Home Projects to Take on This Fall

Home Projects to Take on This Fall

Fall is a great time to tackle home improvement projects that may have been put off during the hot temperatures and busy schedules of summertime. Autumn is also a season of transition, making it a good time to prepare your house for the colder temperatures ahead. Here’s a list of house maintenance and improvements to consider.
 

Exterior

For the exterior of your home, use the top-down approach. Look up and continue to fix your attention from the roof down to the lawn, taking note of problem areas.
 

Take a Good Look At Your Roof.

Your roof is the top line of defense for your home. Inspect for any missing or loose shingles. When in doubt, call a pro. A licensed, certified roofing inspector may be well worth the cost.
 

Clean Out Your Gutters.

Clogged gutters can lead to leaking roofs, structural damage, and even insect infestations. Remove any debris and run water through the downspout extension to make sure it can flow freely out the bottom. Downspouts should be directed two to four feet away from your home’s foundation. Consider installing a gutter guard.
 

Power Wash.

You may be surprised at the difference a good power wash can make in brightening your home’s exterior.
 

Refresh Your Deck.

Check for splintering or loose boards, railings, nails, and screws. Replace or fix as needed.
 
Test your deck’s ability to repel water by sprinkling water in several different areas. If the water soaks into the boards, you’ll need to reseal. If the water beads up, you may be able to wait until next year for this task.
 

Paint.

Cool, dry autumn days are perfect for exterior painting. Freshen up trim and shutters, and consider repainting your front door a new color.
 

Clean up your outdoor HVAC unit.

Remove any debris from the surrounding area to ensure good airflow and to prevent dirt or vegetation from getting on the coils or inside the unit.
 

Store Outdoor Furniture.

When the weather is consistently colder, it’s probably time to store your outdoor furniture, protecting it from the winter elements and prolonging its life. Clean your furniture, cushions, umbrellas, rugs, etc. before putting them away. You’ll thank yourself next year!
 

Repair and Seal Your Driveway and Sidewalks.

  • Pull weeds that may have emerged between gaps.
  • Repair cracks with concrete caulk or sealer.
  • To prevent freezing water between expansion joints, seal these joints with polyurethane caulk.
  • Pressure wash and seal your driveway.
 

Tackle Yard Work.

  • Prune trees, removing limbs close to power lines and those that are too close to home for comfort.
  • Clear limbs, vines, and bushes away from walkways.
  • Your final mow of the year should bring your grass down to about two inches. 
  • Aerating your lawn is a good way for micronutrients to feed your lawn before cold weather sets in.
  • Add a layer of fall fertilizer a few weeks before the first predicted frost.
  • Deeply water plants before they go dormant and before temperatures go below 40 degrees.
  • Add a good layer of mulch to the base of your bushes, shrubs, and ornamental trees to keep roots shielded from snow and ice.
 

Interior

 

Draft-proof Your Home.

It’s estimated that up to 30 percent of heating and cooling costs are caused by drafts. If you feel a breeze when you run your hand around the frame of your doors and windows, it’s time to caulk, weatherstrip, or replace.
 

Check Out Your Chimney.

Inspect your chimney by making sure your damper opens and closes properly and use a flashlight to look for obstructions in the flue. Consider hiring a professional who troubleshoots problems and can also sweep your chimney.
 

Get Your Furnace Inspected.

Most furnace warranties won’t cover problems without proof of routine maintenance. Annual inspections will make sure everything is working and safe. And remember to change your furnace filter every four to six months.
 

Check Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors.

Keep your family safe by replacing batteries and replacing old detectors with new ones after 10 years.
 

Swap Out Swimsuits for Sweaters.

It’s time to store your summer clothes. Better yet, make this a decluttering exercise by getting rid of those items you haven’t worn in the past year.
 

Bring Out the Pumpkins.

Embrace the beauty of fall by displaying your best seasonal decor. Change out fabrics with warm, autumn-themed hues in deep reds and yellows, muted orange, warm purple. Decorate your table with real or realistic berries, dried flowers, acorns, pine cones, and other rustic fall foliage. Don’t forget the importance of scents: cinnamon, apple, vanilla, and woodsy smells will complete your autumn makeover.

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