Cooler days are a good time for upkeep. Use this fall home maintenance checklist to help get your home ready for winter.

Why fall is a smart time for upkeep

After a long, hot summer, the cooler days of fall make outdoor work easier. It is also the season to get ready for the occasional freeze, the heavy rains that can come with storms, and the leaves that fill gutters. Taking care of these tasks now can help protect your home's value and avoid emergency repairs in the middle of winter.

Outside the home

• Clean gutters and downspouts. Clogged gutters can send water toward your foundation. Make sure downspouts carry water away from the house.
• Check the roof. Look for missing or damaged shingles and loose flashing, or ask a roofer to inspect it.
• Trim trees and shrubs. Cut back branches that hang over the roof or touch the siding.
• Protect outdoor faucets. Disconnect hoses, and cover outdoor faucets before a freeze.
• Seal the driveway and walkways. Fill cracks so water does not get in and widen them.
• Store or cover outdoor furniture and grills.

Inside the home

• Service the heating system. Have a technician check your heat pump or furnace, and replace the air filter.
• Seal gaps. Add weatherstripping or caulk around windows and doors to block drafts and lower energy bills.
• Test alarms. Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and replace batteries as needed.
• Check the water heater. Look for leaks and rust around the base.
• Reverse ceiling fans. Set them to run clockwise at low speed to push warm air down.

For rural homes and land

Many homes in our area have private wells, septic systems, and outbuildings. In the fall:

1. Insulate well pumps and exposed pipes before the first freeze.
2. Schedule septic pumping if it has been a few years since the last service.
3. Check barns and sheds for roof leaks and pests.
4. Clear brush and debris away from structures.
5. If you heat with propane, check the tank level before cold weather arrives.

Getting ready for storm season leftovers

Fall in Southeast Georgia can still bring heavy rain and wind from late-season storms. Walk around your home after a big storm and look for missing shingles, loose gutters, and fallen limbs near the roof. Check that storm drains and ditches near your driveway are clear, so water can flow away from the house. If you have a generator, test it and check your fuel supply. Take a few photos of your home and belongings for your insurance records, and store them somewhere you can reach from your phone.

A simple fall schedule

Thinking about selling next year?

A well-maintained home tends to show better and inspect more smoothly. If you might sell, read Home Improvements to Consider Before You Sell and request a home value estimate from Julie. Julie's home maintenance checklist covers monthly, seasonal, and yearly tasks all year long.

Thinking about a move instead? Browse homes for sale in 23 counties.

Why small fall tasks protect your biggest investment

Many of the most expensive home repairs start as small problems that went unnoticed for a season or two. A clogged gutter can slowly send rainwater against the foundation, which may lead to moisture problems inside the house. A small gap around a window can let in drafts, raise energy bills, and eventually allow water to damage the frame. A heat pump or furnace that has not been serviced in years can fail during the first cold snap, when repair companies are busiest. By working through a checklist each fall, you spread the cost of upkeep over time, keep a record of what you have done, and make your home more appealing to buyers whenever you decide to sell. Keep receipts and notes in one folder, because buyers and inspectors often appreciate seeing a clear maintenance history.

Search homes in Southeast Georgia

These searches cover all 23 counties Julie serves and update daily.

Homes (all property types)

Get a home maintenance checklist by text

Text MAINTENANCE to 912-420-1663

Or text SELLER for a home value estimate.

Scan the code with your phone camera, or tap the code on a phone. Message and data rates may apply.