Fall is a good time to take care of big home repair projects before shorter days; ice and snow make outdoor work too difficult. It is also the perfect time to boost energy efficiency throughout your home and prevent damage from winter storms with proper tree care. Here is a handy list of things to help you get ready:

• Check the condition of snow shovels and ice scrapers; replace as needed.
• Pick up a bag of pet-safe ice melt.
• Have your snow blower serviced and purchase fuel.
• Shut off exterior faucets and store hoses.
• Check walkways, railings, stairs and the driveway for winter safety.
• Test outdoor lights and replace bulbs as needed.
• Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors; replace batteries as need.
• Check the expiration date on your fire extinguisher and replace if needed.
• Check your home for radon. At high enough levels, radon is extremely harmful.
• Vacuum radiators, baseboard heaters and grates.
• Remove window A/C units.
• Seal gaps where unwanted visitors could enter.
• Add weather stripping around the frames of windows and doors.
• Care for trees and shrubs. Fall maintenance can help avoid falling limbs in winter storms.
• Deep-clean the kitchen.
• Clean dryer vents.
• Make exterior repairs to the roof, siding and foundation of your home.
• Clean gutters and downspouts.
• Conduct and energy audit.
• Schedule a chimney cleaning and heating system maintenance.

Taking the time to prep your house and yard with these simple preventative tasks will help you be prepared for winter and head off pricey repairs in the near future.

Source: Laura Gaskill - houzz