Fall is the perfect season to tackle general home maintenance projects because the weather is usually dry and temperatures are moderate. Before you start your seasonal home maintenance checklist, examine your home's interior and exterior. Most of these tasks can be accomplished without the help of a professional, but it's always better to be safe and call for assistance if a project is beyond your abilities.
Here are our seasonal home maintenance checklist recommendations for fall:
Landscaping and Yard Prep
- Rake leaves and aerate the lawn.
- Remove leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts.
- Practice pest prevention by keeping firewood away from the house, trimming shrubs, and repairing rotten or broken woodwork. Remove any wasp nests hanging from eaves or overhangs.
- Drain and winterize exterior plumbing, including hoses and in-ground sprinkler systems.
Home Exterior Repairs and Updates
- Mend cracks and gaps in the driveway and walkway.
- Touch up exterior siding and trim with paint.
- Power-wash windows and siding.
- Inspect roofing for missing, loose, or damaged shingles and leaks.
- Repair or replace siding.
- Clean window and door screens.
- Replace old, drafty windows for more energy-efficient models.
- Seal cracks and gaps in windows and doors with caulk or weather stripping; replace if necessary.
- Inspect exterior door hardware; fix squeaky handles and loose locks.
- Wrap insulation around outdoor faucets and pipes in unheated garages.
Interior Cleaning and Inspection
- Have the forced-air heating system inspected by a professional. Schedule an inspection in late summer or early fall before the heating season begins.
- Check the fireplace for damage or hazards and clean fireplace flues. Have your fireplace professionally inspected.
- Tune up major home appliances before the holidays.
- Replace the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
- Install a smoke detector on every floor of your home, including the basement.
- Clean carpets.
- Vacuum lint from the dryer vent.
- Check the water heater for leaks.
Learn more, stop by Monnick Supply in Framingham and Marlborough.
Source: bhg.com/
