What should be on my fall home checklist?

1. Gutters

Gutters full of leaves hold water that freezes solid, which gives ice dams a head start and can push water under the roof.

• Clean them once most of the leaves are down and before the first hard freeze.
• Make sure every downspout runs freely and carries water away from the foundation.
• Look for gutters that sag, pull away from the house, or overflow in a heavy rain.

“The best time is right after the last leaves drop and before the first hard freeze. Do it too early and you'll be doing it twice.”

2. Fall clean-up

• Don't leave a thick layer of leaves on the lawn all winter. Under the snow it can smother the grass and leave dead patches in spring.
• Mow over light layers to chop them into the lawn, and rake or blow the heavy piles.
• Cut back perennials, drain and store hoses, and put away outdoor furniture.
• Keep leaves off steps and walkways. Wet leaves are as slippery as ice.

“Do two or three lighter clean-ups instead of one big one at the end. Wet, matted leaves are twice the work, and the lawn is better off for it.”

3. Outdoor lights and outlets

It's dark by 4:30 now, so outside lighting matters more than it did a month ago.

• Turn on every porch, path and driveway light, and replace dead bulbs while it's dry out.
• Press the test and reset buttons on outdoor and garage outlets.
• Use cords rated for outdoors for decorations, and keep them out of puddles and walkways.
• Test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms while you're at it.

“Most of the calls I get in November are things a homeowner could have spotted in October. If an outlet or switch plate feels warm, or a breaker trips more than once, don't wait. Call someone.”

When to call a pro

• Gutters you can't reach safely from a ladder, or that sag or overflow
• A big yard, lots of trees, or no time for the clean-up
• Outdoor outlets that won't reset, lights that flicker, or a switch plate that feels warm

What's on your list?

What do you always do before winter that isn't here? Share it in the comments below.