September Home Maintenance: What Inspectors Say You Should Check Before Fall

Introduction: Why September is a Critical Month for Atlanta Homeowners

September in Georgia is that “in-between” season. The scorching heat of July and August begins to break, evenings cool off, and homeowners in Atlanta, Marietta, Roswell, Kennesaw, and Sandy Springs finally get a breather. But with fall around the corner and winter not too far behind, September is one of the most important months to prepare your home for the seasonal changes ahead.

As a Marietta home inspector, I can tell you firsthand: the homes that sail through the colder months without issues are the ones that had proactive homeowners in September. Small maintenance steps now prevent major inspection findings later. And when it comes time to sell your home, inspectors like me will absolutely spot whether you kept up with these seasonal tasks—or neglected them.

In this guide, we’ll cover:

• The top September home maintenance checks every Atlanta homeowner should do.

• Why certain fall prep tasks matter specifically in Georgia’s climate and soil conditions.

• Inspector-level insights on what we look for during fall inspections.

• A checklist to help you get your home ready before October hits.

Let’s dig in.

1. Roof and Gutter Checks Before Leaf Season

Why It Matters in Georgia

September is the start of heavy leaf fall in Atlanta’s tree-heavy suburbs. Clogged gutters and roof debris are one of the leading causes of water intrusion that we find during home inspections. Georgia’s frequent fall storms can quickly back up clogged gutters and cause roof leaks or foundation drainage issues.

Inspector’s Tip

• Check gutters and downspouts for blockages. Make sure water is flowing away from the home.

• Look for loose shingles. Summer storms and heat expansion often loosen shingles.

• Inspect flashing. Roof valleys and chimney flashing are early failure points we see all the time.

A clogged gutter system may seem minor, but I’ve written countless inspection reports in Marietta where “clogged gutters and roof debris” led to active leaks inside. Buyers see water stains, and suddenly negotiations get tricky.

2. HVAC System Prep Before You Switch to Heat

Why September is Perfect Timing

You may still be running your AC most days, but in just a few weeks you’ll switch over to heat. This is the sweet spot to service your HVAC system before the first cold night hits Atlanta.

Inspector’s Tip

• Change filters. Dirty filters restrict airflow and strain systems.

• Schedule professional servicing. A licensed HVAC tech can check for refrigerant leaks, electrical issues, and make sure the furnace igniter works.

• Inspect ductwork. Leaks and disconnections in crawlspaces or attics are common inspection notes we make in Georgia homes.

When HVAC systems go unchecked, home inspectors often find dirty coils, gas leaks, or underserviced furnaces—all of which make buyers nervous. A $150 tune-up now prevents an ugly inspection finding later.

3. Exterior Sealing and Paint Touch-Ups

Why This Is Overlooked

Exterior caulking and paint may not be glamorous, but they’re your home’s first defense against moisture intrusion. And September’s mild weather is perfect for sealing cracks and repainting trim before fall rains.

Inspector’s Tip

• Check around windows, doors, and siding joints. Seal cracks where pests or moisture can enter.

• Look for peeling paint. In Georgia’s humidity, wood trim can rot quickly once paint fails.

• Don’t forget foundations. Small cracks should be sealed before water intrusion worsens.

We regularly note “deteriorated sealant” in inspection reports. Buyers read that as “potential water damage,” and suddenly you’re negotiating credits.

4. Drainage and Grading Review

Why September Matters for Drainage

Atlanta gets heavy fall rains, and improper grading around your home is one of the leading causes of basement or crawlspace water intrusion.

Inspector’s Tip

• Walk your yard after a rainstorm. Look for pooling near the foundation.

• Check downspout extensions. They should discharge at least 5–6 feet away from the foundation.

• Address low spots. Fill dips in soil and slope water away from the home.

Improper grading is one of the most common findings in Marietta inspections. Fixing it early prevents foundation concerns and buyer hesitation.

5. Safety Systems: Smoke & CO Detectors

Why This Should Never Be Skipped

As inspectors, we note safety deficiencies immediately. Missing or expired smoke and CO detectors are red flags for buyers and appraisers alike.

Inspector’s Tip

• Replace batteries. September is a great reset point before heating season.

