The Ultimate Checklist to Prepare Your Home for Fall

Fall is upon us. And, with the change of season, comes some crucial home maintenance.

While preparing your home and yard for the cooler temperatures isn’t as fun as setting out your Halloween decorations, it’s something that should make it on your to-do list sooner rather than later.

Remembering everything that needs to be done each year can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve created this handy checklist to help you stay on track.

Winterizing Your Hot Tub

If you don’t plan to use your hot tub during the cold of winter, it must be properly drained before temperatures dip below freezing. Start by flushing your system and draining all of the water from your tub.

Be sure there is no water in the jet system or your plumbing fittings as well. If your spa has an air blower, this must be drained of water too.

Simply turn off the heater, run the blower until all of the water has been pushed out and dries away. Next, remove your filters and wash or replace accordingly. If you plan to use your hot tub during the fall and winter, which we absolutely recommend that you do, you can refill and add water care products as needed.

If you plan to store away your spa until next year, cover, lock and disconnect the power source.

Cleaning Your Grill

If you have a gas grill, be sure to detach the propane tank or natural gas line before beginning your cleaning regimen. Clean your cooking grates, heat plates and warming rack.

Scrape the inside of the burner box to remove build-up and clean the drip tray and grease cup. Be sure to clean the inside of the grill cabinet as well as the outside of your grill.

Coat the cooking grates, plates and rack with cooking oil and consider putting the burners in plastic bags to keep dirt and insects out. If you’re keeping the grill outside, reconnect your tank, but make sure the valve is off.

If the grill is going in the garage for the winter, leave the propane tank outside. Make sure it is closed and in an upright position. Cover your grill, and you’re done.

If you have a traditional grill, clean your cooking grates and make sure all ash is removed before wiping it down with soapy water. Rinse and dry it before putting the cover back on and storing it in your garage, shed or basement.

Taking Care of the Lawn

If you want your lawn to look neat and tidy come spring, you have some work ahead of you. Leaves and other debris should be collected and disposed of from your lawn, pathways and gardens. This job is made far easier – not to mention more fun —with a leaf blower.

Once that is done, be sure to give the grass a final mow and trim before the snow flies. Avoid cutting your grass too short — this can leave it vulnerable to winter damage. To keep your grass well-protected from the ravages of winter, mow it to a height no shorter than 2.5 inches and leave the clippings on the lawn so the nutrients sink back into the soil.

Taking time to fertilize the lawn will not only protect the grass from snow, but also help it to turn green faster when spring arrives.

Cleaning House Surfaces

Fall is a key time to get out your power washer. If your house has siding, use your power washer to remove moss or mildew buildup.

Be sure to give your garage and any other building the same treatment. You should also spray off your deck or patio. Once that job is done, be sure to turn off all outdoor faucets and drain and disconnect all hoses.

Clean Your Equipment

Before storing your lawn and yard equipment for the winter, be sure to give them a good cleaning. Once that is done, test any winter equipment you might have.

Making sure your snowblower is in good working order before the snow hits will save you a lot of headaches.

Big John’s in Kalispell

If you need help preparing your home and property for fall, Big John’s can help. We have been serving northwest Montana for more than 43 years, offering our clients everything from hot tubs, to lawn care products.

Visit our Kalispell showroom and check out our grills and smokers for sale. From Yoder Smokers to Traeger Wood Fire Grills — we have everything you need for your backyard.