The Big Philly Homeowner Checklist: What to Handle Before January Hits

December hits different for Philly homeowners. Between holiday chaos, unpredictable weather mood swings, and the annual “wait… when are taxes due again?” moment, it’s easy to let home maintenance slide to the bottom of the list.

A little prep now saves you from a frozen pipe, a surprise bill, or a 7 a.m. scramble for the one shovel you thought you had. Here’s a simple, no-nonsense checklist to get your home ready before January shows up at your door with snow boots on.

1. Get the HVAC Ready for Winter Mode

Cold snaps in Philly come fast.

Make sure your heat doesn’t bail on you at the worst time: 

• Swap your filters
• Schedule a tune-up
• Test your thermostat

Your system will run smoother (and cheaper) all winter.

2. Seal Up Drafts So You’re Not Heating the Entire Neighborhood

Philly rowhomes are charming and drafty.

Check:

• Weatherstripping around doors
• Window gaps
• Basement air leaks

A $10 roll of weatherstripping goes a long way.

3. Clear Gutters Before They Become Ice Blocks

Once temps drop, any clogged gutter turns into a frozen waterfall.

Clean them now to avoid:

• Roof leaks
• Foundation issues
• Icy walkways

Bonus: your downspouts will actually do their job.

4. Test Smoke & CO Detectors

Winter is peak season for space heaters, candles, and fireplaces, so this one’s non-negotiable.

Swap batteries now and hit the test button. Easy win.

5. Stock Up for the First Storm Before Everyone Cleans Out Lowe’s

Every Philly homeowner knows the drill.

Grab:

• Salt
• A decent shovel
• Ice melt
• Flashlights
• Car scraper

Don’t be the “I’ll grab it later” person. Later = sold out.

6. Basement Check: Sump Pump, Moisture, and Weird Smells

If your basement has ever gotten “Philly damp,” you already know.

Do a quick audit:

• Test your sump pump
• Look for moisture along walls
• Check dehumidifier filters
• Make sure stored items are off the floor

A 5-minute check now is way cheaper than a flooded basement in February.

7. Protect Your Pipes Before They Freeze

Frozen pipes = expensive emergency calls.

Handle now:

• Insulate exposed pipes
• Open cabinet doors during deep freezes
• Disconnect & drain outdoor hoses
• Shut off exterior valves

Your plumbing will thank you.

8. Review Insurance & Big-Picture Home Costs

Year end is the perfect time to glance at:

• Homeowner’s or renter’s insurance
• Deductibles
• Flood coverage (hello, Philly storms)
• Renewal dates
• Upcoming tax payments

No deep budgeting needed, just awareness so nothing surprises you.

9. Clean Your Dryer Vent (This One’s Sneaky Important)

It’s one of the most ignored home tasks and one of the biggest fire risks.

Do a quick clean or schedule someone to do it.

10. Quick Roof + Exterior Check After Fall Rain

Look for:

• Missing shingles
• Loose flashing
• Gutter separation
• Branches resting on the roof

Addressing tiny issues now prevents big ones when the snow arrives.

11. Winterize Outdoor Everything

Before the freeze hits:

• Cover outdoor furniture
• Put away hoses
• Check railings and steps
• Turn off sprinkler or irrigation systems

A tidy exterior = an easier spring.

12. Make a Simple Home Plan for 2026

Not a “resolution.” Just a list:

• Projects you know you want to tackle
• Budget-friendly fixes
• Appliances near end-of-life
• Rooms that need fresh paint
• Any lingering tasks you ignored this year 👀

It turns the new year from overwhelming to doable.

Philly winters aren’t always predictable, but your home prep can be. This checklist doesn’t require DIY skills or a free weekend, just a few intentional steps that keep your house (and your sanity) in check before January hits.

If you ever want help figuring out local vendors, upcoming maintenance, or what to expect in your specific neighborhood, the KG team’s always here to help.

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