Homeowner Fall To-Do List

The air is crisp, the drinks are hot, and the foliage is spectacular. Autumn in Toronto is magical but, sadly, brief. Winter is on its way and it’s time to prepare for the colder months. Preventative home maintenance is a top priority.

Here is your fall checklist to guarantee your winter is all hygge, no headaches.

1. Fall to-do’s to keep your home safe

Change your smoke and carbon monoxide detector batteries

Winter is a high-risk time for fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. You should be changing your detector batteries once a year. We recommend doing this in the fall to keep your family safe over winter.

Inspect fixtures and faucets

This is a task we recommend doing monthly – but we know you’ve been busy this summer 😉 Check out your taps and faucets for leaks and the surrounding areas for signs of water damage. You want to catch plumbing issues sooner rather than later to avoid extensive damage and repairs. Plus, it’s not always easy to get a plumber to your house in the dead of winter. If you find something suspicious, one of our handymen would be happy to take a look.

Waterproof your deck

Believe it or not, decks are more likely to take on damage in the winter. Foot traffic is low but heavy rain, hail, snow, ice, and salt could make your deck unsound next summer. Extend the lifespan of your deck by giving it a new coat of paint to protect it from winter weather.

Clean and refinish your floors

Our carpets absorb a lot of dust, pet dander, and odour. Unless these are things you’d like to be breathing in all winter, clean your carpets thoroughly. If you have the budget, professional cleaning is best.

Foot traffic in your home is about to increase. Winter boots bring mud and salt inside. Take a look at your floors and check for areas that need to be refinished to keep your home protected from whatever your family and guests track inside. Refinish or repair your floors asap. 

2. Fall to-do’s to keep your home warm

Replace your weatherstripping

Keep your home warm and your energy bills low with new weatherstripping. Generally speaking, weatherstripping has a lifespan of 2-3 years. However, we’d recommend checking the weatherstripping on your doors and windows twice a year – once in the spring and once in the fall – to ensure your home is as efficient as possible. Learn more about weatherstripping here.

Install storm doors and windows

Storm doors are essentially doors for your doors. They’re an added layer of winter protection from drafts, debris, and moisture. They are easily installed in front of your current exterior doors. Storm windows are the same, except they’ll keep heat from escaping out your windows. They’re especially useful if you have old, leaky single-pane windows. Get a free estimate for storm door and window installation. 

Check your attic for air leaks

Like weatherstripping, if your attic isn’t properly sealed and insulated, you’re likely paying for it on your energy bill. Hot air rises, and insulation that is old, compressed, or damaged by moisture or pests loses effectiveness. Have a professional evaluate the R-value (the capacity of an insulating material to resist heat flow; the higher the R-value, the greater the insulating power) of your attic insulation and suggest the best approach. The solution could be as simple as adding more insulation.

Change your furnace filters

Changing your furnace filter is another way to keep your energy bill in check. Furnace filters get clogged with all kinds of things (pet dander, hair, dust, etc). When these clogs are cleared, your furnace works more efficiently and saves you money.

3. Fall to-do’s to make your home hygge

Finally, make your home somewhere you want to be! Make it cozy, or as the Danes say, “hygge.” Hygge is all about creating a warm, inviting atmosphere and enjoying your home and family. Here are a few ideas to get you in a hygge state of mind.

Create a reading nook

Nothing says cozy like a cup of tea and a good book. Create a sanctuary for yourself where you can get lost in literature. It can be as easy as purchasing a few bookshelves and an armchair, or as elaborate as new lighting, an accent wall, and a built-in bookshelf to transform an unused corner of a room.

Improve your movie setup

Guess what – watching a movie and snuggling with your pet or partner is hygge too! Up your movie-watching game by mounting your TV on the wall, installing surround sound, purchasing a new couch or coffee table, or building a custom entertainment unit. Grab a blanket and some popcorn and you’re all set.

Refresh the kitchen

If you love to cook and entertain in the winter, why not give your kitchen a little facelift? Your kitchen is the heart of your home and, as we all know, every party ends up in the kitchen eventually. Update your countertops or cabinets, install that pot filler or farmhouse sink you’ve been fantasizing about, or purchase those new appliances you’ve been eyeing – we’ll give you a hand installing them! 

These are just a few ideas to get you started. Whatever you dream up, we’re here to make it a reality. 

Find the right handyman service

The handyman you hire should check all of these boxes:

• Experience with similar projects.
• Knowledge of methods and materials required.
• Licensing and insurance to ensure quality craftsmanship.
• Customer reviews that are positive and recent.
• Clear communication and the ability to answer all your questions prior to project start.

Working with OddJob

At OddJob, we only take on projects when we have the knowledge and expertise to do so. We use the highest quality materials suited to your unique needs and budget. Our comprehensive handyman service is friendly, efficient, and comes with a two-year warranty (the longest in the business). We pride ourselves on good communication, punctuality, and convenience for our clients. 

Get a free quote for your project or reach out with your questions. We’re here to help!