Prep Your Home for Fall with These Quick and Smart Tips
As summer winds down in Georgia, now is the perfect time for homeowners to get ahead of seasonal wear and tear. The heat, humidity, and summer storms may have taken a toll on your property—so before fall arrives, a little maintenance can go a long way in protecting your home and avoiding costly repairs.
Here’s your go-to checklist to help your Georgia home stay in top shape as the seasons shift.
1. Inspect the Roof and Gutters
Summer storms can loosen shingles, clog gutters, or cause minor leaks. Use binoculars to spot missing shingles or damage, and make sure gutters are clear of debris to prevent water damage during fall rains.
2. Clean and Seal Windows and Doors
Georgia’s humidity can wear down caulking around windows and doors. Check for gaps, reseal if needed, and ensure weatherstripping is intact to keep your home energy-efficient and pest-free.
3. Service Your HVAC System
After months of heavy use, your AC unit needs some love. Replace the air filter, clear debris around the condenser, and schedule a professional tune-up so you’re not caught off guard when it's time to switch to heat.
4. Pressure Wash the Exterior
Algae, pollen, and grime build up on siding, decks, patios, and driveways. Pressure washing not only boosts curb appeal but also protects surfaces from long-term damage.
5. Check for Signs of Pests
As the weather cools, pests start looking for warm places to hide—like your home. Look for droppings, gnaw marks, or small holes near baseboards and windows. Seal any entry points and schedule pest control if needed.
6. Prep the Yard and Garden
Trim back overgrown shrubs, remove any dead branches, and clear out summer annuals. If you’re planning to overseed or fertilize your lawn, late summer into early fall is ideal for cool-season grasses.
7. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
With windows closing more often in the cooler months, it's important to ensure detectors are working properly. Change batteries and test each unit to keep your family safe.
8. Inspect Outdoor Lighting and Security
Longer nights mean outdoor lights matter more. Check all bulbs and fixtures—especially motion-activated lights—and replace any that are dim or out.
9. Drain and Store Outdoor Equipment
Drain water from hoses and sprinklers, clean off lawn tools, and store summer gear to protect it from the elements. If you have a pool, begin prepping for seasonal closure.
10. Make a Fall Project Plan
From painting the porch to updating landscaping, this is a great time to plan out any fall home improvement projects while the weather is still pleasant.
Stay Ahead of the Seasons
In Georgia, the transition from summer to fall can be subtle—but your home still needs a check-up. Taking a few hours to tackle this list now can prevent headaches later and keep your property in excellent condition year-round.
Need help finding trusted local pros for any of these tasks? Our team is happy to connect you with vetted contractors and vendors around Henry and Clayton Counties.
