There’s something about the first cool, rainy morning here that makes me want to light a candle, put the kettle on, and finally deal with all the little home tasks I have been putting off since June. If you are feeling that same pull, you are not alone. Fall is genuinely one of the best times to give your home a bit of attention, whether you just moved in, you are getting ready to sell, or you are simply settling in for the wetter months ahead.
I put together this checklist with our particular corner of the world in mind. We do not deal with snow and ice the way a lot of the country does, but our long, wet winters bring their own version of the same problems. Clogged gutters and overworked heat pumps cause just as much trouble here as frozen pipes do elsewhere, so a little prevention goes a long way.
Outside the home
Our fall rains arrive fast, and clogged gutters are one of the most common issues I see when I am walking through homes with clients. Clear out leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts, and make sure water is draining well away from your foundation rather than pooling beside it. While you are outside, take a look at your roof for any missing or lifted shingles from summer storms, and check that flashing around vents and chimneys is still sealed.
This is also a great time to check weatherstripping around exterior doors and windows. If you can feel a draft or see daylight around the frame, it is worth replacing before the temperature really drops. A properly sealed home keeps your heating costs down all winter, which matters even more with a heat pump working overtime through our damp months.
Inside the home
Change your furnace or heat pump filter, and if it has been a while, consider booking a professional service before the system is running daily. Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors while you are at it, and replace any batteries that need it.
Fall is also a natural moment to declutter closets and storage areas. Bring out the warmer layers, and set aside anything you did not wear this year to donate. If you have a fireplace, have it inspected and cleaned before you use it for the first time this season.
A word for sellers and downsizers
If you are getting ready to list your home, this checklist doubles as a great pre market refresh. A clean entryway, a well kept exterior, and small repairs like weatherstripping or gutter cleaning can genuinely change a buyer's first impression. If you are in the middle of downsizing and this all feels like a lot, that is normal too. You do not have to tackle everything at once, and I am always happy to talk through what is worth prioritizing before a sale.
Your Takeaway Fall Home Checklist
- Clean gutters and downspouts, and confirm water drains away from the foundation
- Inspect the roof for missing or damaged shingles
- Check and replace worn weatherstripping around doors and windows
- Change the furnace or heat pump filter
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
- Have the fireplace or chimney inspected before first use
- Declutter closets and rotate seasonal clothing
- Do a walkthrough of the exterior for small repairs before winter rains set in
Wherever you are in your own home journey this fall, I hope this gives you a simple place to start.
Jacqueline Ross, REALTOR®
Your Van Isle Home
call/text: 250-415-5656
jac@yourvanislehome.com
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