There’s nothing quite like fall in the Bitterroot. The cottonwoods along the river turn gold, the aspens and maples sparkle colorful in the hillsides, and the mornings have that crisp bite that makes you reach for a flannel and a hot cup of coffee or cocoa. It’s also the perfect time to give your home attention so you can settle in and enjoy the cozy season ahead.
Here are 10 simple to-dos to keep your Bitterroot Valley home comfortable, safe, and ready for whatever the weather brings.
1. Take care of outdoor water.
Before those chilly nights settle in for good, blow out irrigation lines and sprinklers, disconnect and drain garden hoses, and check that frost-free hydrants are draining properly. A little effort now saves you from cracked pipes and costly repairs later.
2. Check on your well and pump house.
Many valley homes rely on private wells, so give your pump house some love. Make sure it’s well insulated, check that any heat source is working, and look for gaps where cold air (or critters) could sneak in.
3. Get your wood stove and chimney inspected.
Few things beat the warmth of a wood fire on a cool evening. Before you light the first one of the season, have your chimney cleaned and inspected for creosote buildup. It’s one of the most important safety steps for any home heated with wood.
4. Service your furnace or propane system.
Swap out furnace filters, schedule a tune-up, and check your propane levels. Filling your tank early in the season can help you avoid delivery delays when everyone else is calling at once.
5. Clean gutters and downspouts.
Those beautiful tree leaves have a way of ending up in your gutters. Clearing them out now keeps water flowing where it should and helps prevent ice dams down the road.
6. Rake, clear, and maintain defensible space.
Dry leaves and brush piled near your home can be a fire hazard, even in fall. Rake them up, clear debris from under decks, and keep a clean zone around your house. Your garden beds will thank you if you compost those leaves!
7. Seal up drafts.
Walk around your home and look for gaps around doors and windows. New weatherstripping and a fresh bead of caulk are inexpensive fixes that can make a noticeable difference in comfort and heating bills.
8. Get your equipment ready.
Now is a great time to service the snowblower, check your shovels, and stock up on ice melt, just so it’s all there when you need it. Placing reflector stakes along your driveway edges before the ground firms up is a smart move too.
9. Protect trees and landscaping from wildlife.
As the season shifts, deer and elk start looking for easy snacks. Wrap the trunks of young trees and consider fencing around shrubs and ornamentals you want to protect.
10. Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
With wood stoves and furnaces firing up, this one is a must. Test every detector, replace batteries, and make sure you have a working CO detector on each level of your home.
Enjoy the Season!
Once your checklist is done, the best part begins: grab a blanket, pour something warm, and enjoy the view. Fall in the Bitterroot Valley is one of the many reasons we love calling this place home.
Thinking about selling next spring? Fall is the perfect time to tackle repairs and updates that can boost your home’s value. Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious about what your home is worth, we’d love to help.