Best Home Projects to Tackle This Fall

As the leaves start to change and temperatures cool down, fall is a good time to give your home a little attention before winter arrives.

A few preventative projects now can help protect your home from cold weather, improve comfort, and potentially prevent bigger maintenance headaches later. And in the Midwest, where freezing temperatures, snow, and ice can all be part of the season, preparing early can make winter a little easier.

Not sure where to begin? Here are nine fall home maintenance projects worth adding to your list.

1. Clean Your Gutters and Downspouts

Falling leaves have a way of ending up everywhere—including your gutters.

Remove leaves, twigs, and other debris so rain and melting snow have a clear path away from your home. While you’re at it, check that downspouts are secure and directing water away from the foundation.

If you’re using a ladder, take safety seriously. Use a sturdy ladder on level ground, wear gloves and eye protection, and consider calling a professional if you’re uncomfortable working at heights.

2. Give the Roof a Once-Over

Your roof will soon be dealing with colder temperatures and potentially snow, ice, and winter storms, so fall is a good time to look for obvious trouble spots.

From the ground, check for missing, curling, or damaged shingles and other visible signs of wear. If you suspect leaks or damage—or simply aren’t sure what you’re looking at—consider having a roofing professional perform an inspection.

Addressing a small issue now may help keep it from becoming a much bigger winter problem.

3. Get Your Heating System Ready

You don’t want the first freezing night of the season to be the moment you discover your heating system needs attention.

Schedule a pre-season HVAC checkup and inspect, clean, or replace your system’s air filter as appropriate. A professional can check components, controls, electrical connections, and other parts of the system to make sure everything is operating properly.

If your furnace or boiler is older, needs frequent repairs, or isn’t keeping your home comfortable, talk with a qualified HVAC professional about whether repair or replacement makes sense.

Have a heat pump? Remember that the outdoor unit operates during colder months, too, so keep it clear of leaves, snow, and other debris.

4. Check Windows and Doors for Drafts

Small gaps around windows and doors can make chilly rooms feel even colder.

Take a walk around the house and look for worn weatherstripping, cracked caulk, and other obvious gaps. Replacing damaged weatherstripping or sealing appropriate gaps can help reduce drafts and make your home more comfortable.

If you’re considering replacement windows, don’t assume that’s the only solution. Sometimes relatively simple air-sealing improvements can make a noticeable difference.

5. Take a Look at Your Insulation

While you’re thinking about drafts, take a look at accessible insulation in areas such as the attic, basement, or crawl space.

Insulation and air sealing work together to help maintain comfortable indoor temperatures. Look for obvious gaps or areas where insulation has shifted or become damaged.

Just be careful when sealing around the attic. Ventilation and certain clearances still need to be maintained, so larger insulation and air-sealing projects may be best handled by a professional.

6. Prepare the Fireplace and Chimney

A fireplace can make a cold evening a lot cozier—but make sure it’s ready before lighting that first fire.

Wood-burning fireplaces and chimneys should be checked for buildup, blockages, damage, or other issues that could affect safe operation. Depending on your fireplace and how frequently you use it, professional cleaning or inspection may be appropriate.

Gas fireplaces also benefit from periodic professional service according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

And while you’re thinking about fire safety, fall is a convenient time to test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and replace batteries when needed.

7. Finish Up Exterior and Lawn Projects

Fall can provide comfortable weather for tackling those last outdoor projects of the year.

Touch up peeling exterior paint where conditions and the paint manufacturer’s temperature guidelines allow. Rake or mulch leaves, clean up garden beds, trim dead or damaged vegetation where appropriate, and give your lawn the seasonal care recommended for your type of grass.

This is also a good opportunity to put away outdoor furniture, tools, and other items you don’t want exposed to winter weather.

8. Winterize Outdoor Faucets and Irrigation

Frozen water can put significant pressure on pipes, which is why outdoor plumbing deserves attention before temperatures dip below freezing.

Disconnect, drain, and store garden hoses. If your home has interior shutoff valves supplying outdoor faucets, follow the appropriate steps for your plumbing system to drain those lines. Irrigation systems should also be winterized according to the manufacturer’s or installer’s instructions.

Exposed or vulnerable pipes may benefit from insulation, particularly in unheated areas such as garages, crawl spaces, or basements.

9. Get Ready for Snow and Ice

The best time to discover your snow shovel is cracked probably isn’t during the first snowstorm.

Before winter weather arrives, check shovels, snow blowers, and other snow-removal equipment. Make sure everything is accessible and ready to go, and keep appropriate ice-melting or traction materials on hand for steps and walkways.

While you’re at it, check exterior lighting around entrances, stairs, and paths. With earlier sunsets, good lighting can make it easier to navigate your property safely.

A Little Fall Prep Goes a Long Way

Fall home maintenance doesn’t have to happen all in one weekend. Start with projects that protect your home from water, freezing temperatures, and heating problems, then work your way through the rest of the list as time allows.

A little preparation now can help your home stay comfortable and cared for throughout the colder months. And if you’re thinking about selling, keeping up with routine maintenance can also help your home make a well-cared-for first impression when it’s time to list.