Picture it: you've just moved into your new home over the summer, and now you're ready to enjoy the fall weather, preferably on the deck with a warm beverage in hand. But as the temperature drops and winter approaches, your new home still needs some care to avoid costly, and potentially unsafe, damage.
Your new home will be at optimal performance for years to come if you take steps to maintain it. While the weather is still mild, here are several fall home maintenance tips to keep your house safe, warm, and cozy until spring.
1. Yard and Lawn Care
Doing a few chores in the garden before the ground freezes helps ensure good spring growth. Clear fallen leaves off your lawn before aerating and fertilizing so dormant roots emerge stronger once the snow melts. Fall is also the perfect time to plant hardy options such as chrysanthemums, boxwood, and maples.
If you have cooler-weather grasses, such as rye or fescue, this is also the time to aerate and fertilize to keep the roots healthy. Renting a mechanical core aerator from a local garden store can make the job easier.
2. Gutters and Roof
Before winter, clear out your gutters. Clogged gutters can force water onto the roof and create ice dams. While you’re at it, inspect your roof for damaged shingles or loose seals around vents. Bringing in a professional may be worth it to ensure your roof is watertight.
3. Pipes and Plumbing
Frozen pipes are expensive to fix, so act now. Check outdoor faucets and irrigation systems for leaks, drain underground systems following manufacturer guidelines (or hire a professional), and wrap exposed pipes and faucets with insulation. Remove and drain hoses before storing them for winter. Make sure you know where the main water shut-off is located in case of pipe issues or emergencies during cold snaps.
4. Heating Systems and Fireplaces
Chilly fall weather makes people want to crank up the heat and curl up indoors. Before heavy use, have your furnace inspected by a professional. Remember that early fall appointments are easier to book. Fireplaces and chimneys should also be cleaned and checked annually to prevent fire hazards.
Check, replace or clean HVAC filters, especially if this is your first winter in your new home. Construction dust can linger for months after closing, and swapping filters in the fall helps your heating system run efficiently.
If your builder installed a smart thermostat or home maintenance app, now’s the time to set fall and winter automation schedules, especially for energy savings.
Pro tip: Some warranties on new systems require documented inspections, so keep the paperwork from your fall furnace check.
5. Windows, Doors, and Attic
Fact: New homes shift and settle.
Check around your windows and doors for air leaks. Adding caulk or weather stripping can help seal drafts, keeping your home warmer and your energy bills lower. Do a quick check in the attic to ensure insulation and ventilation haven’t shifted post-construction, especially around vents and access points.
6. Trees, Landscaping, and Exterior Surfaces
Ice and snow can destroy landscaping, and bring down tree limbs, especially near houses and power lines. Hiring a professional to trim trees in the fall can prevent more costly damage later.
Seal driveways, walkways, and exterior stone or pavers if recommended by your builder, especially before the first freeze.
7. Safety Checks
Remember to change the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, ideally when Daylight Saving Time ends in early fall.
8. Keep It Organized
If you like using a checklist, consider printing one and keeping it on the fridge. Tackling chores one at a time and getting the whole family involved will make your home ready for the winter ahead.
9. Use Resources from Your Builder
Before tackling repairs or inspections on your own, check what your builder’s warranty covers. Many new construction homes include workmanship and systems warranties, and fall is a great time to submit any issues – before winter weather makes them worse. Additionally, your builder may have provided a home maintenance guide that includes season-specific reminders unique to your floorplan and systems.
Fall is a beautiful season, but it’s also the time to prepare your new home for cold weather. Your first autumn – or maybe your first few autumns! – in a newly built home sets the tone for its long-term performance. Take note of how drafty spots, condensation, or temperature differences show up in cool weather – these are easier (and often cheaper) to address early through your warranty rather than waiting until spring. From lawn care and tree trimming to furnace inspections and gutter cleaning, these tips will help protect your new home, and ensure that you can enjoy your space in the chillier months without worry.
Erin Nicks
Erin Nicks has written for various publications for more than 20 years. She has covered new home construction for industry-leading websites and publications, such as Livabl, ARCHITECT, Multifamily Executive, and Builder Magazine.