As the days start to get shorter and the nights cooler, there are plenty of autumn home maintenance jobs to be done sometime before winter sets in. So make sure to tick the following items off your to-do list this fall (unless you call His Work Handyman to do it for you).

1. Perform Gutter Maintenance

Blocked gutters can cause all sorts of problems if it’s not cleared out and properly maintained, including damp and structural issues. This is a classic case of prevention being better than cure, so remove dead leaves and blockages so that any water is quickly channelled away. Fix and inspect gutter guards to make sure they are in working order. Definitely a job to do before the snow sets in!

2. Weatherproof Your Doors and Windows

There are lots of window treatment options to make sure your house is well-insulated before the frost sets in. Air leaks in door or windows can cause your teeth to chatter and your energy bill to skyrocket. Weather-stripping and caulking can go a long way to keeping cold air out, but installing insulation in attics can have a higher impact on reducing your home energy use. Some window treatments will reduce heat losses through the glass only, while other block drafts as well.

3. Check Smoke Alarms

High on your to-do list of household autumn tasks, should be to check all the batteries in your smoke and emergency alarms, ensuring every safety feature is working properly in your home. If you have a security alarm, give that a test, too, as burglaries can increase leading up to holidays.

4. Ensure Your Home’s Plumbing is Ready for Winter

To avoid the risk of pipes freezing over the course of the winter – something which has the potential to bring about a costly repair, or worse, disastrous flooding – it’s a good idea to check for leaks and make sure your home’s pipes are well-insulated before the temperatures drop to freezing. And, if your home has a sump pump, you’ll definitely want to check up on it ahead of the season when it’s needed most.

5. Make Sure the Dryer Vent is Clear

While this may not seem like a seasonal chore, it’s a good idea to ensure the dryer vent is unobstructed at least twice a year. A damaged or clogged vent can not only cause laundry to dry more slowly and raise the power bill, but can also be a serious safety risk – faulty vents or clogged lint traps are a leading cause of house fires. While it doesn’t matter exactly when you check, it’s definitely more pleasant to do it before the weather turns.

6. Tidy the Garden

As winter sets in, you’ll find that your front and back garden starts to fill up with fallen leaves and debris. Cover or move delicate plants that don’t do well with frost and give any hedges or shrubs a final trim. Gather up the cuttings before they turn to mulch – a leaf blower that will speed up the job, making it a lot less time-consuming and easier to keep on top of.

7. Store Garden Furniture and Summer Equipment

As summer turns to autumn, you’ll find you won’t use your outdoor items as much. So give bicycles, barbeque equipment, garden tables and chairs a wash down and store them away for the winter months.

His Work Handyman can do all the above services, power washing, TV mounting, drywall repairs and more. If your chore isn’t listed, simply call and we’ll give you an estimate for the job you’re after. If you’re looking for a quote or more information about our services, please contact us today at 234.855.3507  or or complete our contact form!