Monthly Home Maintenance Checklist: Central Virginia

November Home Maintenance Checklist for Virginia Homeowners

As the last of the leaves fall and November arrives, it’s time to prep your home for winter. Whether you’re in Richmond, Chesterfield, or Powhatan, this checklist will help keep your home warm, safe, and ready for the colder months. Staying ahead of these tasks can make all the difference when winter weather rolls in.

1. Clean Out the Gutters

Leaves in Central Virginia are gorgeous, but once they pile up in your gutters, they can spell trouble. Clogged gutters can lead to water damage, ice dams, and even roof issues when temperatures dip. Make sure your gutters and downspouts are clear to prevent water from pooling where it shouldn’t.

Did You Know: While gutter guards can be a great solution for reducing maintenance, choosing the wrong type can actually do more harm than good. It’s better to have no guards at all than to install the wrong kind, so make sure to research or consult a professional before making a decision. Here are a few local companies to help you decide: Richmond Gutters & Siding | Brothers Gutters | Evergreen Gutters 

2. Inspect Trees for Damaged Limbs

Winters here can be unpredictable, and strong winds or ice storms can be rough on trees. Take a good look at the trees around your property for dead or cracked branches. Removing these now will prevent them from causing damage to your roof, car, or power lines when the next storm hits.

Safety note: For any limbs high up or near power lines, call a tree service to handle the job safely. Your peace of mind (and roof) is worth it! My go to Tree company is Avid Treecare Licensed & Insured and ready to take care of your tree needs!

3. Check Your Insulation for Pests

With cooler temperatures, pests like mice and squirrels are on the hunt for warm nesting spots. Your attic or crawl space might be at the top of their list. Take a walk through these areas and look for droppings, nests, or any signs of gnawing.

Pro tip for Central VA homeowners: Seal any gaps or cracks around vents or pipes. For folks in areas like Chesterfield or Henrico, adding mesh screens over exterior vents can help keep pests out without restricting airflow.

4. Inspect the Crawlspace or Basement for Leaks

Don’t let water damage sneak up on you. Even in the colder months, water can find its way in and freeze, causing further damage. Check your crawlspace or basement for signs of moisture, like damp spots or musty smells.

Homeowner tip: If you spot a leak, patch it up or call a pro. Preventing winter water issues is a lot easier (and cheaper) than dealing with the aftermath.

5. Refresh Caulking Around Exterior Windows

Cold drafts seeping in around your windows can push your heating system into overdrive. Walk around your home’s exterior and inspect the caulking around your windows. If it’s cracked or missing, replace it with high-quality exterior caulk to keep your home cozy and energy-efficient.

Quick reminder: This small job can save you money on heating bills and keep the chill out—worth every minute!

Wrapping Up

Staying on top of these November tasks is key to keeping your Central Virginia home ready for winter. From Chesterfield to Midlothian and everywhere in between, these tips will help protect your property and give you peace of mind when the weather takes a turn. For more detailed breakdowns and monthly maintenance tips, check out my blog at realhomesrva.com/blog.

And keep an eye out for December’s checklist—it’ll help you wrap up the year with your home in great shape.

Stay warm,
Jacquelyn