Here's another great tip from BobVila.com. While you were having fun in the sun this summer, it was no vacation for your house. Sun, wind and rain can cause as much wear and tear as snow and ice. A fall checklist will tip you off to some problems before they become nasty mid-winter surprises. Check your house from top to bottom. Start by inspecting the roof with binoculars: Are your shingles worn or failing? Check the attic for signs of leaks around the skylights or vents, chimneys, and have your chimney cleaned once a year. Clear out your gutters and check for leaks there, too. Drain your outside hose spigots if you live where pipes can freeze. Switch your screens for storm windows, and seal any drafty windows and doors. The same goes for paint and siding: make sure you caulk or repair those gaps around windows, doors, trim and vents, and replace any siding that is failing. In the basement, check for dampness on the floor and walls, test your sump pump, flush your water heater and check for any signs of leakage. Clean your dryer vent regularly. Make sure that paints or any flammable materials are stored away from heat sources in a closed metal cabinet. And make that appointment to have your heating system serviced yearly. Do the top-to-bottom check this fall, and you ll avoid expensive surprises this winter! Find out more at BobVila.com: The ultimate home improvement web site! BobVila.com 2008

Before starting an exterior paint job, make sure to sand the surface and remove peeling paint. Next wash the surface to remove dirt, power washing if necessary. Patch small cracks and seams with caulk, and check for proper ventilation. Finally, add primer to any bare wood.

For a great finish on your painting projects, start by preparing the surface the right way. First, counter-sink any finish nails. Then fill all holes and imperfections with a fast drying wood fill. Caulk and smooth all cracks and seams. Sand the surface smooth with fine sandpaper, and seal any knots with a clear shellac to prevent resins from bleeding through your finish paint.