One benefit of a new construction home is less upkeep and fewer repair concerns than you might expect with an older home. Your fall home checklist can stay focused on simple seasonal care and getting the spaces you use most ready for cooler weather. A few easy tasks now can help your Providence Group home stay comfortable through fall and make holiday hosting easier!
Here’s what to tackle in your home before the cold weather arrives.
Change Filters and Check Your Heating System
Start your fall prep by making sure your heating system is ready. We recommend replacing your furnace filter in the fall and having a professional service the heating system every two years.
Turn on the heat before you depend on it regularly, and check that the system starts and runs normally. Fall is also a good time to check the safety devices throughout your home.
Your fall home maintenance checklist can include:
- Replace the furnace filter
- Turn on the heat to make sure it operates normally
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
- Replace detector batteries or devices when needed
- Check air registers and remove visible dust or debris
Our seasonal maintenance checklist covers these tasks and what to do throughout the rest of the year.
Clear Gutters and Get the Exterior Ready for Cooler Weather
In the fall, we recommend clearing leaves from your gutters so water can drain properly, then turning your attention to outdoor plumbing and landscaping.
Disconnect garden hoses before freezing temperatures arrive. Drain the hoses before storing them and shut off hose bibs where appropriate for your home.
Fall is also a good time to cover or store outdoor furniture.
Home exterior fall maintenance should include:
- Clean leaves and debris from gutters
- Make sure downspouts can drain freely
- Drain and store outdoor hoses
- Shut off hose bibs where applicable
- Cover outdoor furniture, grills, and fire pits
- Cut back overgrown plants as needed
Know What to Handle Yourself and What May Be a Warranty Request
Some fall upkeep is simply part of caring for your home, while certain defects may be covered under your 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty. Replacing filters and maintaining caulk are good examples of routine homeowner care.
If you notice something that seems off with covered workmanship or a qualifying home system, review your warranty manual and reach out to us. We’re happy to help you figure out the right next step.
Every Providence Group homeowner is enrolled in the 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty at closing and receives a digital warranty manual.
Our home warranty coverage includes one year of workmanship coverage, two years for distribution systems, and eight years for qualifying structural defects.
|
Homeowner DIY |
Potential Warranty Request* |
|
Replace furnace filters |
Qualifying heating-system issue |
|
Replace worn weatherstripping |
Qualifying window or door workmanship issue |
|
Maintain caulk or grout |
Covered workmanship defect |
|
Clean gutters |
Qualifying defect involving covered construction |
|
Clean dryer lint |
Qualifying ductwork issue |
*Coverage depends on the cause of the issue and the terms of your warranty.
“Maintaining the minor things keeps major things from interrupting your holiday plans.” – Nate Farmer, Director of Warranty
If something looks off in your TPG home and you’re unsure where it falls, our Homeowner Care resources explain how to reach the Warranty Department. We’re here to help you figure out the next step!
Get Your Home Ready for Holiday Hosting
A little prep before guests arrive can help you catch routine maintenance items before your calendar gets busy. Focus on the rooms and features that will see extra use during holiday meals or overnight stays.
Before guests arrive:
- Check kitchen and bathroom faucets
- Inspect tub and shower caulk
- Vacuum lint from the dryer hose
- Replace burned-out light bulbs
- Check your fireplace and chimney
- Clear leaves from walkways and outdoor gathering areas
A few minutes spent on each space can make hosting easier when your friends or family arrive!
Keep Your Providence Group Home Ready for the Season
Seasonal care is easier with a simple schedule to follow. Keep The Providence Group’s seasonal maintenance checklist handy throughout the year and refer to your warranty manual whenever you find something that may need more than routine maintenance.
Have a question about a possible warranty issue? Reach out to our team. We’re happy to help you understand what to do next!
Fall Home Maintenance Checklist FAQs
What are some things I can do to prepare my home for fall?
Change your furnace filter and clean leaves from the gutters. You should also disconnect outdoor hoses and test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors before cooler weather arrives.
What should I include on my fall cleaning list?
Include gutters and the dryer hose, plus frequently used guest spaces. Check for debris around outdoor areas and clean air registers if needed.
What do I need to do to prep my house for winter?
Test your heating system before cold weather arrives and prepare outdoor plumbing for freezing temperatures. Drain garden hoses and shut off applicable hose bibs before a freeze.
What's the most overlooked home maintenance task?
Dryer hose cleaning can be easy to forget. The Providence Group includes vacuuming lint from the clothes dryer hose on our fall seasonal maintenance list.
What are things every homeowner needs?
Keep your seasonal maintenance schedule and warranty manual somewhere easy to access. Your Providence Group warranty manual explains which concerns may qualify for service and which maintenance tasks you're responsible for.
