Would you rather spend a little money now or a lot later fixing problems that could have been avoided? That’s the point of fall home maintenance. It may not be glamorous, but it’s necessary if you want to keep your home safe, warm, and efficient through the colder months.

Here are the five things at the top of my fall checklist:

1. Clean your gutters. Clogged gutters can cause water to back up, leading to leaks, foundation issues, and even roof damage. A quick clean-out can save you from a big headache later.

2. Check your roof. While you’re up near the gutters, take a look at your shingles and flashing. If anything’s missing, cracked, or loose, get it repaired before storms roll in. A small fix now prevents costly leaks in the winter.

Spend a little money now on fall maintenance, or a lot more later on repairs, it’s your choice.

3. Seal windows and doors. If you feel drafts around your home, now’s the time to seal them up. Not only will your house stay warmer, but your energy bills will also thank you.

4. Service your HVAC system. Your heating system will be working hard this winter. Schedule a service and make sure you’re changing your filters regularly. This keeps your system running smoothly and your utility costs lower.

5. Inspect your chimney and fireplace. Nothing beats a cozy fire in the winter, but make sure it’s safe. Schedule an inspection before lighting that first fire of the season.

Taking care of these five things now means fewer surprises later. If you’d like a full checklist of fall maintenance items, feel free to call, email, or send me a DM at (703) 216-4272 or terrirobinson@remax.net. I’m always happy to help.