With the changing seasons, it’s time to check over your home’s interior and exterior to keep it running in tip-top shape. Each season presents its own challenges and prepping for the cold winter months ahead is a great way to keep you and your home comfortable. This is why we went ahead and made a Fall Home Maintenance Checklist so you are ready!
Exterior Home Maintenance Checklist
Check and clean your roofing
A damaged roof puts the entire structural integrity of your home at risk. Be sure to check for damaged or missing shingles, leaks or water stains in your attic, damaged flashing (the materials…), and all the health of other roofing materials, including tiles, nails, and sealants. You’ll also want to clear the roof of any debris.
Check your siding
Like roofs, the elements and mother nature will impact the siding of your home. Be sure to check your siding for damage, including holes, dents, cracks, or chips. Check any shutters to see if they are hanging loosely, borken, or warped. Plus, the trim and fascia on your home also need inspection. Look for wood rot, cracks or splits, warping, moss growth, and look to see if your gutters are leaning or loose.
Check for water around the foundation
It’s important to prevent water from pooling around your foundation. Clean all yard drainage and make sure that the gutters and downspouts aren’t obstructed. You’ll also want to check the landscaping around the base of your home and HVAC unit.
Inspect & cover outdoor faucets
Check for drips from any outdoor faucets. Any outdoor faucets should be shut off for the winter and covered.
Interior Home Maintenance Checklist
Check basement, crawlspace, and/or attic
Take a close look at your basement, crawlspace, and attic and check for signs of moisture, mold, and insects or critters. Plus, make note of any odd odors that could indicate ventilation issues.
Schedule plumbing and drains system checks
Have a professional come out to inspect your plumbing and drain systems to make sure they’re in good working order or identify any issues. Inspecting your plumbing systems can help avoid major issues during the upcoming cold months…You definitely don’t want a pipe to burst in the winter!
Schedule energy efficiency inspection
An energy efficiency inspection and test will help you identify how tight your home is–meaning how much air is leaking in and out of your home. The inspection can help identify areas for improvement.
Exterior & Interior Home Maintenance Checklist
Schedule service for your HVAC unit
A properly working heating system is vital during the freezing winter months. Your system should be fully inspected including hose connections, drain lines, air flow, and electrical. Plus, the filters should be changed.
Also give your external HVAC unit a quick clean to remove any dirt, debris, or obstructions, and make sure there isn’t any plant overgrowth at the base of the unit.
Schedule service for your plumbing systems
One of the worst things that could happen to your home in the winter months is a burst pipe… Your system should be inspected by a licensed and certified professional to ensure your system is in good working order and identify any potential issues.
Inspect windows & doors
Look at all of the home’s windows and doors both inside and outside and seal where needed. Check for any type of improper fit, drafting, warping, cracks, discoloration, condensation between glass panes, and inspect all screens and glass panes for damage.
Schedule routine electrical service
An electrical safety inspection provides a thorough assessment of your entire electrical system. It’s designed to ensure that your wiring, appliances, and other electrical-powered components meet the legal safety standards and identify any potential issues.
Other Fall Maintenance Tips
- Winterize your sprinkler system
- Drain, detach, and store hoses
- Rake and remove leaves
- Clear out downspouts and gutters of leaves, needles, and other debris
- Wash and store patio furniture
- Treat your lawn
- Check your septic tank level to make sure it doesn’t need pumped
- Dust and clean often neglected areas–windows, railings, ceiling fans, etc.
- Check for and seal cracks in your driveway or foundation
- Clean the fireplace and chimney
- Change batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
Cook Home Services is here to service the Crawfordsville, Indiana and surrounding Montgomery County for
- HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning)
- Ductwork services
- Home renovations
- Home energy services
- Roofing
- Plumbing
- Electrical
- Windows & doors
Our mission is to provide you with quality comfort and home improvement services with 100% possible satisfaction. We strive to accomplish this mission by offering the highest quality products installed by highly trained professionals who customize indoor comfort solutions and home renovations that fit the client’s individual lifestyles.