As the days get shorter and the temperatures start to drop, now is the perfect time to prepare your home for winter. A little preventative maintenance in the fall can save you from costly repairs, improve energy efficiency, and keep your home safe and comfortable all season long.

Here’s a practical checklist every homeowner should tackle before the snow flies:

1. Inspect and Clean Gutters & Downspouts

Fallen leaves and debris can clog gutters, leading to ice dams and water damage. Clean them out and make sure downspouts are directing water at least a few feet away from your foundation.

2. Seal Drafts Around Windows and Doors

Check for gaps where heat can escape. A quick bead of caulking or fresh weatherstripping keeps your home cozy and reduces heating costs.

3. Service Your Furnace

Schedule a professional inspection and replace the furnace filter. Regular servicing extends the life of your system and ensures it runs efficiently when you need it most.

4. Check Your Roof and Attic

Look for missing shingles, loose flashing, or signs of leaks. In your attic, make sure insulation is intact and there’s no evidence of moisture.

5. Shut Off and Drain Outdoor Faucets

Frozen pipes can burst and cause expensive damage. Shut off exterior water lines, drain hoses, and store them for the winter.

6. Prepare Your Yard

Rake leaves, trim back overhanging branches, and cover or store patio furniture. A final lawn cut and fertilizer application help your grass bounce back in spring.

7. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

With furnaces and fireplaces running, fall is a prime time to double-check batteries and test all detectors. Safety first.

8. Clean Your Chimney and Fireplace

If you use a wood-burning fireplace, have the chimney cleaned to prevent buildup and reduce fire hazards.

9. Inspect Walkways and Driveways

Fill cracks or uneven spots before freeze-thaw cycles make them worse. This helps avoid tripping hazards when surfaces get icy.

10. Stock Up on Winter Essentials

Make sure you’ve got shovels, ice melt, and warm gear ready before the first big snowfall.

Final Thoughts

Staying on top of seasonal home maintenance protects your biggest investment and keeps life running smoothly through the cold months.

👉 If you’re thinking of selling in the near future, a well-maintained home can also mean a higher selling price and fewer surprises during buyer inspections.

Need personalized advice on preparing your home for the market? Get your free Home Valuation Report or sign up for a free seller consultation.

You can also download this as a handy PDF checklist right here:

Home Maintenance Checklist Download

(NC) Embarking on a DIY project can offer lots of fun and learning for a couple, family or just for yourself. Consider taking up a project for your backyard that you can enjoy with the people close to you all year long.

Here are three unique ideas for backyard DIY projects that anyone, from beginners to seasoned builders, can do.

Re-home your garden
Make gardening even more personal and rewarding this summer by building your own planter box. Making a planter box for your favourite veggies or flowers is great for a beginner or seasoned DIY-er. With several wood and composite material options and various design configurations, you have the freedom to match your planter to your outdoor space.

Elevate your patio with a pergola 
There are few things that add to the charm of a backyard like a pergola. Whether you want to provide shade around your bistro set or give your plants room to grow to the sky, there is no shortage of ways to build a pergola or trellis in your outdoor space. Pergolas aren’t just meant for large backyards, either. Your local Home Hardware Building Centre can help you pick out the right materials and tools to build a pergola that fits your lifestyle and needs.

Build your own storage space 
A storage shed might not be the first thing that comes to mind when planning out your backyard. But, whether it’s shielding your bikes, tools or furniture from the elements, or acting as a place to keep extra chairs or cushion covers, a shed can be a game-changer and a fun DIY project. With a wide range of sizes and designs available, you can build a shed that fits all of your storage needs.

You can find more project ideas at homehardware.ca

(NC) If you’ve spent the last several months daydreaming about your ideal renovation project, you’re not alone. Whether it’s a reno for a new kitchen, your own spa bathroom, a basement media room or a beautiful backyard oasis, there’s no shortage of dreams to take on.

Here are a few tips to make your vision a reality:

Spend time planning ahead. 
The more you think about your project before you begin, the better you’ll understand your wants, needs and priorities.

A great place to start is thinking about why you’re doing this project in the first place. Is it to create more space? Add functionality? Freshen up décor? These questions will help you make the right decisions during your project.

Know when to call in the pros. 
Many home reno projects might seem DIY, such as laying tiles and flooring. But for anything structural, mechanical or electrical, it’s best to hire a properly licensed professional. You don’t want to cause any fires or leaks that could lead to more time-consuming and costly damage to you or your home.

Save on splurge-worthy finishing touches. 
Add creature comforts and finishing touches that make completing your renovation all the more rewarding. From a luxurious Nespresso espresso machine, to the perfect Cuisinart kitchen gadgets, to that coveted Napoleon barbecue, you can use Air Miles Reward Miles to save big on must-have items for your newly renovated space.

Find more information at rewards.airmiles.ca/merchandise.

(NC) The return of warmer weather doesn't just mean the start of summer, it's also the kickoff to home improvement season. Every home deserves a light, airy refresh to embrace a brighter season ahead. Fortunately, transforming your space doesn't mean you need a big budget or a lot of time.

Elevate your home in just one weekend with these easy DIY projects inspired by Sharon Grech, Benjamin Moore colour and design expert.

Go for faux wallpaper
From painting one wall a bold colour or adding interest with a stylish painted arch, there are endless options for creating a focal point in your space with colour. This season, accent walls are going graphic and taking inspiration from wallpaper — with a lot less fuss.

"Whether you choose polka dots, thin lines or an intricate pattern, this transformation is an easy way to give any space personality," shares Grech. "This project is perfect for those looking to get creative — use a stencil for flawless results in no time."

Make a statement with your staircase
It can feel daunting to paint an entire room, especially if you want to do it yourself. Instead, look for small projects that make a significant impact, such as painting your stair risers. Whether you want to add an unexpected pop of colour or take a tonal approach by alternating between shades of grey like Feather Gray 2127-60 and Pike's Peak Gray 2127-50, Advance interior paint delivers a durable, furniture-like finish on wood surfaces so that you can achieve professional results in a weekend.

Welcome with vibrant doors 
Painting your front door is an easy way to boost your home's curb appeal, but who says you can't make an immediate impact by painting your interior doors?

“If you lean towards a neutral palette, painting a door in an energizing hue like Marblehead Gold HC-11 can help you incorporate a splash of colour into your home without committing to an entire wall,” explains Grech. If you're hesitant to introduce a vibrant colour, she suggests Palladian Blue HC-144 for a subtle facelift.