We all know what’s coming. Victoria’s beautiful September weather eventually gives way to months of rain — and a little preparation now can help prevent some very expensive surprises later.

Here are 7 things worth checking around your home before the wet weather settles in.

1. Clean Your Gutters & Downspouts

Leaves, needles and debris can quickly block gutters. Make sure water flows freely and that downspouts direct it away from your foundation, not toward it.

2. Take a Good Look at Your Roof

You don’t need to climb up there! From the ground, look for missing or damaged shingles, excessive moss, damaged flashing or anything that looks different from last year. A small repair now can be much cheaper than dealing with a leak in January.

3. Check Your Perimeter Drains

This is a big one in Greater Victoria, particularly with older homes. Perimeter drains help move water away from your foundation. If you don’t know when yours were last inspected or cleaned, fall is a good time to find out.

4. Walk Around Your House During a Heavy Rain

This is one of my favourite simple home hacks — grab an umbrella and go outside. Look at where the water is actually going. Is it pooling beside the house? Overflowing a gutter? Running toward the foundation? Sometimes five minutes in the rain tells you more than an hour looking around on a sunny day.

5. Check Windows, Doors & Exterior Caulking

Look for cracked or missing caulking around windows, doors and exterior penetrations. Water has an amazing ability to find the smallest opening. While you're at it, check weatherstripping around doors — stopping drafts can also help with heating costs.

6. Deal With Moss, Leaves & Slippery Surfaces

Our damp climate is perfect for moss and algae. Decks, stairs and walkways can become surprisingly slippery. Clear leaves regularly and deal with problem areas before they become a fall hazard.

7. Check the Areas You Rarely Look At

Crawl spaces, attics, under sinks, around hot-water tanks and behind stored items are easy to forget. Look for moisture, staining, musty smells or anything else that has changed. Finding a problem early is almost always better than discovering it after damage has occurred.

One Last Thought From a Realtor

One thing I’ve learned from walking through hundreds of homes is that maintenance matters.

When it comes time to sell, buyers and home inspectors notice the little things. A well-maintained home gives buyers confidence that the bigger things have probably been looked after too.

And if you're thinking of selling in the next year or two, don't wait until the FOR SALE sign is about to go up to start getting your home ready. Some of the best improvements are simply good maintenance done along the way.

So before Victoria's rain really begins — grab a coffee, walk around your house and give it a 20-minute check-up. Your future self (and possibly your future buyer) may thank you.