Your Fall Home Maintenance Check List

It’s sweater weather season, and while that means it’s time for apple picking, fire pits and all things pumpkin spice, it’s also the perfect time to tackle some key chores to get your home ready for the winter.  “A few small chores and repairs now mean less headaches later,” advises Sharon Robie, as sales associate with ERA Justin Realty.  “You don’t want to find out that your snow blower is broken after the first major snow storm!” 

1. Clean and check gutters, downspouts, and basement window wells.  Remove leaves and debris that can cause flooding.

2. Aerate and seed the lawn.  This is best done in the early fall, while there’s still time for new grass to grow before the first frost.  Remove all dead leaves before the first snow, and then -- just this once -- mow your grass short to keep mold from forming. 

3. Clean your chimney. Check for cracks, repair flashing, consider installing a chimney cap. 

4. Winterize outdoor water systems.  Blow out your sprinklers, turn off outdoor faucets and drain garden hoses.

5. Patch cracks and repair damage to your foundation, concrete steps, driveways and walkways.  Do this before it snows to avoid accidents and make snow removal easier.

6. Get ready for snow! Schedule maintenance or repairs for your snowblower now.  Remove rocks, extension cords and garden hoses around walkways and driveways that might catch in the blower.

7. Check smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Stock up on extra batteries now.   

8. Make sure your heating system is in good working order.  Change the furnace filters. Clean the fireplace. Make sure your heating systems have sufficient fuel, gas, electricity, etc. 

9. Switch the ceiling fan direction to clockwise. This pushes the cool air up, and the warm air down, which can help to lower heating costs.    

10.  Check and repair air leaks.  If a lighted candle flickers when held close to your window or door frames, you have an air leak.  Fix by caulking, weather stripping, or applying sealant.

While most home maintenance can be done by the homeowner, some chores -- like chimney maintenance -- are best handled by a professional.   Contact Sharon or any of the other experienced agents at ERA Justin Realty at 201.939.7500 to refer you to the trusted home maintenance and repair vendors in your area.