Your Fall Home Maintenance Checklist
What to Do Now to Avoid Costly Repairs Later
As the days get shorter and the air turns crisp, it’s time to do more than admire the fall foliage — it’s time to get your home ready for the months ahead. A few weekend projects now can save you from headaches (and expensive repairs) once winter settles in.
At Hickory Hill Collective, we see it every year: frozen pipes, leaking roofs, and drafty rooms that could’ve been prevented with a little proactive care. So before the first frost, grab your coffee, roll up your sleeves, and tackle these essential fall home maintenance tasks.
1. The Exterior Sweep
Start outside — it’s where most cold-weather problems begin.
Clean gutters and downspouts. When leaves clog your gutters, melting snow has nowhere to go, which can lead to roof leaks and ice dams.
Inspect your roof. Look for missing, curling, or cracked shingles and check the flashing around vents and chimneys to make sure it’s tight and sealed. Small fixes now can prevent water damage later.
Check siding and trim. Seal gaps or cracks that let cold air and moisture sneak in.
Patch driveway or walkway cracks. Freeze-thaw cycles can turn small cracks into trip hazards and costly repairs by spring.
Pro tip: Schedule roof and gutter work early — local contractors book up fast once the temperatures drop.
2. The Weatherproofing Checklist
Once your exterior is buttoned up, move to doors and windows — your home’s biggest sources of heat loss.
Replace worn weatherstripping. If you can see daylight around a door, you’re losing heat.
Re-caulk windows and siding joints. Focus on the south and west sides of your home where the sun hits hardest.
Add or replace door sweeps. A simple upgrade that makes a big difference in comfort and energy savings.
Inspect storm windows or install window insulation kits. They’re an affordable way to add an extra barrier against cold air.
Design tip: Layer heavier drapes or roman shades for warmth without sacrificing style. Think of it like adding an extra blanket to make your home softer and cozier in the colder months.
3. The Heating System Checkup
Before you flip the switch to “heat,” make sure your system is ready.
Change your furnace filter. A clean filter improves efficiency and air quality.
Schedule an HVAC tune-up. Technicians can spot issues before they become mid-January emergencies.
Check thermostat accuracy. Consider upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat to lower bills when you’re away.
Vacuum vents and baseboards. Dust buildup reduces airflow and efficiency.
4. The Safety Circuit
Winter brings candles, fireplaces, and space heaters — all reasons to double-check safety basics!
Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Replace batteries and test alarms.
Inspect fire extinguishers. Make sure they’re accessible and within their service life.
Review your home safety plan. If you use a fireplace, wood stove, or generator, ensure everyone knows how to operate it safely.
5. The Finishing Touches
These are the small steps that make winter living easier — and your home more inviting.
Clean and reverse ceiling fans. Clean the blades and body of your ceiling fan to improve efficiency and air quality. Switching to a clockwise rotation pushes warm air down.
Store outdoor furniture and garden tools. Clean, dry, and cover or bring them indoors.
Drain and shut off exterior water spigots. Prevent frozen pipes by disconnecting hoses and turning off valves. If you don’t have access to a shutoff valve, consider using a winterizing cover to help protect against the elements.
Stock up early. Keep salt, snow shovels, and ice melt handy before the first storm. Find a stylish antique bucket or bin to store ice melt outside near your door for easy access.
Bonus tip: If you love a tidy garage, take this moment to organize tools, label bins, and make space for snow gear.
The Payoff
By taking care of these simple fall maintenance tasks, you’re protecting your investment — and ensuring your home looks and feels its best all season long.
And if your checklist turns up bigger issues — like roof leaks, drafty windows, or spaces that need a little love — Hickory Hill Collective can help you get ahead of winter. From renovation planning to design solutions, we’ll help you prepare your home for whatever the Hudson Valley winter brings.
