The fall home maintenance checklist experts say you should start now

Winter weather might be the last thing on your mind during the heat of summer, but now is actually one of the best times to tackle some home maintenance projects. In fact, addressing small issues before the big temperatures drop can help you avoid bigger repairs, unexpected expenses and fully booked contractor schedules later this year.

"The most important thing homeowners can do this summer is pay attention to the small signs their home is already giving them," says Danielle Radic, senior product manager at Great Day Improvements. "A draft around a window, a door that no longer seals tightly, a gutter that overflows during rain, a water stain near the ceiling or a room that never feels comfortable can all be early warnings."

Catching these warning signs now can help you protect your home and head into fall with confidence. These are the most impactful steps homeowners can take right now before contractors start getting booked up this fall.

Prevent water damage before fall storms

Depending on where you live, fall and winter can mean hurricanes, windstorms, snow and ice. Bad weather can easily expose vulnerabilities in your home's roof and drainage systems, and falling leaves can further compound the issue.

That's why it's important to check that water is being properly diverted away from your home during a storm. "Summer is a smart time to take advantage of heavy rainfall to notice where the water is running around your house," says Matthew Supple, director of sales operations at Leafguard.

Here are the best steps you can take now to prevent water damage this fall and winter:

• Check your gutters for clogs, sagging, leaks, rust or loose fasteners
• During and after heavy rain, look for overflowing or pooling water near your home's foundation
• Inspect your roof for missing or damaged shingles, uneven areas or built-up debris
• Look for water stains or moisture that could indicate leaks
• Schedule repairs for any drainage, gutter or roofing issues

Check for air leaks and hidden entry points

As fall and winter arrive, small gaps around windows, doors and other openings around your home can become problematic.

"Drafty windows, poorly sealed doors and underperforming insulation may not feel like as big of a big deal when it's warm outside, but those same issues can make a home feel chilly, uneven and less efficient once temperatures drop," says William Shannon, manager of special projects at Champion Windows.

In addition to making your heating less efficient, these same openings can also let in insects and rodents seeking shelter from the cold, causing a potential pest problem.

These are some basic steps you can take now:

• Seal cracked caulk around windows
• Replace damaged weatherstripping on windows, doors and window A/C units
• Check for openings where utility lines, cables or pipes enter the home
• Seal small cracks in your home's foundation or around exterior openings

Trim landscaping that could cause problems

Heavy rain from fall hurricanes, as well as snow and ice accumulation during winter storms, can weigh on loose or overhanging branches around your home and cause them to snap. This can damage shingles or flashing on your roof, among other issues.

Overgrown landscaping, particularly around the foundation of your home, can also attract insects and rodents. As temperatures drop, this can make it easier for outdoor pests to come into your home seeking shelter.

Here's what you should do right now to prevent issues:

• Trim down tree branches hanging over or near your roof
• Cut down vegetation and landscaping touching the side of your home
• Remove debris piles from your yard, which can attract pests

Taking these steps can also help keep your gutters clean and improve drainage around your home.

Prep your heating system before the first cold snap

By the time the first cold night of the year rolls around, it might be months since you last turned on your home's heating system.

Quickly checking that your heating system is working can give you time to schedule a repair before temperatures drop and service technicians get booked up.

Take a few minutes to do the following:

• Check that your thermostat turns on and starts your heater properly
• Run your heater for a few minutes to see if it's making any weird noises or smells
• Replace dirty or clogged air filters
• Check your vents and ducts for any blockages
• Schedule a routine tune-up

Take five minutes to test your safety devices

As it gets colder and we start using our heating systems, furnaces, fireplaces and space heaters again, that can also mean an increased risk for fires.

Take a few minutes to check your safety devices:

• Press and hold the test button on your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure the alarm works
• Replace batteries if necessary
• Check the manufacture date on the back of your alarms. You should replace your smoke detectors about every 10 years and carbon monoxide detectors about every five to seven.
• Check your fireplace and chimney for buildup or obstructions

Bottom line: get ahead of the fall rush with these projects

Proactively checking your home's systems allows you to identify issues before they become urgent and help you beat the rush of demand for contractors in the cooler months.

We recommend inspecting your roof and gutters, sealing drafty windows and doors, trimming overgrown landscaping, and checking your heating and safety systems. These are some of the easiest – and most impactful – steps you can take before summer ends.

"Getting ahead of fall and winter maintenance can help homeowners make decisions with less pressure, avoid preventable damage and feel more confident that their home is ready for the season ahead," Radic says.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: The fall home maintenance checklist experts say you should start now

Reporting by Faith Wakefield, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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Copyright Reuters or USA Today Network via Reuters Connect

This story was originally published July 13, 2026 at 1:30 PM.