Fall Home Improvement Projects to Tackle Before Winter
Posted by : Admin
There are a few important projects that should be on your homeowner’s to-do list for fall. These are chores that will help your property smoothly transition from summer to winter, and probably save you money down the road. We’ve separated them into three categories; repair, replace, and refresh.
Repair
Some items may have fallen into disrepair over the summer. If you’ve neglected them because you were too busy enjoying the warm weather and sunshine, it’s time to tend to them before cold weather hits.
Repair your wood. Closely examine your house’s trim, your porch railings, decks, shutters, and any other wood that may have been damaged by insects or storms during the hot summer months. Patch and re-paint as needed to keep everything looking good and from getting in worse shape.
Mend your fence. Strong summer winds and digging animals could have wreaked havoc on your fence, which could be a way for pets or small children to end up in the street. Walk around your fence and check for any unstable places, look for holes underneath, and places where it’s coming apart. Either DIY it or have a handyman fix any problems.
Patch your driveway. Pesky weeds can grow anywhere. Left unaddressed, their roots can push through your driveway and cause unsightly cracks. Spray all the weeds that have set up residence and patch the cracks immediately. Add a sealant for extra protection.
Replace
Broken or missing items can be costly and unsafe. Spend an afternoon fixing these things around your home.
Replace missing shingles. Your roof is one of your biggest investments, which is why you need to take good care of it. If you’re uncomfortable climbing onto it, hire a roofer to inspect it and have them patch any holes and replace missing shingles. This will help it last longer and save you money in the long run.
Caulk windows and doors. Every dollar you save on energy costs is more for you to spend on other, more enjoyable, purchases. Since doors and windows are the biggest places that heating and air escape, spend an hour or so replacing the surrounding caulk.
Outdoor lighting. With shorter days moving in, proper lighting will be more important than it was during the summer months. Change the bulbs in your porch lights and consider adding solar lights to illuminate your driveway and walkways. This adds visual appeal to your home and prevents dangerous tripping hazards for you and your guests.
Stockpile heating unit filters. You’re supposed to change these every month anyway, but it’s easy to forget. Go to your local hardware store and purchase several filters to have on hand. Set an alert on your smartphone to change them as needed. This effort will help your heating unit last longer and save money on your electric bill.
Refresh
These chores give your home a more well-kept appearance, and may even save you big bucks by avoiding more costly repairs and replacements.
Clean out your gutters. Leaves, dirt, birds’ nests, and small tree limbs may be clogging your gutters, which can end up causing water damage to your house. While it’s not the most fun pastime, cleaning your gutters is easy, doesn’t take much time, and helps avoid costly future repairs. If you aren’t handy or don’t feel safe on a ladder, hire someone to do it for you.
Service your fireplace. Make sure your fireplace and chimney are safe and primed for service once it gets cold. Consider bringing in a professional for a full evaluation and maintenance to be confident it will work properly when you need it.
Scrub your windows. Natural sunlight makes every room more appealing, and summer grit can block it out. Either clean your outside windows with old-fashioned elbow grease, or buy spray cleaner that fits on your water hose. Don’t forget to go inside and clean the other side of them for a bright, streak-free view.
Care for your summer equipment. Mowers, leaf blowers, and gardening tools need to be cleaned, maintained, and properly stored out of the elements, so they’ll be in good working order next year. While you’re at it, drain and store your garden hoses, and cover and store your grill.
Pressure Wash Your House. Erase summer’s toll on the outside of your home by blasting it away with a good dose of pressure washing. This will take the dirt, cobwebs, and mold off and instantly increase your home’s curb appeal. Tackle your porches and decks while you’re at it.
Fall is a gorgeous time of year, and it’s a great time to be outside working in your yard and around your home. Tackle these tasks now, and you will be glad you’ve checked them off your to-do list once the weather grows colder.
