As temperatures drop here in Boston and winter weather begins to approach, it's smart to start prepping your home for the biting winds and snow that will eventually arrive. Spending just a little time preparing now can save you a world of trouble (and lots of money) once the weather does turn foul. 

If you're a homeowner in the Boston area, here are the five big steps you should take to prepare your home before the weather takes a turn. 

1. Have your roof inspected. 

The last thing you want is for your roof to give out once rain and snow start to weigh it down. Examine the roof yourself and look for signs of lost shingles, warped metal or debris. If necessary, contact a roofing company to have them conduct more serious inspections or repairs. 

2. Make sure your heater is working properly. 

Furnaces should be inspected by a professional HVAC technician at least once a year to ensure that everything is running safely and smoothly. You don't want your heater to give out in the dead of winter, so use the mild weather in autumn as an opportunity to give your heating equipment some much-needed attention. 

3. Fix any cracks or leaks in your house's walls. 

You'll spend an excessive amount of money heating your home this winter if there are cracks in your walls through which hot air can escape and cold air can seep inside. Seal your windows and doors tightly, and if you need to, patch up weak spots in your walls and ceilings. 

4. Double-check the status of your basement. 

Basement flooding is all too common during the winter months. Frigid temperatures often cause pipes to burst, causing serious damage if the issue isn't handled immediately. Consider installing a sump pump that will decrease the risk of a bad flood and protect your home in the event of pipe problems. 

5. Cut back overgrown trees and shrubbery. 

That branch stretching out over your bedroom ceiling might not seem dangerous, but when it's loaded down with snow or whipping around in a bad storm, it can wreak serious havoc. Get worrisome tree limbs and overgrown shrubbery under control before bad weather makes it even more difficult to do so. 


What steps are you taking to prepare your home? Share other pieces of advice in the comments.