Why Fall Matters Here
When Sacramento’s dry summer flips to cool, wet weather, little issues can turn into leaks, foundation moisture, and indoor air problems. A quick check before the first storm can prevent expensive repairs and keep your home comfortable.
Quick Reference: What to Check First
- Roof and flashing look good
- Gutters/downspouts clean; water carried 4–6 ft away from foundation
- Yard drains clear; soil slopes away from house
- Weatherstripping/caulk refreshed; paint touch-ups done
- Furnace serviced; new filter; detectors tested
- Water heater strapped; sediment flushed (if allowed)
- Sump pump (if present) tested; irrigation on rain/suspend mode
Step-by-Step Guide to Fall Home Maintenance:
1) Roof & Exterior (Pre-Rain Priorities)
What to do
- Roof surface: Replace cracked/missing shingles or tiles. Watch for lifted edges and rusted fasteners.
- Flashing & penetrations: Check chimneys, skylights, and vents for gaps or brittle sealant.
- Gutters & downspouts: Clean leaves; tighten hangers; add extensions to discharge water 4–6 ft from the foundation.
- Siding/stucco & paint: Seal hairline cracks; re-caulk trim joints and utility penetrations; touch up exposed areas.
- Windows & doors: Replace worn weatherstripping and renew exterior caulking.
- Decks/balconies/stairs: Look for soft spots, loose rails, or rot.
- Hardscape: Seal driveway/walkway cracks.
- Exterior power & lights: Test GFCI outlets; replace bulbs; clean lenses.
- Garage door safety: Confirm auto-reverse works.
Helpful link: Consider a dedicated Roof Inspection in Sacramento
2) Drainage & Yard Readiness
- Grading: Soil should slope away from the home. Fill low spots by patios and paths.
- Area/French drains: Open and clear yard basins; test for flow.
- Vegetation: Trim branches off rooflines and away from service lines.
- Debris: Remove leaf piles and wood stacks next to structures.
- Irrigation: Install/verify a rain sensor or switch the controller to a rain/suspend schedule.
Pro tip: Oak and pine drop can clog gutters fast. Gutter guards are worth it where trees overhang the roof.
3) Attic & Crawlspace (Hidden Moisture Hotspots)
- Attic: Look for dark stains, damp sheathing, or daylight at penetrations. Keep insulation even; use baffles to maintain vent airflow. Bath fans and dryers must vent outdoors, not into the attic.
- Crawlspace: Check for standing water, musty odors, damaged vapor barrier, rodent activity, or white “efflorescence” on foundation walls. Ensure vents and access are intact.
4) HVAC & Indoor Air
- Replace the furnace filter and run the system briefly to confirm normal startup.
- Vacuum return/supply grilles; remove furniture blocking airflow.
- Program a heating schedule; consider a smart thermostat.
- If you use a fireplace/wood stove, schedule a chimney inspection/cleaning.
- Place carbon monoxide alarms near bedrooms and gas-appliance areas.
5) Plumbing & Water Controls
- Main shutoff & angle stops: Turn each valve gently to keep it from seizing.
- Leak sweep: Look under sinks, around toilets, and at supply lines.
- Water heater: Verify seismic strapping and a proper TPR discharge line; flush sediment if the manufacturer allows.
- Sump pump: Test the float; clear the pit; confirm discharge routing away from the house.
- Hose bibbs: Add insulated covers where exposed.
6) Electrical & Life Safety
- GFCI/AFCI: Test and reset; replace devices that won’t trip or reset.
- Smoke & CO alarms: Test; replace batteries; replace out-of-date units.
- Extinguishers: Check charge and placement.
- Emergency kit: Stock flashlights, batteries, water, first-aid, and basic tools.
7) Optional Pro Checks (High-ROI)
- Roof inspection (aging roof or recent wind)
- Sewer camera scope (older homes, big trees, slow drains)
- WDO/Termite inspection (frass, mud tubes, soft wood)
- Moisture/mold diagnostics (persistent damp areas)
- Electrical panel evaluation (frequent trips, hot breakers, older equipment)
Why Choose Good Life Inspections for Your Fall Checkup
Preparing for Sacramento’s wet season is easier when you have a trusted inspection team on your side. At Good Life Inspections, we go beyond a quick visual look — our detailed seasonal inspections are designed to protect your home and your budget.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- 📸 Photo-Rich Reports – Clear images and notes so you know exactly what’s happening in your home.
- ✅ Actionable Priorities – We separate urgent fixes from long-term maintenance so you can plan smart.
- 🏠 Specialized Add-Ons – Roof inspections, sewer line camera scopes, termite/WDO checks, and moisture testing for a full picture of your home’s condition.
- 🌧️ Local Expertise – We understand Sacramento County’s unique climate and drainage challenges, so you get insights that matter here.
Protect your home before the rains hit.
👉 Schedule your Fall Home Maintenance Inspection today or call us directly at (916) 232-7013.
FAQs
When should I prep for fall rains?
As soon as temps cool—ideally before the first big storm.
Do you fix issues found during inspection?
Inspections are observational. We document and prioritize. We can refer trusted local contractors.
How long does a fall inspection take?
Most single-family homes take 2–3 hours, depending on size and access.
Do I need a termite (WDO) inspection, too?
Yes if you’ve seen droppings, mud tubes, soft wood—or if it’s been 2–3 years since your last WDO check.
Can you inspect in the rain?
Light rain is fine and can reveal drainage issues. Heavy weather may limit roof access for safety.
