Fall Home Maintenance Checklist

"Never Put off till tomorrow what you can do today." ~ Thomas Jefferson

The weather is perfect for tackling these home maintenance projects.  Addressing these "honey-do's" will save you a headache later.

1. Heating system service:  Don't wait until it's bitter cold to think about your heater.  Call your preferred HVAC contractor for a routine seasonal service.

2. Caulk: Check windows, doors, outdoor faucets, and other areas where gapping may have occurred.  Caulking helps keep your heating bill in check, keeps critters out, and can keep wood rot at bay.  The material cost is negligible and the payoff huge.

3. Store outdoor tools and equipment: Clean and store tools for the upcoming winter to extend their life.

Mix sand and oil (WD-40 or vegetable oil) until moist.  Submerge your shovels, hoes, etc. for the winter.  You can leave them there the entire winter.  If you prefer, you can plunge the tools several times and wipe clean.  The oil fights rust.  Treat wood handles with linseed oil before storage.

After cleaning, wipe your lawnmower, wheelbarrow, and other equipment down with WD-40 to protect them from rust over the winter months.

4. Clean the gutters:  Stay on top of the falling leaves that clog your gutters.  Water is unforgiving.  Clogged gutters lead to roof leaks as the water rolls back under your shingles.  Keep them cleaned out.  An unpleasant task, though well worth the effort.

5. Insulate:  Install weatherstripping where drafts are present.  Consider beefing up your attic insulation before the cold weather snaps.

6. Store hoses:  Hoses left out for the winter are often damaged due to freezing and cracking.  Drain all water from your hoses and store inside a shed or garage.

As always, if you need a contractor referral, I'm happy to help.