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Home MaintenancePublished July 1, 2026
Fall Home Prep: 7 Tasks Every Homeowner Should Do Before Winter
Fall Home Prep: 7 Tasks Every Homeowner Should Do Before Winter
A little fall prep now can help protect your home when colder weather hits Central Maryland.
Before winter arrives in Central Maryland, fall is the perfect time to get your home ready. A few proactive steps now can help you avoid expensive repairs, improve comfort, and head into the colder months with more peace of mind.
Here are seven smart fall home prep tasks every homeowner should have on the list.
1. Clean the gutters and downspouts.
Falling leaves can clog gutters fast. If water can’t drain properly, it may back up onto the roof or pool near your foundation.
Falling leaves can clog gutters fast. If water can’t drain properly, it may back up onto the roof or pool near your foundation.
2. Check your roof.
Look for missing shingles, flashing issues, or areas that may need repair before winter weather makes things worse.
Look for missing shingles, flashing issues, or areas that may need repair before winter weather makes things worse.
3. Seal windows and doors.
Drafty areas can drive up heating costs and make your home less comfortable. Replacing weather stripping or caulking small gaps can make a noticeable difference.
Drafty areas can drive up heating costs and make your home less comfortable. Replacing weather stripping or caulking small gaps can make a noticeable difference.
4. Service your heating system.
Before you really need the heat, make sure your HVAC or furnace is running efficiently. Replacing filters and scheduling a tune-up can help prevent mid-winter surprises.
Before you really need the heat, make sure your HVAC or furnace is running efficiently. Replacing filters and scheduling a tune-up can help prevent mid-winter surprises.
5. Drain and store outdoor hoses.
Leaving hoses connected can contribute to frozen pipes and damage outdoor faucets. Disconnect, drain, and store them before temperatures drop.
Leaving hoses connected can contribute to frozen pipes and damage outdoor faucets. Disconnect, drain, and store them before temperatures drop.
6. Inspect exterior walkways and lighting.
Shorter days and slippery conditions make outdoor safety more important. Check handrails, steps, pathways, and exterior lights.
Shorter days and slippery conditions make outdoor safety more important. Check handrails, steps, pathways, and exterior lights.
7. Trim trees and remove yard debris.
Dead branches, heavy limbs, and leaf buildup can create hazards once winter weather arrives. A little cleanup now can save you trouble later.
Dead branches, heavy limbs, and leaf buildup can create hazards once winter weather arrives. A little cleanup now can save you trouble later.
Fall home prep doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Even knocking out a few of these tasks can help you protect your investment and stay ahead of seasonal wear and tear.
And if you’re thinking about selling in the coming months, fall maintenance matters even more. Buyers notice condition, and a well-cared-for home makes a stronger impression year-round.
Want to stay informed about your neighborhood while you prepare your home for the seasons ahead? Register on our website for a personalized market report and get updates tailored to your area and goals.
Tom Atwood
Team Owner/CEO | The Atwood Team | Keller Williams Realty | PLACE
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