Autumn Home Maintenance Checklist UK: 12 Jobs
Twelve autumn jobs for UK homes, from gutters and boiler servicing to radiators, draughts and loft checks, so your home is ready before the cold arrives.
By October the clocks have changed, the heating is flicking on and the first proper storm is usually not far away. Autumn is the last comfortable stretch for outdoor jobs and the most important window for preparing a home for wet and cold weather. This list is deliberately short: twelve jobs, in a sensible order, that make a real difference.
The twelve jobs
1. Clear gutters and downpipes
Leaves and moss from late September onwards can block gutters and push water into walls. Wait until most leaves have fallen, then clear gutters from a stable ladder or use a long-reach tool. See our gutter and roof check guide.
2. Look at the roof from the ground
Check for slipped tiles, damaged flashing around chimneys and missing ridge tiles. Binoculars are a safer way than climbing.
3. Book the boiler service
Gas boilers should be serviced by a Gas Safe registered engineer once a year. Booking in September means you are not queuing in December. Details in our boiler service guide.
4. Bleed radiators
If radiators are warm at the bottom and cool at the top, they have trapped air. Our step-by-step radiator guide shows how.
5. Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
Clocks changing is a handy reminder. Test every alarm and replace batteries where needed.
6. Draught-proof doors, windows and letterboxes
Cheap brush strips and foam seals pay for themselves. See draught-proofing basics.
7. Check loft insulation
Is it deep and even, and are the pipes in the loft lagged? Gaps and compressed areas lose heat.
8. Lag exposed pipes and know your stop tap
Pipes in unheated spaces like garages and lofts need foam lagging. Check that the stop tap turns freely; stiff taps fail when you need them most.
9. Drain and store outdoor taps and hoses
Turn off and drain outside taps if there is an isolating valve, and bring hoses in.
10. Secure the garden
Stake young trees, bring in light furniture, check fence panels and trim overhanging branches.
11. Treat timber and check paths
Wet leaves on paths and steps become slippery. Clear them regularly, and consider anti-slip treatment on decking.
12. Stock the emergency basics
A torch, spare batteries, a power bank, bottled water and a list of useful numbers help if there is a storm or power cut.
A suggested timetable
| Time | Focus |
|---|---|
| Early September | Book boiler service, order draught-proofing and lagging |
| Late September | Bleed radiators, test alarms, check loft |
| Mid to late October | Clear gutters after leaf fall, secure garden |
| November | Re-check gutters and drains after storms |
Common autumn mistakes
- Clearing gutters too early, then having them fill again with leaves two weeks later.
- Ignoring a boiler that has been making noise or losing pressure over summer.
- Draught-proofing every gap, including intentional vents such as air bricks or extractor fans. Rooms with open-flue appliances or condensation problems need ventilation.
- Leaving leaf-filled drain gullies at ground level, which can flood a patio or basement.
When to call a professional
Roof repairs, gas appliances, chimney issues and anything involving ladders higher than a single storey are best left to tradespeople. If you are not sure whether a job is within your ability, our DIY or hire guide offers some criteria.
If you do want help with gutters, roof checks or draught-proofing, you can search by postcode on Compito, compare ID-verified local providers and send a request.
Doing it in one weekend versus spreading it out
You do not need to do everything at once. A realistic split for a busy household:
- Saturday morning (about an hour): test alarms, check the stop tap, walk round with binoculars and note anything on the roof.
- Saturday afternoon (two or three hours): draught-proof the worst offenders, lag pipes in the loft and garage, drain outside taps.
- A dry day in late October: clear gutters and gullies, tidy the garden and secure loose items.
- One phone call: book the boiler service and any specialist jobs such as roof repairs.
If you rent or live in a flat
Tenants can usually test alarms, bleed radiators, clear garden debris and report problems in writing. Gutters, the roof and shared pipework are normally for the landlord or managing agent. Keep a dated list of what you reported, with photos, so there is a record; see tenant vs landlord repairs in England.
For older and period homes
Older properties often rely on air movement to stay dry, so be selective about what you seal. Check lead flashings, cast-iron gutters and chimney pots, which may need specialist attention. Keep air bricks clear and avoid trapping moisture behind impermeable paint on masonry. If the property is listed or in a conservation area, check with the council before altering windows or external features.
A tidy-up record
Keep a short note of what you did and when: boiler service date, loft depth, gutter clear date, any problem spotted. It is useful when you sell, when a landlord asks, or when you want to compare one year with the next.
Frequently asked questions
When should I clear my gutters in autumn?
Usually once most leaves have fallen, often late October to mid November, depending on the trees near your property. Check again after the first big storm.
How much does a boiler service typically cost?
It typically ranges from around £70 to £120, depending on region and the type of boiler, though some providers charge more. Ask what is included before booking.
Is it too late to start autumn jobs in November?
Not at all. The priority is still gutters, heating and alarms. Just be aware that engineers and roofers are busier then, so book as early as you can.