Skip the fall checklist and you’ll pay for it in January, usually in the form of a burst pipe, a spiking heating bill, or a roof leak nobody caught in time. None of this takes a full weekend if you tackle it now.

Gutters First, Always

Clogged gutters are behind a huge share of winter water damage claims. Once most of the leaves have dropped, clear them out and check that downspouts are actually directing water away from your foundation, not just dumping it a foot from the wall.

Seal the Gaps

Run your hand around window and door frames on a windy day, if you feel a draft, that’s money leaking out along with the air. A tube of weatherstripping or caulk costs a few dollars and can meaningfully cut heating costs over the season.

Get the Furnace Checked Before You Need It

Waiting until the first cold snap to test your heating system means you’re competing with everyone else for a technician’s time, and paying emergency rates if something’s actually wrong. A pre-season inspection now is cheaper and a lot less stressful.

Don’t Forget the Outside Faucets

Disconnect garden hoses and, if you’re in a climate that freezes, shut off and drain outdoor spigots. A frozen, burst pipe is one of the more expensive and disruptive repairs a homeowner can face, and it’s almost entirely preventable.

Check the Chimney and Fireplace

If you’re planning to use a fireplace this winter, get it inspected first. Built-up creosote is a genuine fire hazard, and a quick professional sweep now beats dealing with a chimney fire later.

None of these tasks are glamorous, but knocking them out over a single weekend in fall tends to be the difference between a smooth winter and a string of expensive surprises.

Related reading: How to Budget for the Expensive Stretch Between Fall and the Holidays