Fall Into Home Prep: Smart Projects to Help You Avoid Winter Insurance Claims

To help you stay ahead of the season, we’ve put together a fall home checklist with smart, preventative projects for both indoors and outdoors to help you stay on track and save you stress later.

✅ Fall Home Maintenance Checklist: Prevent Problems Before They Start

Outdoor Projects

• Clean gutters and downspouts
  Leaves and debris can block water flow, leading to ice dams and potential water damage. Clear them out and check for leaks.
• Inspect your roof
  Look for missing or damaged shingles, and check for signs of wear. A small issue now can become a major (and expensive) leak later.
• Seal windows and doors
  Check for drafts and apply weather stripping or caulk to seal up gaps. It’ll save on heating bills too!
• Drain and store garden hoses
  Disconnect hoses and shut off exterior faucets to prevent frozen pipes.
• Check walkways and steps
  Repair cracks or uneven surfaces that could become slip hazards once ice and snow arrive.
• Trim trees and branches
  Cut back any limbs hanging too close to your roof or power lines. Heavy snow and ice can cause breakage and damage.
• Inspect for pests
  Look for signs of rodents or insects trying to move in for winter. Seal entry points and take action early to avoid infestations.
• Make exterior repairs
  Fix loose siding, damaged fencing, or anything that might get worse in wind, rain, or snow. A little work now can prevent big issues later.

Indoor Projects

• Service your heating system
  Schedule a professional tune-up for your furnace, boiler, or HVAC system. This ensures everything is running safely and efficiently before the cold sets in.
• Replace air filters
  Dirty filters reduce airflow and can put extra strain on your system. Check and replace them monthly during the heating season.
• Inspect your fireplace and chimney
  If you use a fireplace, have the chimney cleaned and inspected to prevent chimney fires and carbon monoxide buildup.
• Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
  Check batteries and replace any detectors older than 10 years. These are especially important during heating season when risks increase.
• Insulate exposed pipes
  Wrap pipes in unheated areas like basements, attics, or garages to reduce the risk of freezing and bursting.
• Check for plumbing leaks
  Look under sinks and around appliances for moisture. Fixing small leaks now can prevent water damage and mold growth later.
• Check attic insulation and ventilation
  Proper insulation helps keep heat in and prevents ice dams on the roof. Good ventilation keeps moisture levels in check.
• Review emergency supplies
  Check your flashlight batteries, restock first aid kits, and make sure you have basic supplies in case of a winter storm or power outage.

🛠 Why It Matters

Doing these projects now doesn’t just help keep your home in good shape—it can also help you avoid filing a claim for things that could have been prevented with routine maintenance. Insurance is there to protect you when the unexpected happens, but proactive care can save you time, stress, and money.

Need Help Policy Check-In?

If you’ve recently made home upgrades, added new valuables, or just haven’t looked at your coverage in a while, it might be a good time to touch base. We’re happy to help you make sure everything still fits your needs—no pressure, just additional peace of mind.