Resources

Check the foundation for cracks; caulk around the areas where masonry meets siding, where pipes or wires enter the house, and around the windows and door frames.
Inspect exterior walls for any peeling or blistering paint on the house or outbuildings.
Have a licensed, certified roofing professional check the condition of your roof.
After the last leaf falls, clear out the gutters and downspouts, flush them with water, inspect joints and tighten brackets. Point downspouts away from the foundation.
Examine your pool cover for damage and replace if necessary.
Weather-strip your garage door, making a tight seal between your garage door and the ground.
Inspect your driveway for cracks. Clean out and repair any damage with driveway filler, then coat with a commercial sealer.

Check for proper sealing and insulation on all windows and doors, and apply weather stripping and caulk where it's needed.
Have a licensed heating contractor check your heating system, including ducts and furnaces.
Examine your wood stove or fireplace insert's door gasket for a tight seal. Clean and inspect the glass door for cracks and have a licensed chimney sweep clean the chimney.
Change the direction of your ceiling fan to create an upward draft to redistribute warm air from the ceiling.
Check that the attic is insulated, ventilated, and critter-free.
Test and changethe batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and keep extra household batteries on hand.
Clean your humidifiers regularly during the heating season to avoid bacteria and spore growth.

Rake the lawn, reseed patchy areas, and plant spring flowering bulbs.
Trim any tree limbs that interfere with power lines or might break under the weight of snow and ice.
Fertilize the lawn with a high phosphorous mix to ensure healthy grass in the spring.

Check the supports, stairs and railings on porches and decks. Make sure the handrails can support someone slipping on snow or ice.
Clean outside furnitureand barbecues, check for any needed repairs, then cover and store in a protected area.