Fall home maintenance checklist

Fall is slowly settling in, with its vibrant colours, leaves covering the ground, and the first gusts of wind heralding the coming winter. It’s the perfect time to get your home ready for winter, while temperatures are still mild enough and frost and bad weather haven't set in yet.

Properly planned fall maintenance is your secret weapon against water infiltration, heating system breakdowns and roof leaks. In other words, it’s a simple (and much more stress-free) way to protect the value of your property while enjoying optimal comfort during the coldest months of the year.

This guide provides a clear and practical checklist, divided into two sections: the exterior, to help you protect your building and its surroundings, and the interior, to make sure your home stays warm and safe.

Outdoor maintenance: getting your home ready for winter

Before thinking about indoor comfort, you first need to prepare the outside. A well-maintained yard and properly protected structures are the first line of defence against the harsh winter weather. These few simple steps will help you avoid a lot of problems and keep your home in good condition, season after season.

1. Prepare flower beds and the yard      

When dead leaves start to pile up and perennials reach the end of their cycle, it’s time to give the garden one last rake before winter sets in.

• Rake up dead leaves: removing them regularly prevents them from suffocating the lawn or damaging flower beds. It also keeps the soil aerated and reduces the risk of mould. Leaves can also be composted to nourish the garden in spring.
• Mow the lawn one last time: proper lawn care involves cutting the grass a little shorter than usual to control disease and ensure vigorous regrowth as soon as the snow melts.
• Fertilize the lawn: apply a potassium-rich fall fertilizer to strengthen roots and prepare the ground for the harsh winter weather.
• Protect shrubs and young trees: use trellises or burlap to protect them from frost and animals, as well as to prevent fragile branches from breaking under the weight of the snow.
• Store or cover patio furniture: bring chairs, tables, decorative pots and fountains indoors to keep your outdoor space looking its best. Terracotta pots should be emptied and stored away, as they crack easily during periods of frost.
• Drain the garden hoses: empty any remaining water and close the external valve. A simple oversight in this regard can cause the pipes to burst and lead to costly repairs.
• Clean and store your gardening tools: remove any soil, sharpen the blades and store them in a dry place to extend their lifespan.

Tips and tricks To protect your foundation, make sure there are no leaves or debris blocking the drains. Water accumulation can lead to leaks, especially during periods of frost and thaw.

2. Inspect and repair the building envelope   

Once the yard and plants are ready for the cold season, focus your attention on the overall condition of the house.

• Inspect the roof: look for warped or missing shingles. Preventive roof maintenance not only prevents leaks, but also extends the life of the roofing material.
• Clean gutters and downspouts: remove leaves and debris, and check for granules in the gutters, which are a sign of wear. Also check the water run-off around the house to prevent backflow and ice formation. Regular gutter maintenance keeps water away from walls and foundations, reducing the risk of dampness and seepage in the basement.
• Check the foundation: look for cracks, traces of moisture or crumbling. Signs such as efflorescence indicate the presence of moisture. A sealant can help mitigate problems.
• Examine exterior caulking: inspect the joints around windows, doors and siding. Fill or redo any cracked caulking, paying special attention to the front door and garage, which are often areas where heat escapes and energy is lost.
• Close the pool: wait until the water reaches about 10°C, then follow the recommended steps, such as lowering the water level, adding pre-winter maintenance products, dismantling accessories and installing a protective cover.
• Secure outdoor structures: inspect balconies, railings, stairs and copings. Replace broken parts and apply a sealant to wood exposed to the elements.

Tips and tricks When going onto the roof, always take proper precautions: keep the ladder away from electrical wires, avoid leaning it against gutters and wear proper protective equipment.

3. Final steps to take for the exterior      

Get your final preparations done before the first snowfall.

• Check and prepare the snowblower: test the starter, change the spark plug if necessary, examine the belts and make sure you have fresh fuel. Preventive maintenance saves a lot of frustration when the first snow falls.
• Store and maintain garden tools: clean the lawnmower, hedge trimmer and other appliances. Drain the gasoline from the tanks or add a stabilizer to prevent damage to the motor.
• Install snow stakes as well as driveway and carport markers: they make snow removal easier and prevent accidents. It’s best to do this before the ground freezes.
• Keep driveways and emergency routes clear: they must remain accessible at all times for emergency services and deliveries, even in winter.

