August 3, 2026
The autumn maintenance checklist we run on our own properties
Twelve jobs that take a weekend and prevent most of the emergency call-outs we attend between November and February.
Clear gutters and check the downpipes actually discharge away from the foundation. Test the sump pump with a bucket of water. Re-caulk any exterior gap wider than a credit card. Bleed radiators and check the boiler pressure. Reverse ceiling fans. Service the garage door springs.
Then check the roof from the ground with binoculars: lifted shingles, rusted flashing and a sagging ridge line are all visible from the lawn, and all cheaper to fix in October than in January.