Fall is the perfect time to have work done on your home in preparation for cooler weather followed by snowy days. Here is a checklist of items to make sure your home is ready for the transition:

• Clean the gutters, and keep them clear. Overflowing gutters can cause water damage to your home. Grab a ladder and some gloves, and scrape out all of the leaves and debris. If you need to, replace them.
• Check your windows and doors for leaks and unwanted drafts. Heat loss through windows is responsible for 25-30 percent of heating energy use, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. If your windows and exterior doors aren’t properly sealed, your home will lose heat causing a jump in your heat and electric bills.
• Reorganize your garage or shed. Put your spring and summer maintenance supplies in the back, and put your rakes, leaf blowers, snow blowers, and shovels where they’re easily accessible. 
• Drain your garden hoses. Leaving water in your hoses and keeping them attached to the spigots could cause a pipe to burst. Drain and detach all of them.
• Test your winter equipment. Make sure your snow blower is still running and troubleshoot if needed. It’s better to do it in the fall than when you’re snowed in.
• Do a roof check. Scan your roof for missing, damaged or loose shingles that may not stand up when weather gets bad.
• Bring in flower pots and plant spring flower bulbs. 
• Finally, embrace the cooler weather by installing a fire pit in your backyard. Set up some seating to entertain, and have a professional install a quality fire pit.