As fall settles in across West Michigan, it’s the ideal time to tackle a few home maintenance tasks that will save you stress (and money) once winter arrives. We asked one of our trusted inspectors for their top fall home prep recommendations—here’s what they said:

🌳 Outside Your Home

1. Clean the gutters and downspouts
Clear out leaves and debris to prevent water damage and ice dams once the snow starts falling.

2. Winterize the sprinkler system & detach hoses
Shut off and drain outdoor faucets, detach hoses, and schedule a professional sprinkler blow-out.

3. Trim/prune landscaping & remove yard waste
Keep branches away from your roof and siding, and avoid pest problems by clearing out yard debris.

4. Visually inspect the roof, gutters, and flashing
Look for loose shingles, sagging gutters, or damaged flashing that could lead to leaks.

5. Seal exterior air leaks
Caulk or weatherstrip around doors and windows to keep cold air out and energy bills down.

🏠 Inside Your Home

1. Furnace tune-up
Schedule service before heavy use begins. Pro Tip: Change your furnace filter monthly for efficiency and better air quality.

2. Chimney and fireplace cleaning

Make sure your fireplace is safe and ready before the first cozy fire of the season.

3. Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
Replace all batteries and test every alarm. Safety first.

4. Check your attic for leaks
A quick visual inspection can reveal early signs of roof issues before they become major problems.

5. Seal interior air leaks
Like outside, inspect windows and doors from the inside and seal any drafts you find.