Fall Maintenance Checklist

Other than paying the mortgage and utilities, homeowners also can't escape home maintenance! 

Now that the weather is cooling down, it is the perfect time to tackle a few of those home improvement projects.  Before you start your seasonal home maintenance checklist, examine both the interior and exterior of your home to figure out if you will need to call any professionals to get certain tasks done.

Here are some recommendations for your home:

• Rake leaves and aerate the lawn. 
• Have forced-air heating system inspected by a professional.
• Check fireplace for damage or hazards, and clean fireplace flues- always do this before starting to use your fireplace each year. 
• Seal cracks and gaps in windows and doors with caulk or weather stripping, replace if necessary.
• Inspect roofing for missing, loose, or damaged shingles and leaks. 
• Power-wash windows and siding.
• Remove leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts- do this regularly during the fall, especially if you have a lot of trees around your house. 
• Drain and winterize exterior plumbing, ie. sprinkler system.
• Repair or replace any siding.
• Replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.  Smoke detectors should be on every floor of your home. 
• Clean window and door screens.
• Vacuum link from dryer vent, this can prevent fires. 
• Check for frayed cords and wires.
• Drain and store hoses, and drain in-ground sprinkler systems.
• Wrap insulation around outdoor faucets and pipes in unheated garages. 
• Check water heater for leaks.