The Wise Homeowners' Fall Maintenance Checklist

When the leaves start turning color and drifting to the ground, we all know what that means—it's not long until cold weather hits and Colorado is blanketed in crisp, sparkling snow. Right now, before the winter months arrive, is the perfect time for homeowners to start working on their fall maintenance checklist to ready their properties for colder weather.

We all want our homes to be safe, cozy, comfortable and energy efficient all winter long, but not everyone has the time, ability or—let's be honest—the inclination to seek out fall home maintenance tips and work their way through a long fall maintenance checklist. That's okay! Your local, qualified Brighton handyman is just a phone call away. Rely on the experienced team of home service professionals at Mr. Handyman of Brighton and the Surrounding Area to cross every task off your fall maintenance checklist quickly and correctly, so you can have peace of mind knowing your home is in excellent shape and ready for winter.

Not sure what should even be on your fall maintenance checklist? Here are some of the most important tasks that need to be taken care of before the snow starts flying, whether you handle them yourself or call your local handyman to get everything taken care of.

Exterior and Interior Caulking

We're listing this first on the fall maintenance checklist because it's such an important step to prevent heat transfer and keep your heating costs manageable throughout the colder months. Any gap in the exterior shell of your house is an opportunity for heat loss and moisture incursion that can lead to big problems like wood rot. We'll get all those little cracks, gaps and holes sealed up with caulk so your furnace doesn't have to work so hard during winter.

Weatherproof Windows and Doors

Speaking of caulk, it's also a great tool for weatherproofing around window and door frames, which are a major concern when it comes to heat transfer. But this is a separate task on your fall maintenance checklist because it may need more complex care than just caulking. We can replace damaged weather stripping and even repair or replace rotted wood to prevent air drafts and moisture leakage.

Clean Gutters

Clearing out clogged gutters and repairing any damage to your rainwater disposal system before winter hits is one of the most critically important fall maintenance checklist tasks to avoid severe water damage, including a leaky roof and a cracked foundation. Your gutters divert tens of thousands of gallons of water from the exterior of your house every year, and they can't offer that protection while they're stuffed full of debris like pine needles and dirt, or broken and missing pieces.

Shut Down Sprinkler System

You won't need your sprinkler system during winter, so it makes sense to get it shut off, which may be as simple as pressing a button or twisting a lever on your backwater valve. But it's also important to make sure the pipes are emptied so they don't freeze and burst in chilly weather. If you're not sure how to accomplish that, add this task to your fall maintenance checklist for your Brighton handyman to manage.

Organize Garage

Is your garage currently a jumbled mess of sports equipment, camping gear and all the other stuff that got hauled out over the summer? You'll feel better with everything neatly organized and stored away for the cold season when it's not going to be needed, and it'll be a lot easier to access the stuff you do need in winter. Your Brighton handyman can help you cross this off your fall maintenance checklist with some custom storage solutions that will make it easier to have a place for everything and everything in its place.

Change Smoke Alarm Batteries and Furnace Filter

While these fall home maintenance tips aren't difficult or time-consuming, it makes sense to ensure they're taken care of to protect the safety of your household. Smoke detectors can be difficult to reach, especially if you can't or don't want to climb a ladder, but we'll get even the most out-of-the-way ones tested and change out their batteries, and we can take care of carbon monoxide detectors or carbon dioxide detectors at the same time. We'll also check the air filters in your furnace and swap them out to keep your indoor air quality fresh and breathable for the next few months.

Clean Dryer Vents

This fall maintenance checklist may come as a surprise to some homeowners, but it's crucial for both safety and energy efficiency. Cold, dry weather increases static electricity, and lint buildup in dryer vents can be set on fire by a tiny spark from an overworked machine that can't vent through a clogged vent properly. By getting that lint cleared out, we can help prevent house fires and your dryer won't need to use as much fuel to operate.

Prepare for Winter Holidays

By the time autumn rolls around, we're just a few short weeks away from the winter holiday season. If you'd like to get your house looking festive in time for your favorite holiday, this is a good addition to your fall maintenance checklist. We can make decorating a snap, whether you need help installing stringed lights, putting up lawn decorations, or getting the interior of your house ready for the holidays with services for everything from flooring repair to bathroom remodeling.

Call a Brighton Handyman for Help With Your Home Maintenance

Are you feeling overwhelmed by your fall home checklist and in need of a few fall home maintenance tips? No problem! Homeowners in Brighton and nearby locations such as Thornton, all you have to do to get everything crossed off your list is call the professionals at Mr. Handyman of Brighton and the Surrounding Area.