As autumn rolls in, now is the perfect time to prepare your home for the chilly months ahead. Tackling maintenance tasks while the weather is still mild helps prevent costly repairs and ensures your space stays comfortable and efficient all winter long. Use this handy checklist to get your home winter-ready—check each item off as you go!

☐ Care for trees and shrubs: Having your trees and shrubs properly trimmed will avoid any falling branches or trees onto your home.

☐ Rake leaves: Leaving too many leaves on your lawn may inhibit spring growth.

☐ Clean gutters and downspouts: Removing the dead leaves from your gutters will avoid any water from accumulating and damaging your roof or siding.

☐ Repair the exterior: Walk around your home to determine if any repairs need to be made while the weather is still mild.

☐ Seal gaps: a mouse only needs a crack to enter to get away from the cooler weather.

☐ Inspect your doors and windows: Repair any loose or damaged window or door frames, and consider installing weather stripping, or caulking around windows and doors to prevent drafts which may lower your heating bills.

☐ Check walkways, railings, stairs and driveway: you’ll want to inspect all of these to make sure that when the snow is on the ground you have a safe place to walk and clear snow.

☐ Stock up on winter tools: Don’t wait until the first snowstorm to purchase a snow shovel and make sure your generator is in good repair.

☐ Shut off exterior water faucets and store hoses: protect your pipes and hoses by turning the water off and storing your hoses in your shed or garage.

☐ Weather strip windows: If you have older windows you may want to think about weather stripping your windows to keep the cold out and warmth in.

☐ Check your home safety devices: Make sure your smoke detector batteries are replaced, and if you have a fire extinguisher check the expiration date.

☐ Clean dryer vents: Clean out the dryer vent after a summer of washing. The cooler weather increases static electricity, which can lead to fires.

☐ Deep clean your kitchen: The holidays are right around the corner, now is the time to deep clean your refrigerator (inside, outside, behind, and under), stove top & oven, range hood & filter, light fixtures, and small appliances.

☐ Schedule your chimney cleaning and heating system inspection: Now is the time to schedule this maintenance BEFORE you turn on your heating systems.

For your home repairs and questions contact B.L. Ward & Associates at 302.312.6051, or email us at questions@blwardassociates.com. We are here to help you keep your home your best and proudest investment.