Fall Is Coming: A Connecticut Homeowner’s September Property Checklist

September in Connecticut is one of my favorite times of year.

The humidity starts disappearing, evenings get cooler and before long we’ll be surrounded by New England fall colors.

It is also the perfect time to give your house a little attention.

Once November and December arrive, the last thing most homeowners want to discover is that something they could have handled on a 70-degree September afternoon has turned into an emergency on a freezing night.

Here are some things worth checking around your property this month.

Have Your Heating System Serviced

Don’t wait for the first 30-degree night to discover that the heat isn’t working properly.

If you have an oil, gas or other heating system that requires regular service, schedule it before the busy season.

Replace filters as appropriate and make sure thermostats are functioning properly.

Take a Look at Your Roof

You don’t necessarily need to climb onto it.

In fact, I’d rather most homeowners didn’t.

Stand back from the house and look for obviously missing or damaged shingles and other visible concerns.

If something doesn’t look right, have a qualified professional inspect it.

Small roof problems don’t tend to improve during a Connecticut winter.

Clean the Gutters

Fall leaves are beautiful until they’re sitting in your gutters.

Clogged gutters and downspouts can prevent water from draining properly.

Make sure gutters are secure, clear debris when appropriate and confirm that downspouts are directing water away from the foundation.

Check Around Windows and Doors

Walk around your house and look at exterior caulking and weatherstripping.

Gaps around windows and doors can allow cold air and moisture into the house.

Addressing small issues now may make the home more comfortable when temperatures drop.

Chimney and Fireplace

If you use a fireplace or wood-burning stove, don’t wait until the first fire of the season to think about the chimney.

Have it inspected and cleaned as appropriate by a qualified professional.

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

This is an easy one.

Test them.

Replace batteries when necessary and make sure the devices themselves haven’t reached the end of their recommended service life.

It’s a five-minute job that shouldn’t be ignored.

Walk Around the Property

Look up.

Are there dead branches hanging over your house, driveway or power lines?

Look down.

Are walkways cracked or uneven?

Look around the foundation.

Do you see areas where water is collecting?

You live at your house every day, so it’s surprisingly easy to stop noticing things.

Walk around as though you’re seeing the property for the first time.

Don’t Forget Outdoor Faucets and Irrigation

As we get further into fall, exterior plumbing needs attention before freezing temperatures arrive.

Know where your shutoffs are and have irrigation systems winterized when appropriate.

You don’t necessarily have to do everything in September, but put it on the calendar now so it doesn’t get forgotten.

Check Exterior Lighting

Days are getting shorter.

Make sure driveway, walkway and entry lights work properly.

Good exterior lighting isn’t just about appearance. It makes it safer for you, guests and delivery drivers as daylight hours decrease.

Why Does Maintenance Matter for Real Estate?

Because buyers notice.

I’ve walked through countless properties over the years, and you can usually tell when a home has been consistently maintained.

That doesn’t mean everything has to be new.

An older roof that has been properly maintained is different from one that has obviously been neglected. The same is true for mechanical systems, siding, landscaping and the interior.

Regular maintenance can also prevent small problems from becoming expensive ones.

Your Home Is an Investment, Even If You’re Not Selling

You don’t have to be planning a move to think about your home’s value.

For most people, their home is one of their largest assets.

Taking care of it protects that investment while also making it a better place to live.

And if you do decide to sell someday, years of good maintenance can make preparing the property for market considerably easier.

Enjoy the start of fall in Connecticut, and take advantage of these comfortable September days to give your property a little attention before winter arrives.

And if you’re wondering which improvements might affect your home’s resale value, I’m always happy to give you my opinion.

Tom Cavaliere
Coldwell Banker Realty