Have some extra time at home today thanks to Labor Day? Depending on your schedule, this could be a great opportunity to jump start your home maintenance checklist for the upcoming season.
Prepping for winter during fall can prevent costly problems from arising in winter or spring! So let’s jump right in.
CLEAN
Your chimney and your fireplace: Winter and fall are prime wood burning times, best to make sure it's safe and the chimney is ready for use!
Your gutters: Any clogging can cause overflow or damage.
Your humidifiers regularly: Most need them during the heating season as air gets too dry otherwise.
Your space heaters: If you use them, now is the time to make sure they're in working order as well as prepped and ready to be put to use. No one enjoys that burning smell if there's a coating of dust on them.
CHECK
Smoke alarms/carbon monoxide detectors: Again, season for burning wood/using gas heat, not the time you want to find out something is wrong the hard way.
Air and water filters: Best way to make sure all your appliances in your home are running as efficiently as possible!
Your roof: The sooner you find a leak and deal with it, the less damage it can do, and the cheaper it will be to fix, same goes for any damage to the roof itself
Your furnace: It should have a yearly exam to make sure everything is running smoothly - no time like the present! Also, if it were to fail in fall or winter it would be far more catastrophic than spring or summer.
Your foundation and siding: Any cracks or damage need to be dealt with before the colder weather hits.
Your porch: Any damage should be repaired before winter.
Driveways and sidewalks: Pull any weeds, repair any cracks, etc.
PUT AWAY
Any lawn furniture/padding on lawn furniture: It will last longer if not left out over the winter.
Any garden/outside hoses: Drain, then put away. Any water inside will freeze, expand and destroy the hose if exposed to cold temperatures, which means you'll just have to replace it come spring.
Lawn equipment: Dirt shovels, rakes, etc.
SEAL
Any air leaks: Inefficient heating who? Not your house! Plus if it's exterior, it can prevent moisture from getting where it shouldn't be and damaging things.
Your deck: If it needs it and depending on when it was last done, as winter can be hard on wood.
TURN OFF
Any outside faucets: Water freezing and breaking the line in winter will make a massive mess, plus it will likely be an expensive fix!
LOCATE OR BUY
Flashlights/candles: The ability to see if the power goes out, especially as the days get darker, is a must.
Firewood: Even if you don't use a wood burning stove, a fire in the fireplace can improve any fall/winter night.
Snow shovel or snowblower: Beat the rush, ensure you get one before they sell out and make sure you have gas for it, if you buy the snowblower.
Sidewalk salt: Gotta de-ice those walkways somehow!
If you’re thinking of selling this fall, some of these tips will also help you prepare for the upcoming showings. Don’t try this alone! Trust our team to guide and support you through the process so you can make the most of the current market.
Want to get started right away or have a general inquiry concerning home maintenance or buying/selling? Fill out the form below and we’ll be in touch soon!