• Check expiration dates. Detectors older than 10 years need replacement.

• Place CO detectors near sleeping areas. Especially if you have gas appliances.

It’s a $20 fix, but I see it missed all the time in Atlanta homes. And buyers always notice.

6. Pest Prevention Steps

Why September Brings Pest Activity

Cooler nights drive insects and rodents indoors. Fall is prime time for pest inspections in Georgia.

Inspector’s Tip

• Seal gaps around utility penetrations. Rodents love crawlspaces.

• Inspect attic vents and screens. These are common entry points.

• Schedule a pest professional. Only a licensed pest control company can perform a WDO (wood-destroying organism) inspection in Georgia—not a home inspector.

Pest activity is one of the most misunderstood areas in inspection reports. A licensed pest pro can provide the certification you’ll need for real estate transactions.

7. Plumbing and Water Heater Checks

Why September Is a Good Time

Plumbing systems are often under more stress in winter. Early fall is a good time to catch small leaks and check your water heater before holiday guests arrive.

Inspector’s Tip

• Look under sinks. Check for slow leaks or water stains.

• Inspect your water heater. Look for corrosion at the base and test the TPR valve.

• Check outdoor spigots. Make sure they’re not dripping before the first freeze.

Leaky plumbing makes buyers nervous during inspections. Fixing small issues now saves inspection headaches later.

8. Chimney and Fireplace Readiness

Why It Matters in Georgia

Even if you don’t use your fireplace often, a blocked or dirty chimney can cause serious safety issues once you switch to heat.

Inspector’s Tip

• Have a chimney sweep inspect and clean. Especially if you burn wood.

• Check for cracks in the chimney crown. These are common water entry points.

• Inspect the damper. Make sure it opens and closes fully.

We often note “soot buildup” or “damper issues” in inspection reports. Buyers will flag this for further evaluation.

9. Yard and Landscaping Prep

Why This Impacts Inspections

Landscaping isn’t just about looks. Overgrown vegetation can damage siding, rooflines, and even foundations in Georgia homes.

Inspector’s Tip

• Trim back trees. Keep branches at least 6–10 feet from the roof.

• Clear shrubs from siding. Vegetation holds moisture against exterior walls.

• Remove leaf buildup. Especially around foundations and decks.

I’ve had inspections where vegetation caused hidden termite activity or foundation moisture. Keeping things trimmed makes a big difference.

10. The September Maintenance Checklist

To make this simple, here’s your September Home Maintenance Checklist for Atlanta homes:

• Clean gutters and inspect roof

• Schedule HVAC service

• Seal windows, doors, and siding gaps

• Check grading and drainage

• Test smoke and CO detectors

• Call pest professional for WDO check

• Inspect water heater and plumbing

• Schedule chimney sweep

• Trim landscaping

• Walk the exterior for cracks or gaps

FAQs About September Home Maintenance in Atlanta

Q: Can I wait until October to do these tasks?

A: You could, but Georgia’s fall storms and early cold snaps often surprise homeowners. September gives you a safer buffer.

Q: Should I hire pros or DIY?

A: A mix. Cleaning gutters and checking detectors is DIY-friendly. But HVAC, chimneys, and pest inspections are worth hiring a licensed pro.

Q: Do inspectors really care about seasonal maintenance?

A: Yes. When we inspect, we note deferred maintenance. Buyers translate that as “hidden problems.” Staying ahead keeps your inspection reports clean.

Q: What’s the #1 thing Marietta inspectors flag in the fall?

A: Clogged gutters leading to water intrusion. It’s almost always on reports in September and October.

Final Thoughts and Local Call-to-Action

September is the perfect time for Atlanta homeowners to get ahead of seasonal problems. Whether you live in Marietta, Roswell, Kennesaw, Smyrna, or Sandy Springs, these proactive steps will protect your investment and keep your inspection reports clean when it’s time to sell.

At Reynolds Home and Property Solutions, we’ve seen the difference fall prep makes. A few hours in September can save you thousands in repairs later.

👉 Ready to schedule a fall home inspection in Atlanta or the suburbs? Contact us today to book your inspection and make sure your home is ready for the cooler months ahead.