When should I do fall winter prep in Metro Detroit?

Aim for the first two weeks of November. That's after most leaves fall but before the first hard freeze, which usually arrives in Metro Detroit between Nov 15 and Nov 30.

Can a handyman do all of this?

Most of it. Furnace tune-ups need an HVAC pro, and insulation is often a specialty install. Everything else — gutters, weatherstripping, caulking, faucet shutoffs, handrails — is standard handyman work.

What does a full fall prep visit typically cost?

Bundled, a half-day fall prep visit in Metro Detroit runs $400–$650 depending on gutter length, faucet count, and how much caulking is needed.

Guide

Michigan Winter Home Prep: The Complete Handyman Checklist

February 5, 2026 6 min read

Michigan winters punish neglected houses. The good news is that most winter damage — burst pipes, ice dams, drafts, and dead furnaces on the coldest night of the year — comes from a short list of preventable problems. Here's the fall handyman checklist that keeps a Metro Detroit home warm and dry through February.

Shut off and drain exterior faucets

This is the #1 preventable Michigan winter callout. Every fall, disconnect garden hoses, shut off the interior valve that feeds the exterior faucet, and open the exterior spigot to drain. Frost-free faucets still need the hose disconnected — a hose left attached traps water in the faucet stem and cracks the pipe inside the wall.

Clean gutters — after the leaves finish falling

Late November, not October. Clogged gutters back up under shingles, freeze, and cause ice dams that push water inside. Typical cost to hire out on a single-story ranch: $150–$275.

Reverse ceiling fans and check bath fan vents

Every ceiling fan has a direction switch — reverse to clockwise in winter to push warm air down. While you're up there, confirm bathroom fan ducts actually vent outside, not into the attic (a shockingly common Michigan builder shortcut that causes ice dams).

Weatherstrip and caulk

Replace worn weatherstripping on exterior doors and re-caulk any exterior gaps you can see from ground level. A $30 tube of caulk and 45 minutes prevents a lot of heat loss.

Furnace filter, thermostat, and pro tune-up

Replace the furnace filter (do this monthly all winter — 1" filters clog fast). Program the thermostat for realistic setbacks. Book an HVAC pro for the annual tune-up before Thanksgiving — after the first cold snap, they're booked three weeks out.

Attic insulation and vent baffles

Michigan code recommends R-49 (about 14–16" of blown-in) in attics. Older Metro Detroit homes often have R-19 or less. If you can see the tops of the ceiling joists, you need more insulation before winter.

Sump pump test and battery backup

January thaws flood basements. Test the sump pump by pouring a bucket of water into the pit — it should cycle on. If you don't have a battery backup and you have a finished basement, add one. It's the cheapest flood insurance you'll ever buy.

Salt, shovels, and the walkway

Repair any loose flagstones, uneven pavers, or wobbly handrails before the first snow — they become invisible slip hazards under an inch of powder.

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Frequently asked questions

When should I do fall winter prep in Metro Detroit?: Aim for the first two weeks of November. That's after most leaves fall but before the first hard freeze, which usually arrives in Metro Detroit between Nov 15 and Nov 30.
Can a handyman do all of this?: Most of it. Furnace tune-ups need an HVAC pro, and insulation is often a specialty install. Everything else — gutters, weatherstripping, caulking, faucet shutoffs, handrails — is standard handyman work.
What does a full fall prep visit typically cost?: Bundled, a half-day fall prep visit in Metro Detroit runs $400–$650 depending on gutter length, faucet count, and how much caulking is needed.