As the leaves finish falling and temperatures drop, late October is the ideal time to get your home winter-ready. While most homeowners tackle obvious tasks like raking leaves and cleaning gutters, some important maintenance steps are often overlooked—steps that can save you time, money, and headaches over the winter months. Here are some smart late-fall home maintenance tips that many people miss:

1. Inspect your roof and flashing
Even late in the fall, it’s worth checking for loose or damaged shingles, cracked flashing, or moss buildup. Catching small issues now can prevent leaks during snowstorms.

2. Seal gaps and drafts
Cold air can sneak in around windows, doors, and even electrical outlets. Check for drafts and seal them with caulking or weatherstripping. This can make your home more comfortable and reduce heating costs immediately.

3. Check your attic and insulation
With the cold already setting in, make sure your attic insulation is still adequate and that there are no signs of leaks, moisture, or pests. Proper insulation will help keep your home warm and reduce heating bills.

4. Clean and inspect gutters
Gutters often get clogged from late-fall leaves. Ensure water flows freely through downspouts and away from your foundation. This prevents ice dams, water damage, and basement leaks once winter arrives.

5. Prepare plumbing for freezing temperatures
Insulate any exposed pipes in basements, garages, and crawl spaces. While extreme cold may not have arrived yet, overnight temperatures are dropping and a frozen pipe can cause major damage fast. Also, drain outdoor hoses and turn off exterior water valves now.

6. Service your fireplace and chimney
If you plan to use your fireplace this season, have the chimney cleaned and inspected. Check that your damper closes properly to prevent heat loss when the fireplace isn’t in use.

7. Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
With heaters and fireplaces running more often, ensure all detectors work and replace batteries if needed. This simple step keeps your household safe through the colder months.

8. Trim trees and shrubs
Late fall is the right time to trim branches that could break under ice or snow. Clearing overgrown shrubs near your home also helps reduce moisture buildup and keeps pests away.

9. Maintain your deck and outdoor spaces
Clean off fallen leaves, check railings, and clear debris from patios and stairs. Consider sealing wooden surfaces if you haven’t already to protect them from winter moisture.

10. Check your home’s exterior
Look for cracks in the foundation, damaged siding, or gaps around vents. Repairing these before winter prevents water intrusion, ice damage, and unwanted critters seeking shelter.

Late-fall maintenance is about catching what’s easy to miss before snow and ice arrive. Taking care of these steps now will help your home stay safe, warm, and efficient through the winter months—and prevent costly surprises in the new year. Happy fall!