Simple tasks can prevent big headaches, such as trimming trees to prevent dead limbs from crashing down on the car or the roof of your home during a wind storm. Tree experts say that having trees checked in the fall is a lot easier than waiting until inclement weather prevents them from reaching problem branches. Heavy equipment can't be maneuvered over saturated soil. That means you pay more for workers to climb up the tree and do the job manually with their chain saws. Make sure the tree company is licensed and bonded.
Homeowners forget that the roof requires maintenance, too.
Just a small gap in the roof can cause serious water damage. Check around flashing to make sure the seals are water tight. Also remember that temperature extremes during nighttime and daytime cause composition shingles to expand and contract and start leaking. Inspect the roof every couple of years for possible repairs. Get it done now because snow, rain and moisture will prevent your contractor from making permanent repairs later.