Daylight saving time ends today, Sunday, November 1, and the clocks fall back an hour. It's a natural moment to take care of the small jobs that keep a home safe and comfortable through the winter. Whether you're planning to stay for years or thinking about selling in the spring, a well-maintained home is easier to live in and easier to sell.
Here is a practical late-fall checklist for homeowners in our area.
Start Inside: Safety First
- Test smoke alarms. The U.S. Fire Administration recommends testing smoke alarms every month, replacing 9-volt batteries at least once a year, and replacing smoke alarms 10 years from their manufacture date. Today is a good day to start the habit.
- Test carbon monoxide alarms. The U.S. Fire Administration also recommends testing CO alarms at least once a month, and installing them in a central location outside each separate sleeping area and on every level of the home. Follow the manufacturer's guidance on replacement.
- Check your fire extinguisher and make sure everyone knows where it is.
Heating and Fireplaces
- Service the heating system before the coldest weather, whether you heat with gas, oil, propane, or a heat pump.
- Have chimneys and flues inspected if you use a fireplace or wood stove, and keep vents for the furnace, dryer, and fireplace clear of debris and, later, snow.
- Check fuel levels if you rely on oil or propane, and know how to reach your supplier.
Outside: Water Is the Enemy
- Clean gutters and downspouts once most of the leaves are down, and make sure downspouts carry water away from the foundation.
- Shut off and drain outdoor faucets and garden hoses before freezing weather, and have irrigation systems winterized.
- Insulate exposed pipes in unheated spaces such as crawl spaces, garages, and along exterior walls.
- Walk the perimeter. Look for low spots where water collects, loose siding or trim, and gaps where pests or drafts can get in.
Roofs, Trees, and Driveways
- Look up. From the ground, check for missing shingles or damaged flashing, and call a pro for anything that needs a ladder.
- Look at the trees. Dead or overhanging limbs near the house or power lines are worth having evaluated by a licensed tree professional before winter storms.
- Plan for snow. Line up a plowing service, and mark the edges of your driveway and walkways before the first storm.
Generators and Power Outages
Fall and winter storms can bring power outages, and many homeowners rely on a backup generator.
- Have standby generators serviced according to the manufacturer's schedule.
- Use portable generators safely. Federal safety guidance is clear: never run a portable generator indoors or in a garage. Keep it outdoors in a well-ventilated area, away from doors, windows, and vents.
- Assemble basics such as flashlights, batteries, and water, and keep phones charged when storms are forecast.
If You Travel for the Holidays
Before you leave, set the thermostat to a temperature that keeps pipes safe, and ask a neighbor or friend to check on the house. Your insurance agent can explain any requirements for homes left unoccupied.
Keep a Simple Record
Jot down what you did and when, and save receipts for service calls. Those notes are handy for your own planning, and if you sell, they help show buyers how the home has been cared for.
The Takeaway
An hour or two this weekend can prevent much bigger headaches in January. Test the alarms, keep water moving away from the house, get the heat serviced, and plan for snow and outages.
Have questions about caring for your home or preparing it for a spring sale? Call Fahey Realtors at 908.204.0600 or visit us at 61 Claremont Road in Bernardsville. We are always happy to help.
