Though our temperate Northern California climate doesn’t necessitate ‘battening down the hatches’ for fall and winter, even a bit of cold and rain can have an impact on our homes. The onset of daylight savings (November 4) tends to be a good time to look around your home and assess any needed repairs. Here are a few important home maintenance tasks that we recommend take place prior to winter weather:

1. Clean-out rain gutters. We’re all guilty of postponing this important task until it’s too late and heavy rains cause gutter overflow. Get out your ladder now (or hire someone to do the job) while things are dry, and scoop out the leaves and debris. Standing water can damage your roof.
2. Check roof for damage. A damaged roof can lead to leaky ceilings and other structural issues. While you’re cleaning out the gutters, go a step further and check out the condition of your roof.
3. Critter-proof. Exterminator experts claim another banner year for rodents. The tiniest openings into your foundation or walls present an invitation to mice and rats who will soon be seeking warm places to nest. Keep them outside by filling small holes and covering large gaps securely with heavy duty hardware cloth or call an expert to rodent-proof your home.
4. Trim Call an arborist for an expert opinion on your trees and their root systems. Heavy winds and rains wreak havoc on trees and can cause them (or limbs) to fall and damage your property.
5. Furnace check-up. Don’t wait until the last minute to schedule an appointment with a HVAC professional to make sure your furnace is in working order. Once the really cold weather hits, most heating pros are booked solid, and you might find yourself bundling up for several days until an appointment is available. Don’t forget to change your furnace filters too!

If you need help with any of these tasks or others, please take a look on our website for our list of suggested vendors.