Fall maintenance helps prevent future problems Fall is almost here, and it is the perfect scason to tackleDrain and winterize exterior plumbing your home maintenance projects because the weather is gencally dry, and temperatures are moderate. Befo yu Repair or replacc siding. start your scasonal home maintenance, be sure to exa ine both the interior and exterior of your home. Many of these home maintenance items can be accomplished your home, including the basement. without the help of a professional, but it's always better.Cl indow and door screens. to be safe and call the assistance of a contractor if a homeIspect exterior door hardware: fix squcaky han- improvement project is beyond your abilities. Have fireplace professionally inspected. Replace the batteries in smoke and carbon mon oxide detectors. Install a smoke detector on every floor of dles and loose locks. Here are my seasonal home improvement recommenda-Drain and store hoses and drain in-ground sprin tions for fall to avoid major repairs in the future: kler systems Have heating system inspected by a professional Wrap insulation around outdoor faucets and pipes Be surc to schedule an inspection in late summer or carly unheated garages. fall before the heating scason bcgins. .Check water heater for lcaks. Check fireplace for damage or hazards, and clean Many of the major repairs that we encounter could their homes, as minor repairs can quickly escalate. As a as well as a lack of understanding of home maintenance fireplace flucs .Scal cracks and gaps in windows and doors with ave been avoided if people had properly maintained caulk or weather stripping: replace if necessary Swap old, drafty windows for more energy-eff general contractor, we see the results of years of neglect cient model Touch up exterior siding and trim with paint needs. We prefer to work with homeowners to correct Inspect roofing for missing. loose, or damaged these issues carly on but also specialize in remediating Poer-wash windows and siding. Mend cracks and gaps in the driveway and walkway shingles and leaks, the home after years of neglect. Submitted by Christopher Frasco General Contractor .Remove lcaves and debris from gutters and downspouts.