Autumn is on its way! To help you prepare your home for winter, we’ve put together this fall home maintenance checklist. The best way to avoid expensive home repairs and surprises is to keep up with regular maintenance. While it may seem like a pain now, you’ll be so happy you kept up with work – your future self will thank you!

Benefits of Regular Home Maintenance

1. Saves money – Keeping your appliances, equipment and property in good shape means fewer replacements and repairs. It also increases efficiency, which can save you money on gas and electric bills.
2. Reduces risks – Checking for leaks, sealing openings, and inspecting your sump pump can reduce the chance of water damage.
3. Increases value – Keeping your home in top shape ensures it keeps its value when you’re ready to sell. Potential buyers will notice a well-loved home and appreciate scheduled repairs and maintenance records.
4. Improves looks – A well-cared-for home is a pleasure to be in. Take time to enjoy your beautiful surroundings! You’re much more likely to enjoy your time at home when everything is working as it should.
5. Reduces stress – You’ve got enough on your plate. Knowing that your home is in good condition helps alleviate stress. Continuously maintaining your house allows you to predict and prepare for future repairs.

Indoor Fall Maintenance

Check your detectors – Check the expiry date on your C02 and smoke detectors. Most last approximately 5-10 years and then need to be replaced. And don’t forget to change your batteries.

Change your furnace filter – The beginning of a new season is the perfect time to replace the filter in your furnace. It not only keeps the air cleaner but helps protect your furnace as well.

Check for leaks – Inspect walls in your basement or crawlspace for moisture or signs of leaks.

Service your heating system – Call in a licenced heating contractor to check and service your furnace – keeping up to date helps your furnace run efficiently and will help it last longer.

Deep clean – Clean carpets, wash walls and get your home ready for hibernation – once winter hits, you’ll probably be spending more time inside. A cozy place to snuggle up is just what you need!

Vacuum out your dryer vent – It’s good to clean out your dryer vent once a year. Even if you are adamant about cleaning your filter, bits of debris still get through.

Change the direction of ceiling fans – Switching the direction of your ceiling fans can help create a downward current which redistributes the warm air throughout your home, reducing heating and electricity costs.

Declutter – The amount of stuff we accumulate over the years is incredible! A purge session once a season helps you stay on top of it, so you don’t end up with a house full of items you no longer use.

Outdoor Fall Maintenance

Aerate, overseed and fertilize your lawn – Fall is a great time to help your lawn recover from summer stress and help it stay strong over the winter.

Clean out the gutters – Gutters can quickly fill up with fallen leaves and debris. Cleaning them out every fall ensures water can flow freely and won’t damage your home.

Winterize your sprinkler system and drain garden hoses – Once you’ve stopped watering your lawn and gardens, close your sprinkler system and empty and store garden hoses so they won’t freeze and split over winter.

Clean your chimney – If you have a wood-burning fireplace, you should get your chimney cleaned after every 50-70 burns. Build up of creosote and soot is hazardous and can lead to chimney fires.

Winterize your garden – Wrap tender perennials or new trees with burlap to help protect them through the winter. Using straw or leaves in your gardens can add an extra layer of protection and put nutrients in the soil.

Pack away lawn furniture and umbrellas – It’s always a sad time when you have to pack away the patio furniture – but ensuring it’s adequately protected and stored over the winter will keep it looking its best!

Check windows and screens – Look for tears, caulking that needs to be replaced, or cracks that could let in cold air and lead to higher heating costs.

Check and replace caulking – Recaulking around pipes, openings, windows, or door frames is one of the most inexpensive but effective home maintenance jobs.

Inspect your roof – Look for any loose shingles, holes, or patches where moisture could get into your attic.

Weather strip your garage door – A weather strip around your garage door can add an extra layer of protection against moisture and little critters.

Check your driveway – Inspect your driveway for cracks. Ensure cracks are filled and sealed to protect against frost over the winter.

Test your winter equipment – You never know when those first flurries will fall! Making sure your snowblower is in good working condition ensures you’re ready to go when the snow hits.

Following a regular fall home maintenance checklist can help keep your house in tip-top shape. Not only will it make sure you enjoy your home, but it will also save you money, reduce risks, and increase resale value. Regular inspections allow you to catch any issues early so you can be prepared.

If you are considering selling and looking for help to get your home ready, reach out to your David Bradica team!