Oct 23, 2026 · 3 min read · Northern Virginia
Daylight Saving Ends Nov 1: Home Checklist
Use the extra hour when clocks fall back to give your home a quick, practical safety and maintenance check that can pay off all year long.
What should I do around the time change? Use the day the clocks go back as a reminder to check your smoke alarm batteries, replace burned-out bulbs, and make sure your heat works before the cold sets in.
Daylight saving time ends at 2 a.m. on Sunday, November 1, 2026. We get an extra hour. Here is one good way to use part of it.
The Mike Webb Team (Mike and Claudia Webb, RE/MAX Allegiance) helps homeowners in Arlington, Northern Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, DC get their homes ready to sell and sold.
The 30-minute checklist
Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Press the test button. Change the batteries if the alarm uses them. Many fire departments suggest doing this when the clocks change.
Light bulbs. Replace burned-out bulbs, especially at the front door and on steps. Shorter days mean more time in the dark.
Heating. Turn on the heat to make sure it works. A problem in October is easier to fix than one in January.
Filters. Change the furnace filter.
Gutters and downspouts. Clear leaves so water can flow.
Outdoor hoses. Disconnect them and put them away.
Doors and windows. Check for drafts. Caulk or weatherstrip as needed.
Clocks and timers. Reset any that do not change on their own.
A quick seasonal check of alarms and systems boosts safety and comfort.
Why does this matter if I am selling?
Buyers and inspectors notice these things. A home that works and looks cared for tells a good story. If you are getting ready to list, these small jobs belong on your list. Every seller gets The White Glove Home Sale Method at no additional cost, whatever the price or type of home, and repairs are part of it.
Why does this matter if I am buying?
After you move in, this is a good habit. And when you tour homes, notice what looks cared for and what looks ignored.
FAQ
Do I need a pro for this?
Most of it, no. If something looks wrong, call a licensed professional.
How often should I test alarms?
Check the instructions that came with yours, and the guidance from your local fire department.
Where can I get help getting my home ready to sell?
Call or text us. We walk through your home and make a plan.
Call or text Claudia at 703-350-3884 or visit claudiawebb.com.
The Mike Webb Team, RE/MAX Allegiance. Arlington, Virginia. Equal Housing Opportunity.