Fall Home Repair Checklist

Fall is the last easy window for outdoor repairs. A few jobs now prevent most winter problems.

Clear and Seal

Clean gutters and downspouts, seal gaps around doors, windows and where pipes enter the house and replace worn weatherstripping and door sweeps.

Fix any loose flashing or missing shingles you can see.

Protect Pipes and Outdoors

Disconnect hoses and protect outdoor faucets before the first hard freeze. Check that downspouts carry water away from the foundation.

Know where your main water shutoff is.

Safety and Comfort

Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, replace batteries, check handrails and steps for loose parts and clear space around heaters and vents.

A seasonal visit can cover most of this in a single trip.