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Fall Maintenance Mini‑Plan: A 90-Minute Sprint for Homeowners

October 30, 20253 min read


Fall Maintenance Mini‑Plan: A 90-Minute Sprint for Homeowners

Fall Maintenance Mini‑Plan: A 90-Minute Sprint for Homeowners

Power through a smarter fall home checkup in just 90 minutes, protect your investment, boost resilience, and join the SmartStart Community for ongoing support.

Fall Across the U.S.: Why Quick Maintenance Matters

Fall may not bring frost everywhere, but it’s the perfect time for a rapid home checkup, especially for homeowners recovering from past storms, working on remodels, or aiming to strengthen long-term home resilience. A focused 90-minute maintenance sprint can catch hidden risks, protect against weather damage, and prepare your home for the busy months ahead.
At Homes Built Stronger (HBS), our SmartStart Community values simple, high-impact routines that help homeowners nationwide own their maintenance with confidence and ease.

The 90-Minute Mini-Plan: Step-by-Step

Here’s the fast-track checklist. Tackle these tasks in quick succession for a complete fall refresh and greater resilience.

  1. Roof & Gutter Check (15 min)
    Inspect shingles or tiles for storm or wind damage. Clean gutters and downspouts to avoid leaks and water damage. Schedule repairs for loose flashing or missing pieces before severe weather season begins.

  2. Windows & Doors Seals (10 min)
    Check and re-caulk windows, doors, and attic hatches for drafts or leaks. Clean tracks and replace weather-stripping if needed to boost energy efficiency.

  3. HVAC & Air Filter Refresh (10 min)
    Replace AC or heater filters, run a quick system check for unusual smells or noises, and schedule a professional tune-up if needed. This keeps air fresh and energy bills low during seasonal temperature shifts.

  4. Pool, Patio & Outdoor Prep (10 min)
    Cover pools if applicable, store summer gear in bins, and trim tree branches to protect your roof and windows from falling debris during storms or strong winds.

  5. Disaster Kit & Safety Check (15 min)
    Test smoke detectors and restock your emergency supply kits with batteries, water, key documents, and medication. Review your family’s emergency plan to build confidence before the next storm or winter season.

  6. Pest Protection & Entry Points (10 min)
    Check the exterior for pest activity. Seal any cracks, foundation gaps, or attic access points. Many pests seek shelter in colder months, so block potential entryways early.

  7. Quick Visual Sweep: Garage, Shed, Attic, Crawlspace (10 min)
    Look for leaks, clutter, or hazards. Organize tools, winterize hoses, and store essential items where they can be quickly accessed during emergencies.

Pro tip: Set a timer, involve the whole household, and divide tasks for efficiency. Take quick photos for reference or insurance documentation.

Homeowner Story: The Power of a Sprint

Last fall, Marcus in the Midwest completed a mini-maintenance session before hosting family for the holidays. That weekend, a storm rolled in, and his newly cleaned gutters prevented flooding in his living room. Now, Marcus makes the 90-minute sprint an annual tradition, keeping his home ready and resilient.

Mistakes to Dodge (and How to Win)

  • Skipping roof or gutter checks can lead to costly damage.

  • Ignoring small drafts or caulk gaps quickly turns into energy waste.

  • Forgetting disaster prep leaves insurance, kits, and family plans outdated.

  • Waiting until something breaks before organizing or maintaining key spaces increases repair time and costs.

Join the SmartStart Community for Year-Round Support

Take on your fall maintenance with a 90-minute sprint, then stay ahead all year with support from the SmartStart Community. Homes nationwide benefit from ongoing checks, fresh resilience ideas, and a trusted network of insights.


Join the SmartStart Community to access exclusive checklists, professional guidance, and inspiration from homeowners across the United States.

Click the link below to take the quiz

http://Www.homesbuiltstronger.com/quiz


Co-Founder

Jennifer Bryk

Co-Founder

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