Fall Home Maintenance Checklist for Bay Area Homes

Bay Area weather makes a clear split: a long dry season, then rain that arrives all at once. The best time to prepare is late October through November. This checklist covers what to look at before the storms.

Outside

• [ ] Clean gutters and downspouts. Clear leaves and flush the downspouts. See the gutter cleaning guide.
• [ ] Check the roofline from the ground. Look for loose or missing shingles, lifted flashing and sagging gutters. Roof repairs belong to a roofer.
• [ ] Inspect caulk and seals around windows, doors and trim. Reseal gaps that let water in.
• [ ] Look for rot at the base of trim, window sills and deck boards. See the dry rot guide.
• [ ] Check fences and gates for loose boards and leaning posts.
• [ ] Wash walkways and steps that get slick with algae.
• [ ] Disconnect hoses and shut off exterior spigots where it freezes (rare here, but check).
• [ ] Holiday lights: book installation early if you want them by Thanksgiving. See the holiday light guide.

Inside

• [ ] Replace door weatherstripping and sweeps. See the weatherstripping guide.
• [ ] Clean the dryer vent. See the dryer vent cleaning guide.
• [ ] Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and replace batteries and any units past their date.
• [ ] Look for leaks under sinks and around toilets. Small drips get worse. See the toilet repair guide.
• [ ] Re-caulk tubs and showers where it’s cracked or peeling.
• [ ] Exercise shut-off valves so you know they turn when you need them.
• [ ] Check the water heater area for leaks and drips.
• [ ] Bleed or service heating before the first cold night.

Safety and Emergency

• [ ] Know where the main water shut-off is.
• [ ] Keep a flashlight, batteries and a basic tool kit handy.
• [ ] Trim tree limbs away from the roof and power lines. Tree work belongs to an arborist.

Make a List and Book One Visit

A lot of this is small stuff that adds up to a long afternoon. I put these into a honey-do list visit: one trip, several tasks, quoted up front. Send me the list and some photos.

Get a Quote

I’m a one-person, insured handyman based in Martinez, serving about 35 miles around. See the handyman services page for what’s included, then send me photos and I’ll quote before I start, or call 925-257-2685.

Related guides

• When to Clean Gutters in the Bay Area: A Fall and Spring Schedule
• What Does a Handyman Cost in Contra Costa County?