Your Fall Home Checklist: 7 Things to Do Before the Rain Settles In

The leaves are turning, the evenings are getting darker, and the wet season in the Skagit Valley is not far behind. A little time spent on your home now can save you a much bigger headache (and bill) this winter. Whether you have owned your home for twenty years or just closed on it, here are seven things worth doing this month.

1. Clear the gutters and downspouts

Falling leaves and needles are the number one reason gutters back up. When water has nowhere to go, it spills over and runs down your siding or pools next to the foundation. Clean out the gutters, check that downspouts are connected, and make sure they send water several feet away from the house.

2. Look over the roof and the exterior

From the ground (binoculars help), look for missing or curled shingles, moss build-up and loose flashing. Walk the outside of the house and look at paint, caulk and trim. Gently press on wood around windows and decks. If it feels soft, have a pro take a look before the rain does more damage.

3. Check drainage around the house

Soil and landscaping should slope away from your foundation, not toward it. Clear leaves from yard drains and low spots, and trim back shrubs that trap moisture against the siding.

4. Give your heating system some attention

Swap the furnace filter, make sure vents are not blocked by furniture, and consider a yearly tune-up from a licensed HVAC company before you need the heat every day. If you have a fireplace or wood stove, schedule a chimney inspection and cleaning.

5. Test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms

Heating season is a good reminder to test every alarm and replace batteries. Check the date printed on each unit too, because alarms do not last forever.

6. Peek into the crawl space, attic and garage

Use a flashlight to look for standing water, damp insulation, torn vapor barriers or signs of pests. Seal gaps where small animals could get in as the weather cools.

7. Get your outdoor spaces ready for the rainy months

Put away or cover patio furniture, disconnect and drain garden hoses, and rake leaves off decks and walkways so they do not stay wet and slippery.

Thinking about buying or selling?

Home upkeep matters at every stage. If you are planning to sell, a well-kept home often shows better and can make the inspection process smoother. If you are buying, knowing what to look for helps you ask the right questions at the home inspection. Either way, we are happy to talk through your plans.

Ready to chat about your next move? Call the LaCount Home Group at (360) 420-2345 or reach out through this site.

This post is general information for homeowners and is not a substitute for advice from a licensed inspector, contractor or other professional.