Fall is an ideal time for pumpkin pies, wagon rides, apples&helip;and that pesky fall home maintenance. Use these tips as you tackle your fall home maintenance checklist so you and your home’ll be ready for whatever winter weather comes next.
Do a top-to-bottom inspection (and everything in between).
To make sure your home is ready for winter, the first step is to do a thorough inspection. Check your roof for warped or missing shingles, your gutters for signs of wear and damage (clean them out if needed), and your porch supports for signs of rot. Head up to your attic to see if you have adequate insulation to make it through winter (contact a contractor to add more, if needed). Inspect your windows and doors for leaks that could compromise the energy efficiency of your home. Check your basement to make sure you don’t have any leaks that could allow wind, water, or pests into your home.
Make sure you do the tasks that could affect your family’s health and safety.
Wisconsinites spend a lot more time indoors during the winter, making fall an ideal time to tackle tasks that could affect your family’s health. Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, or test any existing detectors.
Get any issues repaired before the snow hits.
If you do find any issues during your inspection, such as a leaking window or inadequate insulation, contact a contractor to make repairs. You can also make the repair yourself, such as adding caulk around your windows or doors (if there is a hole). If your issues are left unrepaired, you could be dealing with costly repairs or home utility bills during the coldest time of the year.