Thinking about winter so soon probably brings a chill to most homeowners, but don't waste the fall lamenting the end of the warm season. Homeowners have a lot on their plate to get the house and grounds ready (and if you need any further motivation, try to remember last year's brutal winter and all the work you promised to do).

For help preparing for winter's worst, Kevin O'Connor, host of the popular PBS series "This Old House," tells us what to do in his own words.

— Compiled by Andrew Caffrey, Globe Staff