Fall is the best time during the year to take care of the small things and big home repairs before the days get shorter, and colder. With the feeling of the warm breeze becoming chillier, the time has come to prepare your home for the cold winter ahead!
Even the little things make a big difference in your home
1. MAKE EXTERIOR REPAIRS
Take a stroll around your property and look out for indicators of damage roof, porch, windows, and siding and foundation.
2. CHECK RAILINGS, STAIRS AND THE WALK/DRIVEWAY FOR SAFETY
If the landscape around your property is hidden beneath ice or snow, walking to and from the driveway and back can be cumbersome.
Maneuver around your home with ease by checking if your stairs are in good shape with strong railings, and that the driveway does not need any repairing.
3. TEND TO TREES AND SHRUBS
If your property has an abundance amount of trees, they need to be cared for. Trimming your trees and shrubs not only improves the appearance of your landscaping, but may act as prevention or correction to a safety hazard.
If DIY is not your thing, consider hiring an arborist. The professionals can detect signs of poor health in the early stages of tree loss, and know how to and when to prune to avoid the falling leaves during winter.
4. CLEAN THE GUTTERS, DOWNSPOUTS AND PERFORM REPAIRS
Here is the time to get your mind IN the gutters! Fallen leaves may be beautiful to look at, but eventually they will fall and clog the gutters. It is time to clean, and de-clog your gutters and downspouts. Clogged gutters can cause water to accumulate into a pool and damage your roof and siding. Perform any repairs necessary.
5. ORGANIZE THE GARAGE
As of now,tools, lawn tools, toys, bicycles, beach umbrellas, and camping equipment is taking up a good amount of space where your car could be parked. Often, most people neglect getting their car inside the garage during winter because they find it overflowing with a disorganized mess.
There are so many great organizing systems available – shelving, and hooks that allow you to hang bikes in the ceiling – overhead garage storage units are wonderful for creating that extra space you need.
6. INSPECT YOUR ROOF
Go outside and check your roof for signs of slight damage to your roof such as; broken, cracked, or missing shingles and bare spots where the granular coating has been worn off. Don’t forget to take care of these small necessary repairs now to prevent future damage.
7. PLANT A TREE
Since trees are dormant in the fall and spring, it’s softer on the root system. When choosing a place to plant, consider where so it can contribute with saving energy. If placed right, it can act as a windbreaker during the winter and supply shade during the hot summer.
8. BUTTON UP YOUR COAT
Check for air leaks near your window and doors. A home with leaks is similar to an unbuttoned coat. If caulk is missing or damaged around your windows, doors and electrical openings (cable, phone, gas etc.), be sure to seal any gaps with proper caulk.
9. BECOME ENERGY EFFICIENT
Throw on your favorite cozy sweater while in the comfort of your own home to keep heating cost low.
10. GENERAL CLEANUP
This ties back to garage clean up, now is the perfect time to get rid of your the excess stuff around home that has been accumulated. Items such as accumulated newspaper, and leftover household cleaning supplies should be thrown out to prevent any risk of future fires. Clear up space and free of cleaning supplies around heaters, furnaces, and other heat producing appliances.
