8 Home Projects You Should Finish This Fall So You Don’t Pay for Pricey Repairs This Winter

After the summer heat passes and before the freezing winter hits, homeowners have an ideal period of relatively mild temperatures in the fall to get many home renovations and repairs completed.

Generally, renovations that should be completed in the fall tend to focus on preparing the home for the winter season, insulating or sealing the house to prevent energy loss, as well as taking the opportunity to replace or upgrade home heating systems and other heating implements when the home doesn’t need to be heated or cooled.

We consulted home renovation experts to find out which eight home renos you should tackle in the fall, and here’s what they suggested.

Gutter Cleaning, Replacement, and Upgrades

The gutter system is essential for the protection of the home during the winter season, since clogged or damaged gutters can cause ice dams, increase the risk of icicle formation, and may even lead to leaks or flooding.

Jim Marino, home improvement expert and CEO at Pinnacle Home Improvements, notes that “getting gutters ready or replaced can go a long way in avoiding trouble at home during winter.”

If the gutter system is not in good condition, then snow and ice can clog the gutters, causing any rain or meltwater to overflow. This overflowing water can be forced under the fascia of the roof, where it may leak into the attic, but it can also accumulate around the foundation of the home, seeping into the basement.

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Insulate the Attic

Some improvements, such as replacing the insulation in the attic, are best done when the outside temperatures are mild. Marino also explains that “it’s ideal to make certain upgrades before temperatures plummet into frigid territory, allowing for better comfort and energy efficiency during winter.”

When insulating the attic, you can either add to the existing insulation or remove and replace it entirely, although the exact process depends on the type of insulation you are using for your attic.

In some cases, experienced DIYers may be able to handle this project, but installing attic insulation is best left to a pro if you aren’t confident in your ability to do it correctly.

Replace Doors and Windows

Doors and windows can be replaced in the fall when the temperatures are not too hot and not too cold, since you won’t need to worry about the air conditioner or the furnace operating during this time, so there won’t be any wasted energy.

Marino says that “homeowners should seize the opportunity to upgrade to energy-efficient windows in the fall, which can make for a much more comfortable winter indoors.”

Additionally, if you are installing new doors, consider upgrading the hardware at the same time, instead of reusing the existing door handle and lock. Replacing the locks every so often is a good way to keep the home safe and secure.

Update Door Weatherstripping and Window Seals

Homes use an air conditioner to keep the house cool in the summer and a furnace or similar heating system to keep the house warm in the winter, but if you have damaged or worn weatherstripping and seals, you may be inadvertently increasing your energy bills.

Before the winter season starts, replace the weatherstripping on the doors and ensure the windows are sealed.

Kiril Ratia, general contractor and founder of Ratia Construction, explains that “replacing weatherstripping on doors, windows, and even garage doors is the easiest home renovation I would recommend doing in the fall, and it can have a huge impact on your heating bills and pest control going into the winter.”

Roof Replacement

One of the last things you want to deal with in the winter is a damaged or leaking roof, but trying to repair the roof during the hot months of summer can be difficult and physically demanding. With this in mind, it’s recommended to take advantage of the mild fall temperatures to make any repairs, replace the existing roof, or install a new type of roof for the home.

“Roof replacements and driveway sealing are projects you want to have done during this season, as well as any winterization projects,” Marino explains.

Not only are the mild temperatures more comfortable to work in, but you won’t have to worry about forcing the HVAC system to work overtime if you plan this project for the fall when the HVAC system is relatively unused.

HVAC Replacement, Installation, and Upgrades

Since the heating and cooling system is rarely used during the fall due to the comfortable temperatures outdoors, it’s a great time to complete a full HVAC replacement, installation, or upgrade project.

Even if your heating system is operating properly, it’s a good idea to conduct an inspection and any maintenance while the temperatures are mild.

“Check your radiator and heating systems in the fall, so if something isn’t working, you have time to order parts and repair it before it gets really cold,” says Ratia.

Similarly, if you have a whole-house humidifier or dehumidifier, then it’s beneficial to complete any repairs, maintenance, or replacements on this system in the fall.

Install a New Garage Door

“Another unexpected renovation to consider is replacing old garage doors,” mentions Marino.

Fall is the perfect time to address any problems with your existing garage door system, since once winter arrives, it can be much harder to deal with these issues. Additionally, cold weather can make minor garage door issues worse, forcing you to pay for more extensive repairs.

While you can install a new garage door in the summer, this exposes the garage to the summer heat, and if the garage is attached to the house, this can also reduce the cooling efficiency of the home. Plan to have the garage door installed or replaced in the fall for the most effective results.

Fireplace Replacements and Repairs

Similar to HVAC replacements, installation, and upgrades, it’s generally a good idea to complete any fireplace replacements, installations, and repairs in the fall.

“Indoor fireplace repairs, replacements, and chimney cleanings should be done in the fall so you can fully enjoy them in the wintertime,” Ratia notes.

Beyond simple enjoyment, it’s important to ensure that the fireplace is in good condition before the winter season; otherwise, unexpected problems can occur when you attempt to light a fire for the first time, such as a chimney obstruction or flammable creosote buildup.

Additionally, if you do encounter a problem in the winter, you may be charged an additional fee for the fireplace pros to access the chimney during harsh winter weather.