November Home Maintenance Checklist

7 tasks for November — each with the reason it's on the list. Print it, stick it on the fridge, and cross things off.

• Every monthTest smoke and CO detectorsDetectors fail quietly — the only way to know one still works is to test it.
• Twice a year — spring and after leaf dropClean the guttersBlocked gutters overflow against the fascia and foundation, which is how a handful of leaves becomes rot, ice dams, and a wet basement..
• Every 6 monthsVacuum the refrigerator coilsDust-blanketed condenser coils force the compressor to run longer and hotter, which shows up in the electric bill first and the repair bill later..
• Twice a year and after big stormsInspect the roof from the groundOne lifted shingle is a cheap repair; the same shingle after two rainy seasons is a ceiling stain and a mold problem..
• Every fallWinterize lawn equipmentFuel left in a mower over winter gums the carburetor — stale gas is the number one reason small engines refuse to start in spring..
• Every fallGet snow equipment readyThe first storm is the worst possible time to discover the snow blower won't start and the stores are sold out of ice melt..
• Once a yearTrim branches away from the houseBranches touching the roof abrade shingles with every breeze, drop debris into gutters, and give squirrels and ants a bridge into the house..

Press ⌘P (Mac) or Ctrl+P (Windows) to print this checklist.

Nearby: October · December · the full checklist