Fall Home Maintenance Checklist for Wisconsin, Minnesota & North Dakota Homeowners

As summer winds down and cooler temperatures arrive, fall is the perfect time to prepare your home for the months ahead. For homeowners across Wisconsin, Minnesota, and North Dakota, seasonal maintenance is especially important. Freezing temperatures, snow, ice, and winter storms can put extra stress on your home.

Use this fall home maintenance checklist to get your home ready for winter.

Outside Your Home

•  Clean your gutters and downspouts. Remove leaves, sticks, and other debris so water can drain properly. Make sure downspouts direct water away from your home's foundation.

•  Inspect your roof. Look for missing, cracked, or damaged shingles and check areas around vents and chimneys for signs of wear.

•  Seal gaps around windows and doors. Check weatherstripping and caulking, and replace anything that is cracked, loose, or worn.

•  Inspect your foundation. Look for new cracks or areas where water could collect near the foundation.

•  Disconnect garden hoses. Drain outdoor faucets and hoses before freezing temperatures arrive to help prevent frozen or burst pipes.

•  Bring in or protect outdoor furniture. Store seasonal items and secure anything that will remain outside during winter.

•  Trim trees and branches. Remove dead or weak branches that could fall during winter storms and damage your roof, vehicles, or property.

Heating System:

•  Schedule a furnace inspection. Consider having your heating system professionally serviced before you need it every day.

•  Replace your furnace filter. A clean filter can help your system operate efficiently and maintain good airflow.

•  Check vents and registers. Keep them clear of furniture, rugs, and other obstructions.

•  Inspect your chimney and fireplace. If you use a fireplace or wood-burning stove, have it inspected and cleaned as recommended.

Safety:

•  Test smoke detectors. Replace batteries as needed and make sure detectors are functioning properly.

•  Test carbon monoxide detectors. Make sure you have working CO detectors, particularly near sleeping areas and fuel-burning appliances.

•  Check your fire extinguisher. Confirm that it is accessible and has not expired.

•  Review your emergency supplies. Keep flashlights, batteries, blankets, and other winter emergency essentials where you can easily find them.

Get Ready for Snow and Ice

•  Test your snow blower. Make sure it starts and runs properly before the first big snowfall.

•  Check your snow shovels and ice melt. Replace damaged equipment and restock supplies before winter demand increases.

•  Review your winter vehicle and garage setup. Make sure there is enough room to store snow equipment and that your garage door operates properly.

Winter weather is part of life in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and North Dakota, but homeowners can take steps to make the transition easier. Completing your fall maintenance checklist now can help you identify small issues before they become bigger problems during freezing temperatures and snow season.

And while you're checking your home, it's worth taking a broader look at your homeownership goals, too. If you're considering buying a home, refinancing, or making a move before the next season, a conversation with a local mortgage lender can help you understand your options.

Ready for the season? Save this checklist and work through it before winter arrives.