Fall Maintenance Checklist to Build Your Winter Fortress
At Team Ballas, we know that fall is the unsung hero of home maintenance. Summer’s over, the BBQ is packed away, and it's time to prepare your home for the colder months ahead. A little effort now means you can enjoy winter worry-free, sipping cocoa while your home stays strong against the elements.
Here’s your essential fall prep checklist.
Test and Tweak: Stay Ahead of the Chill
Get ahead before the first frost hits:
Test your thermostat. Better to find issues now than during the season's first cold snap.
Clean gutters and downspouts. Ice dams are no joke — and clogged gutters are their favorite hangout.
Inspect and replace weatherstripping. Stop drafts before they sneak in.
Drain and shut off outdoor faucets. Avoid frozen pipes and costly repairs.
Book a septic inspection. Trust us — a mid-winter backup is worse than it sounds.
At Team Ballas, we always say: the best winter defense is a strong fall offense.
Give Your Home a Full Check-Up
Before the first snowfall, take a deeper look:
Inspect your foundation. Small cracks now can become major headaches later.
Clean air ducts and heater grills. Maximize your system’s efficiency.
Inspect the attic. Look for leaks, insulation gaps, and — yes — squirrels looking for winter rentals.
Touch up exterior paint. Protect your siding and add a little curb appeal while you're at it.
Think of it as a spa day for your home — a little attention now keeps it healthy and happy all season long.
Procrastinator’s Guide to Fall Fixes
Short on time? Focus on these must-dos:
Test smoke and CO detectors. Safety first, always.
Drain outdoor faucets. (Yes, we’re repeating it — because it’s that critical.)
Clear gutters again. Fall leaves are relentless.
Book a chimney sweep. Safe, cozy fires all winter long.
Even if you only have a weekend to spare, these quick wins make a huge difference.
Bonus Tip: Play the Long Game
Fall isn’t just about winter prep — it’s about building a smarter plan for the future:
Schedule annual furnace servicing.
Monitor aging roofs and siding.
Set aside savings for major updates.
At Team Ballas, we’re here to help you make smart moves today so your home stays strong for many seasons to come.
