Whether you’re a seasoned homeowner or new to the drill, here are a few tasks to complete this month to keep your home in optimal shape:

• Schedule a gutter cleaning. Leaves are falling and combined with dirt and debris in the gutter and our inevitable rainy days, you have a recipe for disaster if you don’t stay on top of it.
• Cover outdoor faucets. The rain has returned friends, so now is a good time to disconnect your hoses and grab the insulated covers to keep your outdoor faucets in good shape because you know freezing temps will be headed our way in the next few months.
• Check your roof. Fall is a good time to do a roof evaluation. While moss is unlikely at this time of year, ensure your roof isn’t missing any shingles, and that there are no signs of cracking, sagging, or other issues. Being proactive with annual inspections can help head off trouble before it begins.
• Check the attic and crawlspace. An attic walk is a good idea for several reasons: if you notice daylight while inside, it’s almost a guarantee that something is amiss with your roof that should be addressed before the rainy season. In both the attic and crawlspace, look for any signs of water intrusion or damage, along with indications that any bugs or animals have taken up residence. The earlier you can solve these problems, the less likely your home will incur significant damage. Also evaluate if additional insulation is needed as it can breakdown over time resulting in lost energy efficiency and higher utility bills.
• Have your fireplace or chimney cleaned. I love fireplace season but part of taking care of this cozy, mood setting tool is ensuring your fireplace is good to go for the season. Have a fireplace expert check it out.
• Change out smoke and carbon monoxide monitor batteries. A good second step to the previous task is to follow up your chimney cleaning and fireplace evaluation with a battery check of smoke and carbon monoxide monitors. These life saving devices need to be kept in optimal shape in order to count on them when it matters.