Getting your home ready for the winter months

4 days ago

5 min read

From a home inspector’s point of view, fall maintenance is really about finding and correcting small problems before freezing temperatures, snow, ice, and winter moisture turn them into expensive repairs. A good fall checklist should focus on the roof, drainage, exterior, heating system, plumbing, electrical, and safety systems.

🍂 Fall Home Maintenance Checklist — Before Winter

1. Roof & Attic

Inspect the roof covering for missing, cracked, curling, or damaged shingles.
Check flashing around chimneys, skylights, plumbing vents, and roof penetrations.
Look for damaged or deteriorated roof boots around plumbing vents.
Clean debris from the roof, particularly leaves accumulated in valleys.
Check the attic for signs of roof leaks, staining, damp insulation, or mold.
Verify that attic ventilation openings aren't blocked by insulation.
Check insulation levels and look for areas where insulation has been displaced.
Inspect the attic around bathroom exhaust fans to ensure they vent outdoors rather than into the attic.

Inspector's concern: A small roof or ventilation defect can become a significant moisture problem after repeated freeze/thaw cycles.

2. Gutters & Downspouts

Clean leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts.
Make sure gutters are securely attached and properly pitched.
Check for rust, holes, separated joints, and leaking end caps.
Make sure downspouts discharge well away from the foundation.
Confirm that extensions haven't become buried, crushed, or disconnected.
Check that water isn't being directed toward sidewalks, driveways, or areas where it can freeze.

Inspector's concern: Poor drainage is one of the most common contributors to basement and foundation moisture problems.

3. Foundation & Exterior Drainage

Walk around the house looking for foundation cracks, particularly new or significantly widening cracks.
Check for areas where soil has settled next to the foundation.
Make sure the ground slopes away from the house.
Repair deteriorated mortar joints and exterior sealant.
Check exterior penetrations for gaps that could allow water or rodents inside.
Inspect basement window wells and make sure they are free of leaves and debris.
Make sure window-well drains are functioning where provided.

4. Exterior Doors & Windows

Inspect window and door caulking and weatherstripping.
Replace cracked or deteriorated exterior sealant.
Check that exterior doors close and latch properly.
Make sure storm doors and screens are secure.
Look for condensation or moisture problems around windows.
Remove or properly store window air conditioners before freezing weather.

Inspector's concern: Air leakage around windows and doors increases heating costs and can contribute to condensation and moisture problems.

5. Heating System

Before the first really cold night:

Have the furnace or boiler professionally serviced according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
Replace the HVAC filter if applicable.
Make sure supply and return registers aren't blocked.
Check accessible ductwork for obvious damage or disconnections.
Confirm that heating equipment has adequate clearance from stored materials.
Test the thermostat.
Check that heating appliances have appropriate combustion-air and ventilation provisions.
For fuel-burning systems, make sure the exhaust/flue system is intact and unobstructed.

If you have a fireplace or wood-burning appliance:

Have the chimney inspected and cleaned when appropriate.
Check the firebox, damper, chimney, and visible portions of the flue for problems.
Make sure combustible materials are kept away from the appliance.

6. Plumbing — Particularly Important Before Freezing Weather

This is one of the areas I would emphasize most as an inspector.

Disconnect garden hoses from exterior faucets.
Shut off and drain exterior hose bibs where the plumbing configuration calls for it.
Insulate exposed water lines in unheated areas.
Check pipes in crawlspaces, garages, attics, and exterior walls.
Locate your main water shutoff valve and make sure it operates.
Know where individual fixture shutoffs are located.
Check for slow leaks under sinks and around toilets.
Inspect the water heater for leakage, corrosion, and other obvious problems.
Make sure the water heater's temperature/pressure relief discharge arrangement is intact.

Inspector's concern: A frozen pipe can cause catastrophic water damage even though the actual pipe failure may occur when the pipe thaws.

7. Crawlspace & Basement

Look for evidence of water intrusion.
Check sump pumps and make sure the discharge line is functioning.
Test the backup sump system if one exists.
Remove leaves and debris from exterior drainage areas.
Look for condensation or excessive humidity.
Check exposed plumbing for insulation.
Look for signs of rodents or other pests seeking winter shelter.
Make sure crawlspace vents and insulation are configured appropriately for the home's design.

8. Electrical System

Test GFCI protection at applicable exterior, garage, basement, bathroom, and kitchen receptacles.
Test AFCI protection where installed.
Check exterior receptacles and covers for damage.
Make sure outdoor electrical equipment is protected from weather as required.
Inspect extension cords used outdoors for damage.
Avoid using indoor-rated extension cords outside.
Check that portable heaters, if used, are plugged directly into appropriate receptacles rather than overloaded extension cords or power strips.

9. Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Safety

Fall is an excellent time to test every safety device.

Test smoke alarms throughout the house.
Test carbon monoxide alarms.
Replace batteries where appropriate.
Replace alarms that have reached the manufacturer's recommended service life.
Make sure alarms are properly located and not disabled.
Consider whether additional CO protection is appropriate near sleeping areas and fuel-burning equipment.

Inspector's concern: Winter means homes are closed up and combustion equipment is operating more frequently, making carbon-monoxide protection particularly important.

10. Exterior Winterization

Clean leaves away from the foundation.
Trim branches that could fall onto the roof during an ice or snow event.
Secure loose siding, trim, shutters, railings, and exterior fixtures.
Inspect decks, porches, and stairs.
Check handrails and guardrails for looseness.
Repair deteriorated walking surfaces before they become icy.
Store or winterize outdoor equipment.
Make sure snow-removal equipment is operational before the first major storm.

11. Trees & Landscaping

From an inspector's perspective, pay particular attention to what could fall on the house.

Remove dead or significantly damaged branches.
Keep tree limbs away from the roof where practical.
Look for trees leaning toward the house, garage, or utility lines.
Remove dead vegetation around the foundation.
Keep landscaping from blocking drainage.
Don't pile firewood directly against the house.

For larger or questionable trees, use a qualified arborist rather than attempting major tree work yourself.

12. Garage

Check the garage door for proper operation.
Test the automatic garage-door reverse safety feature.
Make sure the photoelectric safety sensors are working.
Inspect springs, cables, rollers, and tracks visually for obvious damage.
Check the garage floor for significant cracks or moisture.
Keep combustible materials away from heating equipment.
Make sure the door between the garage and house closes and latches properly.

🔎 The "Inspector's Top 10" Fall Priorities

If homeowners don't have time to do everything, I'd prioritize these:

Clean and inspect gutters/downspouts
Check the roof and flashing
Service the heating system
Disconnect exterior hoses and protect plumbing
Check attic insulation and ventilation
Inspect the foundation and drainage
Test smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms
Test GFCI/AFCI protection
Check sump pump operation
Seal exterior openings and weatherstrip doors/windows

The home inspector's basic philosophy

Think of fall maintenance as water management + heat management + freeze protection + life safety.

Keep water out, keep heat in, keep pipes from freezing, and make sure the systems that protect the occupants actually work.

Those four principles will prevent a surprisingly large percentage of the problems a home inspector encounters after winter.