As summer wraps up in Vancouver, it’s the perfect time to get ahead of your end of summer homeowner maintenance checklist — before the rain, wind, and cold weather arrive. A few simple checks now can help you avoid costly repairs and stress down the line.
Whether you’re a new homeowner or just ready to stay one step ahead this season, here’s your end-of-summer homeowner checklist, with a special focus on concrete and foundation health — two things that often get overlooked.
1. Inspect your foundation for cracks or shifting
Start with a walk around your home. Look for:
- Hairline or wide cracks in the foundation walls
- Signs of moisture or staining in the basement or crawlspace
- Gaps between steps, porches, or the siding
These can be early signs of foundation settlement, water intrusion, or structural issues. Dry weather makes late summer the ideal time to book a foundation inspection if anything looks off.
2. Check concrete slabs around your property
Uneven patios, sidewalks, or driveways aren’t just a cosmetic issue — they can cause pooling water, trip hazards, and drainage problems when the rain hits. If concrete repair is not on your end of summer homeowner checklist, it should be! Restoring your home’s concrete is a quick way to restore safety, boost curb appeal, and extend the life of your property.
Check for:
- Sinking or sloping slabs
- Cracks that have widened over the summer
- Water collecting in low spots
If you spot any of these, concrete lifting and leveling is a fast, effective fix — and it’s best done while the ground is still dry.
3. Clean out gutters and inspect downspouts
Before fall leaves start piling up, clear out any debris from your gutters and check that your downspouts are directing water away from the foundation. Poor drainage is one of the top causes of foundation damage in Vancouver’s rainy season.
4. Seal exterior cracks and gaps
Use caulking or exterior sealant around windows, doors, vents, and exterior wall penetrations to keep drafts and moisture out. If you’ve had recent foundation repair, double-check that any cosmetic cracks were sealed afterward.
5. Test your sump pump (if you have one)
A sump pump failure in the middle of a storm isn’t something you want to deal with. Pour a bucket of water into the sump pit to make sure the system kicks on and drains properly. If not, have it inspected or replaced before the rainy season.
6. Book your fall home services now
Cross things off your end of summer homeowner checklist and we will take care of the nitty gritty! Contractors get busy in the fall — especially for outdoor or structural work. If you’re planning:
- Foundation repair
- Concrete leveling
- Drainage correction
- Basement waterproofing
…late summer is your chance to beat the fall rush, get ahead of worsening conditions, and lock in dry-weather repairs.
Make concrete and foundation part of your checklist this year
Most homeowners stay on top of roof, furnace, and gutter maintenance — but foundation and concrete issues often go unnoticed until it’s too late.
At True Level Concrete, we offer no-pressure assessments, clear recommendations, and lasting solutions for homes across Metro Vancouver. We’ve seen what happens when small issues are ignored, and we’re here to help you avoid the headache.
Book your end-of-summer foundation or concrete inspection today and head into fall with confidence.
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