Tips and tricks Take advantage of the last few weeks before the snow falls to observe where water collects around your home. Fall is the ideal time to correct your property’s levelling or consider installing a French drain.

Interior: warmth, safety and healthy air for winter

When the days start to get shorter, it’s the right time to get the inside of your home ready for the cold season. A little cleaning, a few targeted checks and better air quality will help improve comfort – and lower your energy bill.

1. Fall cleaning      

Before getting your home into cocooning mode, a thorough clean is in order.

• Wash windows and screens: take them down, clean them thoroughly and store them in a dry place. This helps reduce dirt buildup over the winter and makes spring cleaning easier. A homemade cleaner made from water and vinegar is both effective and environmentally friendly.
• Clean carpets, textiles and curtains: fibres trap dust, allergens and pollutants. Vacuum them, use a carpet cleaning machine or take them to a specialist , especially if you have pets.
• Declutter and reorganize spaces: put away summer clothes and take out coats, boots and accessories. Take the opportunity to tidy up the entryway and set out bins or baskets for mittens and scarves.
• Organize the pantry: check expiry dates, use products before they go bad and reorganize your winter reserves.

Tips and tricks Air out the house for a few minutes after a thorough cleaning: this will help eliminate moisture, cleaning product buildup and airborne particles.

2. Checks and repairs      

The following checks need to be done before the heating system starts running at full capacity.

• Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors: change the batteries and make sure the alarm is audible. A simple test can save lives.
• Check the heating system: have the furnace, baseboard heaters, convectors and heat pump inspected. Preventive maintenance improves energy efficiency.
• Chimney sweeping: if you use a fireplace, annual sweeping is crucial to prevent chimney fires caused by creosote buildup.
• Check the interior seals on windows and doors: run your hand or a stick of incense near the frames and wall sockets to detect air leaks. Replace worn weatherstripping and make sure the attic access hatch is properly closed. Good interior insulation reduces heat loss and improves comfort.
• Inspect visible plumbing: examine exposed pipes, fittings and appliances such as the water heater. Look for corrosion and bleed hot water radiators, if you have them, to optimize their efficiency.

3. Air quality and preparing for heating      

The dry, stuffy winter air requires special precautions.

• Change heating and ventilation filters: replace them according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, commonly every two to three months. This reduces ambient dust and improves air quality.
• Check the humidifier or dehumidifier: maintain a humidity level of 30–50%. Air that’s too dry can cause respiratory irritation, while excess humidity can lead to mould and condensation. A ventilation system such as a heat recovery ventilator (HRV) or energy recovery ventilator (ERV) also helps maintain healthy, balanced air.
• Clean ventilation ducts: if you notice excessive dust or a persistent odour, consider having them professionally cleaned. Some models also allow for basic maintenance to be done yourself.
• Store flammable products: keep solvents, paints and chemicals away from any source of heat. Store them in airtight containers that are clearly labelled.
• Put away air conditioners: remove or insulate them to prevent cold air from seeping in. Take the opportunity to clean the filter before storing them.
• Ventilate regularly, even in winter: open the windows a few minutes after cooking or showering to change the air and reduce humidity.

Tips and tricks Air-purifying plants and an air purifier help maintain a healthy indoor environment throughout the season.

Fall: prepare now to enjoy a hassle-free winter

Fall is a season of transition, but also of action. By taking the time to prepare your property now, you’re setting yourself up for a comfortable, tranquil winter – without any unpleasant surprises.

To help you remember everything, here’s a summary table of the main maintenance tasks to be carried out:

Every little bit you do this fall will help make your home healthier, more efficient and more enjoyable to live in – for you, your family, and even your neighbourhood. A well-maintained property not only adds value to your investment, but also makes for a more harmonious living environment.

Looking for a property that’ll see you through every season? Start your property search today and find the home you’d love to take care of.

---

See also:

What should the humidity be in a house

How to install, maintain and close an above-ground pool

The complete home renovation guide: tips, steps and budget