the appropriate seasonal procedures for your system.
Taking care of outdoor plumbing now can help reduce the risk of frozen or damaged pipes later.
Walk Around Your Property
Fall is a good time to inspect your property for potential trouble spots.
Look for damaged tree limbs, loose railings, cracked walkways, exterior lighting that is not working, and areas where water collects near the house. Trimming questionable branches can be especially important before winter storms and high winds arrive.
Check Windows and Doors
Inspect the seals around windows and exterior doors for gaps or deterioration. Sealing drafts can help keep your home more comfortable and may reduce heating costs.
It is also a good opportunity to check locks, exterior doors, and garage doors to make sure everything is operating properly.
Put Away Outdoor Furniture and Equipment
Patio furniture, umbrellas, grills, garden tools, and other outdoor items should be cleaned, secured, covered, or stored for the season.
Strong winds and storms can turn unsecured outdoor items into hazards. Proper storage can also extend the life of your outdoor furniture and equipment.
Review Your Homeowners Insurance
Your home can change quite a bit during the year. Maybe you renovated a kitchen, finished a basement, added a deck, purchased new electronics, or made other improvements.
Fall is a good time to review your homeowners insurance and make sure your current coverage still reflects your home and belongings.
Is Your Home Ready for Fall?
A weekend spent tackling a few preventative maintenance projects can go a long way toward protecting your home throughout fall and winter.
It is also a good time to make sure your insurance coverage has kept pace with changes to your home and lifestyle.
Have questions about your homeowners insurance? Contact Kimberley Vassal Coe & Weimer Insurance Services. Our team can review your current coverage and help you understand the protection you have in place.
