As we enjoy the last days of warm weather, it’s time to prepare your home for fall and winter weather.
This week, we’re sharing our fall home checklist to help you efficiently prepare for colder months and get excited for the seasons ahead. Happy fall!
Exterior Checklist:
1. Trim Trees & Bushes
Walk around the exterior of your home and trim overgrown bushes or branches that may eventually break with snow and ice buildup. If you have an excess of leaves to rake up and want to put them to use in your yard, here are a few ideas! Repair uneven walkways, loose railings, and any exterior light bulbs that have burnt out.
Cover any gaps that mice or other critters could enter your home through, as it doesn’t take much space for them to get in and cause trouble.
2. Seal Cracks & Gaps
Cracks in walls, doors and windows will allow freezing air into your home during winter months. To preserve your home’s heat and keep your energy bill from spiking, check and repair any caulking around windows, doors, as well as exterior faucets or vents. Utilize weather stripping around windows and doors, and seal cracks in foundation walls. Sealing your home also prevents unwanted mice and critters from getting into your home.
3. Prevent Exterior Water Damage
Clean clogged gutters before snow and ice arrive. If a particular area on your roof causes issues year after year, consider installing heat cables on the roof to prevent the buildup of ice from leaking into the house. While you’re outside, be sure to shut off exterior faucets and store hoses for the winter to prevent frozen pipes.
4. Chimney & Roof Inspection
If you have a fireplace, it’s a good idea to have your chimney cleaned and inspected. Any damaged roof shingles should also be repaired – and make sure your attic is insulated properly to prevent heat loss.
5. Winterize Outdoor Furniture
To prevent damage or rust, move any outdoor furniture to storage or use covers to protect them from the winter elements.
Interior Checklist:
1. Prep & Protect Entryway Floors
High-traffic areas of your home take a beating in winter with all the road salt, snow, ice, and sand tracked inside. Protect your entryway floors by placing floor mats inside and outside of each entrance of your home, especially in mudrooms. Rubber shoe trays and boot brushes are essential for catching leftover snow and keeping your entryway clean and dry.
2. Winter Essentials Inventory
Now is the time to prepare for our bitter Midwest winters. Replace any old shovels or ice scrapers and check that your snow blower and backup generator are working properly. Restock your home and car emergency kit to prepare for frigid temperatures and snow days.
3. Insulate Pipes
Exposed pipes in unheated areas should be insulated to prevent freezing and potential pipe bursts.
4. Deep Clean Kitchen & Baths
Tackle your time-intensive tasks now to ensure your home works efficiently and cleans easily when it’s time for holiday hosting. Deep clean your oven, small appliances, light fixtures, refrigerator, backsplash, and range hood/filter. Scrub your tile grout as well.
Plan to deep clean your bathrooms around a week or so before hosting so a quick wipe-down will be enough to quickly freshen the space before company arrives. While you’re cleaning, check and replace any cracked or worn-out bathtub caulking to prevent water seepage.
5. Fireplace & Furnace Maintenance
Before you fully rely on your furnace and fireplace for heating, have both inspected to ensure they are working properly. The chance of a chimney fire increases during the winter, and a blocked flue can increase the chances of carbon monoxide poisoning. Make sure your fireplace is stocked with firewood too! Replace furnace filters if necessary.
6. Check Your Sump Pump
If you have a sump pump in your basement, make sure it is working properly before the winter season arrives. Be sure to also turn off any outside water faucets and clear the lines of water to prevent leaks and damage.
7. Check Safety Devices
Be sure your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors are working properly and replace batteries as needed. Check to make sure your fire extinguisher isn’t expired. Update any home security systems to ensure they work properly during frigid temperatures.
8. Get a Jump on Holiday Prep
Organize and purge your holiday décor now to make room for fresh décor and smoother decorating when the time comes. Consider washing serving dishes and table linens now to lessen the load when Thanksgiving arrives. For those of you who spend the holiday season baking, gather your favorite recipes now, virtually or on paper. If you need some fall home styling inspiration, check out our Pinterest.
Related Resources:
- Request Assistance from our Handyman Team
- Our Favorite Fall Home Styling Ideas
- 2024 Home Design Trends Workshop Dates
Bonus Tip! If you have a project you’re ready to get started on, let’s chat! Give us a call at 847-665-1669 or schedule an appointment now to learn more about the remodeling process and how we can help with your project.