Spooky Home Maintenance Tasks to Avoid Scary Repairs This Winter

We believe in taking care of your home so you can focus on enjoying the cozy season ahead. Follow this checklist of home maintenance tasks to avoid any hair-raising surprises this winter. Your future self will thank you!

1. Exorcise Those Gutter Demons

Clogged gutters might seem harmless at first, but they can lead to a cascade of spooky problems when water can’t drain properly. Clogged gutters lead to ice damming, which can damage your roof and cause leaks inside the home. Before the leaves finish falling, clear those gutters to keep the water flowing freely. If you’d rather not do it yourself, consider hiring a professional to make sure the job is done right.

2. Seal the Gaps to Keep Out Cold Spirits

Drafts are like mischievous ghosts slipping through the cracks—hard to spot but chilling to experience. Before winter truly arrives, check around your windows and doors for any gaps or cracks that could let in cold air. Sealing them with caulk or weather stripping will not only keep your home cozy but also save you on energy bills!

3. Inspect the Furnace Before It Goes Dead

A furnace breakdown in the middle of winter is every homeowner’s worst nightmare. Before the temperature drops, it’s a good idea to get your furnace inspected by a professional to make sure it’s in top working condition. Change the air filters and check for strange noises or odors. A little maintenance now can prevent a truly scary scenario later!

4. Test Your Haunted (Smoke and CO) Detectors

With fireplaces and heaters soon to be working overtime, it’s vital to make sure your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are in good shape. Test them monthly, replace old batteries, and make sure every level of your home has working detectors. It’s a simple step that could save your life—no horror movies required.

5. Don’t Let the Pipes Turn into Frozen Zombies

Frozen pipes can turn into a homeowner’s worst nightmare when they burst, causing water damage and costly repairs. To prevent this, make sure any exposed pipes are insulated, especially in colder areas like garages or basements. Don’t forget to disconnect hoses from your exterior hose bibs and shut off exterior faucets to keep things running smoothly.

6. Give Your Roof a Health Check (No Witchcraft Needed!)

Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against winter weather, so a quick check-up is crucial. Look for missing or damaged shingles, and if you spot anything suspicious, get it repaired before the snow hits. A small repair now can prevent bigger (and scarier) issues like leaks and water damage.

7. Protect Your Entryways from Tricksters

Winter weather can be tough on your entryways. Make sure your walkways, driveways, and porch steps are ready for the season by repairing cracks and sealing the surfaces. This will not only protect your home but also prevent accidents on icy paths. Plus, it gives your home a tidy, welcoming appearance as we head into the holiday season.

Don’t Be Haunted by Regrets

Taking care of these spooky home maintenance tasks in October will save you from real-life frights later in the winter. At Coventry Homes, we’re passionate about building homes that are designed to last, but even the best-built homes need a little care to keep them in top shape year-round.

If you’re looking to move into a new, well-maintained home before the snow flies, our quick possession homes are the perfect solution. Contact us today to learn more about our move-in ready homes, and enjoy a warm, cozy winter in your dream home—no spooky surprises!