HomeBase Living | Simple Projects Before Fall Arrives

One of the best parts of living in Montana is experiencing four distinct seasons. It also means our homes work hard through changing temperatures, summer sun, and the occasional surprise early snowfall.

That’s why HomeBase exists. We want to continue supporting you long after closing day by sharing practical homeowner tips that help you protect your investment and enjoy your home with confidence.

These reminders aren’t meant to become another long to-do list. Think of them as a handful of simple projects that can save time, prevent bigger repairs, and make the transition into fall much smoother.

Here are a few maintenance items worth tackling before summer slips away.

Your Late-Summer Home Checkup

Set aside an hour or two this month to walk around your property and catch small maintenance issues before they become larger repairs later in the year.

1

Clean Window Tracks & Screens

Summer dust, pollen, wildfire smoke, insects, and cottonwood fluff all tend to collect in window tracks and screens. Cleaning them helps windows operate smoothly, improves airflow, and keeps trapped moisture from damaging seals or frames.

• Carefully remove the window screens.
• Brush or vacuum loose dirt from the tracks.
• Wipe the tracks with warm water and mild soap using a small brush or cloth.
• Rinse the screens with a garden hose.
• Allow everything to dry before reinstalling the screens.
• Check that each window opens and closes smoothly.

A little attention now helps your windows seal properly once colder weather arrives.

Time: 30–60 minutes  |  Difficulty: Easy

2

Inspect Driveway & Concrete Cracks

Small cracks rarely stay small in Montana. Water works its way into concrete, freezes during winter, expands, and slowly creates larger cracks that are much more expensive to repair.

• Walk your driveway, sidewalks, and patio.
• Sweep away dirt and debris.
• Look for new cracks, loose edges, or uneven sections.
• Measure cracks so you can monitor them over time.
• Seal minor cracks with a quality concrete crack filler, following the manufacturer’s instructions.

Taking care of small repairs today can help extend the life of your concrete for years.

Time: 20–45 minutes  |  Difficulty: Easy

3

Test Exterior Faucets Before Freezing Weather

Outdoor faucets often go unnoticed until the first freeze. Catching leaks, worn washers, or damaged hose bibs now can help prevent frozen pipes and costly plumbing repairs later.

• Remove hoses attached to outdoor faucets.
• Turn each faucet on fully and check for steady water flow.
• Watch for drips around the handle or connections.
• Make note of leaks or reduced water pressure.
• Plan to winterize exterior faucets before sustained freezing temperatures arrive.

This quick check gives you plenty of time to schedule repairs before cold weather sets in.

Time: 15–20 minutes  |  Difficulty: Easy

4

Organize the Garage Before Winter

An organized garage makes winter much less stressful. Snow shovels, ice melt, generators, extension cords, and winter gear are much easier to find when the first storm arrives.

• Remove items you no longer need.
• Sweep the garage floor.
• Store summer equipment toward the back.
• Move winter tools and supplies where they’re easy to reach.
• Check that shelves and storage racks remain secure.
• Label storage bins for easier access throughout the season.

Even a small amount of organization can save frustration on the first snowy morning.

Time: 1–2 hours  |  Difficulty: Easy

5

Prepare Landscaping for Early Fall

Late summer is an ideal time to give your landscaping a little attention before cooler weather arrives. Healthy trees, shrubs, and flower beds are better prepared for winter and often come back stronger in spring.

• Remove weeds and spent annual plants.
• Trim damaged branches and dead growth.
• Add fresh mulch around trees and shrubs.
• Continue watering deeply during dry periods.
• Watch for damaged or unhealthy limbs that may become hazardous under heavy snow.

Healthy landscaping is not only beautiful; it can also protect your home by reducing the risk of falling branches and improving drainage around your foundation.

Time: 1–2 hours  |  Difficulty: Moderate

Licensed Professional Spotlight: Certified Arborist

Late summer is one of the best times to evaluate tree health before heavy snow and winter winds arrive. A certified arborist can identify weakened limbs, disease, or trees that could become hazards during Montana’s winter storms while helping preserve the health and beauty of your landscape.

Scan the QR code to browse the HomeBase Vendor Directory.

HomeBase Tool Highlight: Utility Trailer

Need to haul away branches, old shelving, yard waste, or garage clutter?

HomeBase members can reserve our utility trailer to make seasonal cleanup projects much easier. Whether you’re heading to the transfer station or moving landscaping materials, it’s one more way HomeBase helps make homeownership a little simpler.

Reserve it through the HomeBase Portal →

Upcoming Events

Helena’s 6th Annual Septemberfest

Soap box derby races, a car show, 1K donut run, live music, and a balloon-art display.

September 11–13, 2026
Friday, 4–8 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m. and 1–4:30 p.m.; Sunday, 5 p.m.

Downtown Helena & Last Chance Gulch

Last Chance Community Pow Wow

The 27th annual celebration honoring Native American culture in Montana.

September 25–27, 2026
Friday, 6 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, noon

Exhibit Hall at the Lewis & Clark County Fairgrounds

Edgewater Farms Pumpkin Patch

Edgewater Farms in Townsend is hosting its annual pumpkin patch and corn maze.

September 20–October 26, 2026
Fridays, 4–9 p.m.; Saturdays, 11 a.m.–9 p.m.

Edgewater Farms — Townsend, Montana