Your Guide to Fall Home Maintenance in West Michigan

Fall is upon us. Get your home ready with SJK Handyman Services, LLC.

Getting Your Home Ready for a West Michigan Winter

Greetings, Grand Rapids neighbors! Steve from SJK Handyman here. As the air gets a little crisper and the leaves start to turn, my team and I know that now is the most important time for home maintenance. The work you do in the fall is what protects your home from the harsh realities of a long, cold West Michigan winter.

Think of this as your seasonal checklist to prevent major headaches and costly repairs. By tackling these tasks now, you'll be able to enjoy a warm, dry home all winter long.

Your Fall Maintenance Checklist

Let’s walk through the essential tasks to prepare your home for the cold months ahead.

Clean Your Gutters and Downspouts

This is the single most important fall task. Clogged gutters can cause water to back up, leading to leaky roofs and damaged siding. Even worse, that trapped water can freeze and create ice dams, which can cause significant damage to your roof's structure and foundation. Make sure your downspouts are clear and directed away from your home. This is a crucial step for water damage prevention.

Winterize Your Outdoor Plumbing

Do not skip this one! If you have outdoor faucets, turn off their water supply from inside your basement or crawl space. Then, go outside and open the faucets to drain any remaining water. Leaving water in the pipes over the winter can cause them to freeze and burst, leading to a flooded basement when you turn the water back on in the spring.

Inspect and Service Your Furnace

Before you turn on the heat for the first time, check your furnace. Replace the air filter with a new one; this improves efficiency and helps with air quality. It’s also a good idea to schedule a professional tune-up. A well-maintained furnace is a safe and efficient furnace, which saves you money on your heating bill.

Seal Up Drafts and Check Insulation

Keep the heat in and the cold out! Take a minute to feel for drafts around your windows and doors. Use weather stripping or caulk to seal any gaps. You should also check the insulation in your attic. Good insulation is key to keeping your home warm and your energy costs down.

Clear Your Yard and Store Your Tools

Rake up all the fallen leaves and clear any debris from your lawn and garden beds. This prevents mold and protects your lawn. Clean and store your garden hoses, lawnmower, and any other tools in a garage or shed to protect them from the winter weather.

Be Prepared for Winter

Home maintenance doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By breaking it down into simple, manageable steps, you can keep your home in great shape and prevent major headaches. If you’re ever unsure about a task, or if the job is too big, remember that's what we're here for.

For all your home repair and maintenance needs in Grand Rapids and the surrounding areas, feel free to give us a call or check out our website. You can find more tips on home repair and request a free estimate at our website at www.sjkhandyman.com.