Preparing Your Home for Fall

Changing leaves and drops in temperature can mean the arrival of Fall for many places in the United States. While many homebuyers only think of updating their curb appeal during the shifting seasons, it’s also a great time to perform maintenance and upkeep. Seasonal maintenance assists in maintaining the condition of your home, building equity, and ensuring your house is fully prepared for the chilly months ahead.

Clean or Replace Your Gutters

You may be so used to them working properly that it’s easy to forget they could use some sprucing up sometimes. Clogged or overflowing gutters can lead to a damaged home exterior and flooding interior. While this is bad enough, imagine having to go through it in winter! If your home is in an area that’s known to experience inclement weather, you may benefit from home insurance.

Check Your Roof and Windows for Drafts

Clear any debris from flat roofs as well as check for any missing, damaged, or loose shingles. Checking your windows and exterior corners for drafts may reveal that your home is losing heating energy. According to the United States Department of Energy, 25-30% of heating energy is lost through drafty windows. Upgrading your doors and windows will increase your home’s value and its insulation before winter weather hits.

Inspect Trees on Your Property

If there are large trees on your property, experts encourage getting them inspected before inclement weather. Getting branches cut if they’re dying or damaged reduces the risk of house or property damage.

HVAC Inspections

If you use central air, be sure to clean off and cover your outdoor unit before the cold weather settles in. Before using your furnace, have it inspected for heating efficiency, leaks, and change the filter to ensure it’s working properly.

Drain Outdoor Faucets

Drain and disconnect garden hoses from outside spigots to prevent freezing. This will not only protect your hoses and spigots, but also protect against bursting pipes.

Store Outdoor Furniture

Covering or storing the outdoor furniture you will no longer use will not only save you time and money, but also make your outdoor furniture last longer!

Fix Driveway or Walkway Cracks

Fixing cement or asphalt cracks can save you from more severe problems later. When water enters cracks, it freezes, expands, and often creates larger cracks and crumbling.

Prep Your Lawn

Fertilizing or mulching your lawn helps prevent winter damage as well as Spring weeds. Doing the prep now will also lead to a more green and lush lawn come Spring and Summer.

Change Batteries

Developing a habit to check and change the batteries of all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide devices will ensure these devices are always up to date and keeping your family safe.

Test Winter Equipment

Finally, it’s important to be sure your winter weather equipment is working correctly before cold weather settles in. You’d hate for the first snow to settle across your car before realizing your snow blower is out of commission!

Every home needs a little TLC when the seasons begin to change! If you’re ready for the benefits of homeownership and you’re unsure where to start this season, contact us. One of our experienced Loan Originators will work closely with you to ensure your homeownership success.