The kids are back in school, and you know what that means, Fall is right around the corner. It’s a great time to tackle those Fall home maintenance tasks before winter hits. The first leaves of the season are already starting to change and soon raking leaves will become one of your weekend “to-dos”. So, before the summer heat leaves us here is a handy checklist to get you prepped for Autumn.
As the weather begins to shift, it’s important to make sure your home is in good shape. A simple walkthrough inside and outside of the house can highlight any items that may need repair or opportunities for home improvements.
Outside your home you will want to check your roof, gutters and foundation for any issues. This could include making sure your gutters are clear of any debris or blockages that could lead to ice dams and that your roof doesn’t have any loose or missing shingles as snow could get in and cause water damage. While you’re up there, make sure the metal flashing around any vents and/or chimneys aren’t damaged. If you think there may be a potential leak, an inspector can help identify any issues.
You will also want to check your exterior walls and foundation for any cracks or gaps as these could be places for small animals to burrow into your home. Gaps or cracks can also be areas for water and air to get into your home so be sure to fix any bad spots before winter beings.
Inside, you will want to test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Making sure these devices work and have new batteries can help you keep your family and your home safe. Have a professional come out to make sure your gas fireplace is ready or that your flue is cleaned out and ready for cozy winter evenings.
When was the last time you changed your furnace filter? If you don’t remember, now is a great time to put in a new one. You should also consider having a professional come in to inspect your heating system to make sure it runs at its peak performance all season long.
If there were any major projects that happened to crop up as you were working though the checklist, Stafford Family Realtors can help you with the repair process by connecting you with our trusted vendors and service providers. Or, if you find that you might like to tackle larger projects, we can assist with that too! Give us a call to see how we can help with deciding what upgrades or updates make sense for your situation. Now that you have that taken care of, you can rest easy as we head into the cooler months.
