As the leaves begin to change and temperatures drop, homeowners know what’s coming next, cooler days, cozy nights, and a few extra household chores before winter sets in.

Fall isn’t just about pumpkin spice and football season. It’s also one of the most important times of the year to protect your home from weather damage, drafts, and costly repairs. Whether you own your home or manage a property, a few hours of maintenance now can save you hundreds (or even thousands) later.

To help you stay ahead, we’ve compiled your Essential Fall Home Maintenance Checklist, a simple, actionable guide to keep your home safe, warm, and energy-efficient.

Fall Home Maintenance Checklist:

1. Clean gutters & downspouts:

Fallen leaves are beautiful until they clog your gutters.

Blocked gutters can cause rainwater to overflow, leading to roof leaks, wall damage, or even foundation problems.

What to do:

• Remove leaves, twigs, and debris from gutters and downspouts.
• Flush them with a hose to ensure water flows freely.
• Check for sagging sections or loose brackets.

Pro Tip: Consider installing gutter guards to minimize buildup throughout the year.

2. Inspect your roof:

Your roof is your home’s first defense against the elements. Cracked, missing, or curled shingles can let in water and create hidden leaks that worsen over time.

What to do:

• Check for missing or damaged shingles.
• Inspect flashing around chimneys and vents.
• Look inside your attic for any signs of water stains or mold.

Pro Tip: Hire a professional roofer to inspect safely if you’re uncomfortable climbing a ladder, you can find trusted pros easily through Kraftworks.

3. Seal Windows & Doors

Drafty windows and doors don’t just make your home uncomfortable they can also spike your heating bills.

What to do:

• Use weatherstripping or caulk to seal gaps and cracks.
• Check door thresholds for light leaks.
• Replace worn-out seals or insulation film if needed.

4. Check Yard Drainage

Rain and melting snow should flow away from your home, not toward it. Poor drainage can cause flooding or foundation erosion.

What to do:

• Ensure the ground slopes away from your foundation.
• Clear debris from yard drains and ditches.
• Extend downspouts at least 3 - 4 feet from your home.

Pro Tip: After heavy rain, walk around your property to spot puddles or pooling water, these are early warning signs of drainage issues.

5. Test Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors

As you start using heaters and fireplaces again, safety becomes a top priority. Functional smoke and CO detectors save lives.

What to do:

• Test all alarms and replace batteries.
• Vacuum around detectors to remove dust.
• Replace any units older than 10 years.

Bonus Tip: Schedule Preventive Maintenance

Fall is also a great time to schedule routine home checkups, like HVAC servicing, plumbing inspections, and exterior repairs. Regular tune-ups ensure everything runs efficiently when winter hits.

Don’t wait until something breaks. A small preventive investment now prevents bigger repair costs later.