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As fall approaches and the leaves turn from green to yellow to brown, most homeowners shift their focus toward preparing their homes for the winter months. This includes minor improvements here and there; fall is the ideal season to get things done. Some homeowners even consider moving as fall offers slightly reduced prices, new inventory, and less competition in the market.
But what’s essential here is that Thanksgiving and Christmas will be celebrated in an improved home with fun and family, all set for the winter months.
In This Post:
Maintain the Heating System
Before the cold weather sets in, it is imperative that the heating is in place. Schedule a maintenance service for your furnace or heat pump to get things in working order. Cold weather will require the heating at its optimum capacity.
Inspect the Gutters
Cleaning the gutters is one of the most critical tasks before winter. As the trees begin to shed, the leaves can settle in the gutters causing blockages. Clogged gutters can cause the water to overflow, which may further result in roof leaks or flooding.
Check the Roof for Damage
The roof protects the physical structure of your home. As such, it should be inspected and maintained regularly. Inspect the roof and look for any loose shingles, signs of damage, or broken seals around the vents. The roof should be repaired immediately if any of these features are found. This is to prevent further damage. Additionally, if the roof is near the end of its service life, fall would be an ideal season to consider replacing it.
Seal Exterior Surfaces
Fall is a great time to give your home a fresh coat of paint. Cooler temperatures provide efficient painting conditions. Paint offers several advantages such as a new look, protection from weather, and improved curb appeal. In addition to the paint, consider sealing your deck or wooden fences. Sealing the wooden surfaces could help protect them from moisture and avoid warping.
Prepare the Garden
As the colder months approach, your garden and its components should be prepared. Start by raking in the fallen leaves and remove any dead plants. Debris from the leaves can harm plants and grass, so it is essential to maintain cleanliness. Fall is an excellent time to fertilize the soil as the nutrients prepare it for the winter.
Declutter the Storage/Garage
We all have that one room/space in our homes with a load of things we are “saving for the future”. Fall is the ideal time to get rid of these things and declutter. You should consider investing in shelving units and storage cabinets so the space remains clutter-free.
What’s the Solution
There is no end to home improvement, but some things are best left for the fall. Fall is a great way to get the smaller improvements done so that you are ready for the upcoming winter season.
Additionally, fall is an ideal time to consider buying or selling homes as new inventory comes in after the rush of the summer season. Your home improvement might just turn into a home upgrade.
