🍁 The Fall Home Maintenance Checklist Every Texas Homeowner Should Follow
Fall in Central Texas doesn’t always mean pumpkin-spice weather — some days it’s 50°, the next it’s 90°. But these few cooler months are your best window to prepare your home before winter sneaks in. Whether you’re in Austin, Kyle, or San Marcos, a little fall maintenance now can save you big headaches (and bigger repair bills) later.
As a home inspector who’s seen it all — from clogged gutters collapsing fascia to HVAC systems dying on the first cold night — here’s the ultimate fall home maintenance checklist to keep your home safe, efficient, and ready for the season ahead.
🏠 1. Check Roof and Gutters
Fall storms and shifting winds can wreak havoc on shingles and flashing.
Inspect the roof for missing shingles, lifted nails, or debris.
Clean out gutters and downspouts to keep rainwater flowing away from your foundation.
Confirm your downspouts extend at least 5 feet from the house. (Improper drainage is one of the most common causes of foundation movement in Central Texas.)
If you see standing water or soil erosion near the base of your home, it’s time to address drainage before it becomes a foundation problem.
🌳 2. Inspect the Exterior
Your home’s shell takes the brunt of Texas weather.
Walk around your home and look for cracks in siding, gaps in trim, or deteriorated paint.
Seal window and door gaps to keep conditioned air inside and pests out.
Check exterior outlets and light fixtures for proper sealing.
A $5 tube of caulk today can prevent hundreds in water-damage repairs tomorrow.
❄️ 3. Prepare Your HVAC System
Before the first cold snap, give your HVAC some attention:
Replace filters and vacuum dust from return vents.
Run your heater for a few minutes to make sure it fires up without strange smells or noises.
Clear away leaves or debris around your outside condenser unit.
Many homeowners skip this — but the best time to service a heater is before it’s needed.
💧 4. Protect Plumbing and Water Systems
Even in Texas, we get those surprise freezes.
Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses and install insulated faucet covers.
Check for leaks under sinks and around toilets.
Flush your water heater to remove sediment and improve efficiency.
Pro tip: If your water heater is more than 8–10 years old, now’s a great time to inspect the anode rod and connections for rust or corrosion.
🧰 5. Interior Touch-Ups
Inside, small issues often turn into big ones when ignored.
Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors (replace batteries).
Inspect attic insulation and look for daylight coming through the roof.
Reverse ceiling fans (clockwise) to push warm air down.
Reseal caulking around tubs, showers, and sinks.
And while you’re at it, clean the dryer vent — lint buildup is one of the top causes of house fires.
🔍 6. Schedule a Professional Fall Home Inspection
Even if you’re not buying or selling, a seasonal home inspection is one of the smartest investments you can make. A trained eye (and the right tools) can spot hidden issues long before they hit your wallet.
At Precision Property Inspections, we use tools like thermal imaging, ZipLevel foundation measurement, and moisture detection equipment to catch what most homeowners miss. Think of it as your home’s annual checkup — professional, precise, and preventative.
📅 Ready to Schedule?
Fall is short, but its benefits last all year. Take a Saturday morning now to get your home ready — and let Precision Property Inspections help with the hard part.
