Melissa Shymko

Halloween is the one night we invite strangers up the front walk in the dark. Here's how I get a home's exterior ready, from lighting and décor to pets, plus a few easy touches that make your door the highlight of the route.

Most heating problems show up on the first cold night. Here's how I get a home's HVAC ready for winter: an hour of owner checks, what a proper fall tune-up should include, and a plan for second homes that sit empty.

A fireplace isn't ready because it lit last year. It's ready when it's been inspected, the parts work, the fuel is right and the room is set up. Here's how I work through each one before the first fire of the season.