Fall Home Maintenance Made Easy: October
As part of our new monthly maintenance series, we put together a handy list of jobs for your checklist each month along with the right professionals to hire. To keep you on track we’ve included some of our own top tips, time estimates, and approximate costs to help you plan ahead.
Right now we’re taking a look at Fall and the month of October. October is a key transitional month and often the last chance to get some of those winterization jobs done before the frosts set in. As ever, we connect you with skilled Pros who can take care of your seasonal tasks, so you don’t have to.
October
External Jobs
Fall Lawn Care
Description: A fall lawn inspection involves checking for disease, pests, and ensuring your lawn gets the care it needs before winter. This includes aeration, leaf removal, fertilizing, weeding, and reseeding.
Top Tip: Overseeding is crucial for thickening your lawn and preventing weed growth in spring.
Pro to Hire: Landscaper
Time & Cost: 3-4 hours | $99-$124
Gutter & Downspout Cleaning
Description: Clear leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts to prevent blockages that could lead to water damage.
Top Tip: It sounds obvious but don’t do this until most of the leaves have fallen already to ensure gutters stay clean through winter. Consider installing leaf guards if you have a lot of trees around your property.
Pro to Hire: Cleaner/Landscaper
Time & Cost: 2 hours | $88
Winterizing Irrigation Systems
Description: Drain outdoor plumbing fixtures and store garden hoses to prevent freezing and damage. Flush irrigation systems with compressed air to stop water freezing in pipes.
Top Tip: Unwind hoses fully before storing to drain all the remaining water out.
Pro to Hire: Landscaper
Time & Cost: 1-2 hours | $75 + $40-50 for system flush
Storing or Covering Patio Furniture
Description: Protect your outdoor furniture from the elements by covering or storing it in a dry place.
Top Tip: Use breathable covers to prevent moisture build-up & be wary of dips in the fabric where water can collect and pool.
Pro to Hire: General Labourer
Time & Cost: 1 hour | $63 (2 hour min)
Internal Jobs
Emergency Preparedness
Description: Stock up on essentials like flashlights, batteries, water bottles, and test smoke/CO alarms.
Top Tip: Set a reminder in your calendar for annual checks to stay prepared year-round.
Pro to Hire: Housekeeper
Time & Cost: 1 hour | $63 (2 hour min)
Check Weatherstrips and for Drafts
Description: Inspect doors, windows, and other openings for drafts and replace weatherstrips as needed to improve energy efficiency.
Top Tip: Weatherstripping is available at most hardware stores and can save you from damaging water ingress or hefty heating bills.
Pro to Hire: Handyman
Time & Cost: 2-3 hours | $104-$144
Inspect and Clean Windows
Description: Check for cracked panes, lubricate moving parts, and clean panes, sills, and frames for better insulation and appearance.
Top Tip: Regular maintenance extends the lifespan of your windows and boosts curb appeal. Use grease to lubricate metal parts, and Vaseline or a silicone lubricant for plastics or rubber.
Pro to Hire: Handyman
Time & Cost: 2 hours | $104
*all prices are approximate and illustrative. They include booking fees and may vary depending on local Pro availability and demand.