Fall Home Maintenance Checklist

Laura Schwartz is a licensed Realtor in VA, D.C. and MD with McEnearney Associates in McLean. Reach the office at 703-790-9090.

Here is your quarterly reminder on how to care for your home this fall and prepare for the cooler temps, falling leaves and time spent indoors.

If you ever need a contractor, you can always email me for a recommendation. My rolodex is large and full of great tradesman!

• The leaves are falling, so clean your gutters, clear your downspouts and make sure all drains are clear (especially the ones at the bottom of your stairs near your basement).
• Clean your window wells, and if you don’t have a cover, consider installing one. It’ll help prevent water from coming in.
• Winterize your irrigation system and closer your pool!
• Check your roof for damage or missing shingles.
• When the weather drops to freezing temps, don’t forget to winterize your hose bibs. Before then, make sure you remove hoses and bring them inside for protection.
• Check for drafty windows or doors. You can use a strip of paper to check — if you suspect a draft, update your weather-stripping.
• If your driveway or front steps have cracks, they can expand when water gets in and freezes. Seal any cracks before that happens. You can use concrete crack sealer or higher a mason to help.
• Change your HVAC filters. Have an HVAC company perform a seasonal service (should be done twice a year — fall and spring).
• Fertilize your lawn. Those brown spots won’t fix themselves!
• Check your smoke detector, carbon monoxide and flashlight batteries.
• Get your chimney swept before use.
• Prep by buying winter supplies now. Home inspectors advise you not to use salt on your driveway, as it can erode the concrete. Use sand if you’re looking for traction, but that won’t melt the snow either.