Fall is one of those “sneaks up on you” seasons. One day you’re grilling in flip-flops, and the next you’re scraping frost off your windshield. Before the cold really settles in, it’s smart to make sure your house is ready. Handy Home Helpers has ten common mistakes that homeowners make in the fall—and how you can skip them.
1. Ignoring Your Smoke Detectors
We’ve all been there—your smoke alarm starts that annoying midnight chirp and you just yank out the battery. Don’t do it! That little sound is a lifesaver reminder. Replace the battery right away if you have a replaceable one, or swap the whole unit if it’s a sealed 10-year model. A working detector is one of the simplest ways to keep your family safe.
2. Forgetting to Winterize Tools and Equipment
Don’t just shove the mower, trimmer, and leaf blower into the back of the garage and forget about them. Take a few minutes to prep them for the cold months ahead. Add fuel stabilizer, run the engine dry, and spray a little fogging oil into the intake. Your tools will thank you come spring.
8. Forgetting to Blow Out the Sprinkler System
This one’s easy to skip… until your pipes freeze. If your home has an irrigation system, make sure to drain and blow it out with an air compressor. If your compressor isn’t strong enough, do it in sections or call a pro. It’s way cheaper than replacing cracked pipes.
4. Covering Up Weep Holes
When you’re sealing your windows with caulk, watch out for those tiny slots along the bottom of the frame—those are weep holes, and they’re supposed to be there! They let trapped water escape. Plug them with caulk or debris, and you’ll end up with leaks where you least want them.
5. Overdoing It with Lawn Fertilizer
A little fertilizer goes a long way in the fall. It’s true your grass needs nutrients to survive the winter, but too much fertilizer can “burn” your lawn. Use a mix designed for fall feeding and follow the directions on the bag. Remember—more isn’t better here.
6. Putting Off Chimney Cleaning
Once those chilly nights hit, everyone wants a cozy fire. That’s exactly why chimney sweeps get slammed with calls in late fall. If you haven’t already, schedule a cleaning and inspection early in the season. It’s safer, and you might even get a discount before the rush.
7. Half-Doing Repairs to “Get By”
We all know this one. You spot some cracked trim or a wobbly deck board and think, “Eh, I’ll patch it up until spring.” Those little “temporary fixes” almost always come back to bite you. Take the time to do it right now—it’ll save you more time (and money) later.
3. Skipping the Roof Inspection
Your roof quietly does a ton of work—keeping rain, snow, and critters out of your home. Before winter sets in, grab a pair of binoculars or carefully climb up (on a dry day) and check for missing shingles, cracks, or loose flashing. Catching small issues now is a lot better than discovering a leak in January.
9. Being Too Aggressive in the Garden
At the end of the season, it’s tempting to yank out every brown plant in sight—but slow down! Those fading flowers and seed heads feed birds and scatter next year’s seedlings. Let perennials die back naturally, and you’ll be rewarded with fresh growth come spring.
10. Waiting Too Long to Paint or Caulk
If you’ve been meaning to freshen up the trim or siding, check the weather first. Most exterior paints and sealants need at least 24 hours above 40°F to cure properly. Once it gets too cold, that new paint job won’t stick the way it should.
The Bottom Line:
A little planning this fall can save you a ton of headaches (and repair bills) in the winter. Take a weekend, grab your checklist, and show your home some love—you’ll be cozy, dry, and stress-free when the cold hits. But if life gets in your way this year, contact Handy Home Helpers. We would be happy to help!
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