Fall Home Maintenance Checklist

With fall upon us, it’s time to start thinking about preparing your home for the change in weather. Every year, the shift from warm to freezing temperatures causes damage to homes that could have been prevented by following some simple steps.

​Check Your Gutters

We all enjoy looking at the leaves as they change color, but if enough of them build up in your gutters, it can cause damage to your roof, insulation, ceilings, and walls. Clean out all the leaves, check that your gutters are straight and secured to the fascia, and don’t forget to check for clogs in your downspouts.

​Test Your Sump Pump

During the winter months, the ground is already frozen and it becomes difficult for rainwater to absorb into the earth as easily as it would during the warmer months. This makes it harder on your sump pump, having to work harder to pump out the water. It may be worthwhile to have a backup in case your current pump fails.

​Clean Your Window Wells

If you’ve never dealt with high water levels in your window well, you may not think to clean them. However, if this area is not kept clean, it could attract unwanted critters or in extreme conditions cause damage to your foundation. There have been cases where high levels of water have created enough pressure to break the basement windows and flood homes.

​Check Your Detectors

During the colder months, we tend to spend more time indoors, using the furnace, stove, and fireplace more often. Because of this, carbon monoxide can build up quicker and more opportunities for fires to start. Check the batteries and expiration dates on your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

Following these simple steps can help keep you and your home safe from the elements. It will also help prevent unnecessary damage to your home, costing you a mini fortune to repair and/or replace.

At MK Construction & Builders, we take pride in the homes we build and renovate, and want all of our homeowners to stay safe and keep their homes as beautiful as can be.