Fall Home Maintenance Checklist for Northern Utah Homes

Northern Utah winters bring snow, ice, and repeated freeze-thaw cycles, and those cycles are hard on exterior surfaces. Fall is the best time to catch small problems before winter turns them into bigger ones. Here is the checklist we recommend for homes across Davis, Weber, and Salt Lake County.

Outside the house

1. Clean the gutters after the leaves drop

Clogged gutters overflow, and that water ends up against your fascia, siding, and foundation. Once the trees near your home have dropped most of their leaves, clear the gutters and make sure the downspouts carry water well away from the house. Homes with mature trees may need a second cleaning later in the season. See our gutter cleaning service.

2. Check exterior caulking around windows and doors

Cracked or shrinking caulk lets water in, and water that freezes in those gaps opens them further. Walk around the house and look for gaps where trim meets siding and around window and door frames.

3. Walk the fence line

Leaning sections, loose pickets, and wobbly posts are easier to fix before the ground freezes. Look closely at posts at ground level, where rot usually starts. Learn about our fence repair.

4. Clean driveways, walks, and siding

Pressure washing in early fall removes the grime, algae, and mildew that build up over summer so they do not sit under snow all winter. It is also a good chance to spot cracks in concrete and siding. See pressure washing.

5. Disconnect hoses

Disconnect and drain garden hoses before the first hard freeze. If your outdoor spigots need repair or winterizing beyond that, call a licensed plumber.

Inside the house

6. Check doors for drafts and sticking

Doors that stick or leave a visible gap often need an adjustment, new weatherstripping, or a new threshold. Fixing them now keeps cold air out all winter.

7. Patch drywall cracks and holes

Seasonal movement can open hairline cracks, especially above doors and windows. Patching and repainting them in fall is quick. Large or recurring cracks are worth having someone look at. See drywall repair.

8. Look at the basement

Check basement walls and floors for any signs of moisture before winter. If you are planning to finish or remodel a basement, fall and winter are a great time to do it, since interior work is not affected by the weather.

Want help working through the list?

If your list is longer than your weekend, our handyman services can take care of it. Most estimates are scheduled within 24 to 48 hours.

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