Fall Home Maintenance Checklist for Columbus Ohio Homeowners

Fall has officially arrived in Central Ohio. Cooler temperatures and changing leaves also mean it is time to start getting your home ready for the colder months ahead.

A little preventative maintenance now can help avoid expensive repairs, improve energy efficiency, and keep your home comfortable throughout an Ohio winter.

Here is a simple fall home maintenance checklist for Columbus homeowners.

Clean Your Gutters and Downspouts

Ohio's fall leaves can quickly clog gutters.

Once leaves begin falling, clean your gutters and make sure downspouts are directing water away from your home's foundation.

Clogged gutters can cause water to overflow, damage siding, and create drainage problems around the house. As temperatures drop, standing water can also freeze.

If your home is surrounded by mature trees, you may need to clean the gutters more than once this fall.

Have Your Furnace Checked

Do not wait until the first freezing night to find out your furnace has a problem.

Fall is a good time to have your heating system inspected and replace the HVAC filter.

It is also worth turning your heat on before you actually need it. Make sure the system starts properly and check that warm air is reaching each room.

Seal Windows and Doors

Small gaps around windows and exterior doors can allow cold air into your home and warm air to escape.

Check weather stripping and caulking for cracks or deterioration.

These are relatively inexpensive fixes that can make your home more comfortable and potentially reduce heating costs.

Inspect Your Roof

Take a look at your roof before winter arrives.

Watch for:

• Missing or damaged shingles

• Loose flashing

• Sagging areas

• Damaged gutters

• Tree branches hanging over the roof

You can usually spot obvious problems from the ground. Leave climbing onto the roof to a professional when necessary.

Addressing a small issue in the fall is much better than discovering a leak during a January snowstorm.

Disconnect Outdoor Hoses

Once freezing temperatures get closer, disconnect garden hoses from exterior faucets.

Drain the hoses before storing them and winterize exterior plumbing where appropriate.

This simple task can help prevent frozen pipes and damaged outdoor faucets.

Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Fall is a good reminder to test the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors throughout your home.

Replace batteries when needed and check the manufacturer's recommendations for replacing older detectors.

With furnaces, fireplaces, and other heating equipment being used more frequently, working detectors are especially important during the colder months.

Prepare Your Fireplace

If you have a wood-burning fireplace, consider having the chimney inspected and cleaned before using it regularly.

Make sure the damper operates correctly and inspect the area around the fireplace for anything that could create a safety issue.

Gas fireplaces should also be checked periodically to make sure they are operating properly.

Take Care of the Lawn

Fall is an important season for Central Ohio lawns.

Depending on your yard, fall can be a good time for:

• Aerating

• Overseeding

• Fertilizing

• Removing leaves

• Repairing bare areas

Taking care of your lawn now can make a noticeable difference when everything starts growing again next spring.

Trim Trees and Landscaping

Inspect trees around your house for dead or damaged branches that could come down during winter storms.

Also trim shrubs or vegetation that are touching your siding, roof, or windows.

Keep leaves and landscaping debris away from your foundation so moisture can drain properly.

Check Your Basement

Heavy fall rain and melting winter snow can expose drainage problems.

Look around your basement for:

• Water stains

• Damp areas

• Cracks

• Musty odors

• Signs of previous water intrusion

If your home has a sump pump, test it to make sure it is operating properly.

Put Away Summer Equipment

Before temperatures drop too far, clean and store summer equipment such as lawn furniture, hoses, gardening tools, and outdoor cushions.

This is also a good time to organize the garage and make room for cars before the first frost and snow arrive.

Do a Walk Around Your Property

One of the easiest things you can do is simply walk around your home.

Look closely at the roof, siding, foundation, driveway, landscaping, windows, doors, and drainage.

Small problems are often much easier and less expensive to address when you catch them early.

Protecting Your Home Protects Its Value

Routine maintenance may not be as exciting as a new kitchen or bathroom, but it is one of the most important parts of homeownership.

A well maintained home can be easier to sell, more comfortable to live in, and less likely to surprise you with major repair bills.

Final Thoughts

Living in Columbus means experiencing all four seasons, and each one brings different responsibilities for homeowners.

Taking a weekend this fall to inspect your property and complete a few preventative maintenance projects can help protect your home throughout the colder months ahead.

And if you are considering buying, selling, or simply wondering what your home is worth in today's Central Ohio real estate market, the Associates Realty team is always happy to be a local resource.