Fall is the best time to prepare your Boston home for cold weather. A few simple checks can help you find small problems before snow, ice and freezing temperatures arrive.
The hard part is often finding the right service provider, making the appointment and waiting at home for the work to be completed. Simplified can help manage these details with a clear fall home maintenance plan.
It is smart to schedule fall services as early as possible. Heating companies, chimney professionals, gutter cleaners and other trusted vendors can become busy as winter gets closer.
Use this fall home maintenance checklist to decide what your home needs and which tasks should be handled by a professional.
Fall Home Maintenance Checklist
- Clean the gutters and downspouts: Leaves, sticks and other debris can block gutters during the fall. When water cannot drain, it may collect near the roof or the base of the home. Schedule a gutter cleaning after most of the leaves have fallen. The service provider should also check that downspouts are clear and direct water away from the house.
- Check the roof: Missing shingles, damaged flashing and small leaks can become bigger problems during the winter. Ask a roofing professional to look for signs of wear before snow and ice make the roof harder to access. If you have noticed water stains, loose shingles or other possible damage, do not wait until winter to schedule an inspection.
- Service the heating system: Your heating system should be checked before you need to use it every day. A yearly service visit can help identify problems and confirm that the system is ready for the colder months. Replace filters as directed and make sure vents are not blocked by furniture or rugs. If your home uses oil or propane, check the fuel level and arrange delivery before temperatures drop. For more seasonal service ideas, read about essential winter home maintenance services for New England homeowners.
- Shut down the irrigation system: Water left inside irrigation lines can freeze and cause damage. Schedule a professional to shut down and blow out the system before the first hard freeze. This is also a good time to check outdoor faucets and put away hoses. Follow the correct steps for your home and plumbing system.
- Check windows and exterior doors: Look for gaps around windows and doors that may let cold air into the home. Replace worn weather stripping and repair damaged caulk where needed. If your home has storm windows, clean and install them before the weather becomes too cold. Check that each window closes and locks correctly.
- Inspect the fireplace, chimney and wood stove: A fireplace or wood stove should be inspected and cleaned by a trained professional. Schedule this service before using it for the season. Make sure the area around the fireplace is clear. Check that smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working and replace batteries as needed.
- Clean humidifiers: Whole-home and portable humidifiers can collect dust and buildup while they are not in use. Clean each unit based on its instructions and replace filters when needed. Check for signs of damage before turning a humidifier on for the season. A heating professional can inspect a unit connected to your home’s HVAC system.
- Prepare outdoor furniture: Clean outdoor furniture before covering or storing it. Make sure each item is fully dry so moisture is not trapped during the winter. Cushions, umbrellas and smaller items should be stored in a dry place. Review these tips for taking care of outdoor furniture to help protect it between seasons.
- Finish fall lawn and garden work: Your lawn and garden may need one final round of care before winter. This can include leaf removal, pruning, fertilizing or reseeding bare areas. The right work will depend on your yard and the types of plants you have. Simplified can help collect estimates and schedule a lawn or landscaping company. Learn more about finding reliable lawn care for your home.
- Look for signs of pests: Mice and other pests may try to enter a warm home when the weather cools. Check for small gaps near doors, windows, pipes and the foundation. If you notice droppings, damage or other signs of pests, contact a professional. Simplified can help research providers and arrange an inspection. Our guide to home pest control explains what to consider when choosing help.
- Protect pipes from freezing: Find pipes in areas that may become very cold, such as basements, garages and exterior walls. A plumber can help determine if any pipes need added insulation or other protection. It is also helpful to know where the main water shutoff is located. Read more about preventing burst pipes during a New England winter.
- Review the rest of your home maintenance list: Every home has its own needs. You may also need to test a generator, close a pool, clean dryer vents or schedule a repair that has been waiting since summer. Review these commonly overlooked home maintenance tasks before deciding that your list is complete. A home management plan can also help you organize tasks by season and avoid last-minute service calls.
Get Help Managing Your Fall Home Projects
Home maintenance takes more than making a list. You also need to find trusted vendors, compare estimates, schedule appointments and make sure someone is available when the work is done.
Simplified can manage these steps for you. Our team can provide vendor referrals, collect quotes, schedule annual services and oversee appointments at your home.
Explore Simplified’s Home Management Services and contact our team for help preparing your Boston home for fall and winter.