Top 7 Home Preps To Tackle Before Fall

Ahhhh, fall – the air turns crisp and cool, yellow patches of leaves appear and you’re prepped for sweater weather. Fall is just around the corner, beginning this year on Saturday, September 22. Is your home ready for the season? Here’s a checklist of the top 7 home preps to tackle before Fall.

1. Get your mind in the gutter.

If you’re not on top of clogged gutters, you’re just asking for water damage. Water with nowhere to go can lead to exterior and foundational damage and maybe even a flooded basement.

2. Check the chimney.

While you’re up on the roof and the weather’s still calm, check your chimney for damage. Search for loose or broken joints and if the flue cap is still in place. Now’s the time to also attend to any damaged roof shingles or flashing.

3. Let’s get physical.

Once the temperatures begin to drop, you’ll crank up that furnace and put it through quite a workout. Make sure it’s ready to handle the workload by replacing the filter and keep all the vents open so heat can circulate throughout your home.

4. Turn off outdoor plumbing.

Blow out sprinkler systems, drain outdoor faucets and cover them to protect them from the freezing weather to come.

5. Clean outdoor furniture and gardening tools.

Don’t let the harsh fall and winter weather get to your outdoor furniture and garden gadgets. Give them a quick clean up so they are ready for storage over the winter.

6. Stay safe out there.

Perform an annual check of the safety features in your home. Make sure the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors get fresh batteries, check the fire extinguisher or replace if it’s six years or older and take this chance to update or practice your fire escape plans.

7. Pre-plan for spring-blooms.

Plant bulbs for a big pay off in the spring. Set your sights on a spot in your yard that gets full sun and get digging.

Article originally appeared on RE/MAX.