Getting Your Home Ready for Fall
Cooler temperatures and falling leaves serve as a reminder that the fall season is fast approaching. As the seasons change, so do our activities and home needs. Even though summer is not quite over yet, it’s a good time to do some seasonal maintenance to keep your home running smoothly. The weather can change quickly and you don’t want to be caught unprepared. A bit of attention now will save costly repairs and aggravation later.
Below is a list of ideas AND a few vendor suggestions that can help!
Interior Maintenance
1. Check for drafts. Feel for drafts around the edges of windows and doors. A good tip is to use a lighted candle and if the flame flickers, there’s most likely a draft. If necessary, replace seals and repair caulking around window and door frames. Consider buying heavier or insulated drapery for especially drafty windows.
2. Have your furnace inspected. Hire an HVAC professional to test for leaks, check heating efficiency, and change the filter. They can also do a carbon monoxide check to ensure air safety. It’s also a good idea to stock up on extra air filters and change them every few months.
HVAC CONTRACTOR - “PERRY AIR” - Perry McGuigan (916) 798-1419
3. Programmable thermostat. Buy a programmable thermostat, if you don’t have one. If you already have one, check the temperature settings. Setting your thermostat to lower the temperature automatically at night and when you’re not home, can result in substantial cost savings.
4. Test home safety devices. Replace the batteries in all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide devices and test to make sure they’re working properly.
Exterior Maintenance
1. Do a roof check. You should be able to do at least a visual inspection of the roof from the ground. Grab some binoculars to get a closer look or if you’re able and can do so safely, climb on up for a better view. Look for missing, damaged, or loose shingles. If your roof is flat, you may need to remove leaves and debris.
Roofer - “Loveland Roofing” - Mike Loveland (916) 761-7455
2. Check the chimney and fireplace. If you have a wood fireplace and use it often, have your chimney cleaned and inspected by a professional.
Chimney Cleaning “ChimChimney” - Gerald Swanson (530) 366-1480
3. Inspect siding. Check home exterior for cracks or holes. Repair them yourself or hire a professional.
4. Clean the gutters. Hire a service to clear your gutters or do it yourself. Remove leaves, nests, and debris from gutters and check for leaks.
Handyman Services - Scott Vogel - (916) 997-1492
5. Check water drainage. Rainwater downspouts need to be clear of obstructions and direct water away from foundations, walkways, and driveways. Add extensions to downspouts if necessary.
6. Reinforce windows and doors. Check caulk and seals around all doors and windows.
7. Turn off faucets and store hoses. Drain garden hoses and disconnect from the outside spigots. Shut off exterior faucets, and if you have an older home, you may need to turn off the valve inside your home. Store hoses in a dry place so any residual water won’t freeze.
8. Service sprinklers and irrigation system. Have a professional perform any necessary repairs and mark sprinkler heads near snow removal areas.
9. Inspect trees. Check for damaged limbs that may break or that are too close to power lines or the roof.
10. Trim landscaping. Cut back bushes, shrubs, and flowers as recommended.
Rod’s Tree Service - (916) 485-0925
11. Bring in flower pots. If you keep plants or flowers in pots year-round, bring them inside. If you replace plants every year, empty, clean, dry pots and put them away for next spring.
12. Plant bulbs. If you plant bulbs for spring, now’s the time to get them in the ground.
13. Leaf removal. Rake and remove leaves from the yard. Put them into a compost pile if you have one. Alternatively, put into yard garbage bags and leave at the curb for community pick up. Check with your local city or town for requirements and pick up schedules.
14. Fertilize lawn. Applying fall lawn fertilizer will help prevent winter damage and spring weeds. Ask a local garden center or check online to find out which type of fertilizer you need and when to apply it. If you have a lawn service, they should do this for you.
15. Put away seasonal furniture. Clean and store seasonal outdoor furniture. Remove and clean cushions. Wash and dry furniture and store in a dry place over winter.
16. Organize the shed. As your shed is filling up with summer items in storage it’s a good time to organize and clean out the shed. Move summer items to the back and winter stuff up front for better access. Also, remove any liquids that will freeze.
In the Garage
1. Service summer power equipment. Empty fuel and clean lawnmower and trimmer. Have lawn mower blades sharpened and oil changed. Have any necessary repairs done now, so that you’re ready come spring.
2. If you have an emergency generator for power outages, give it a test, and make sure it’s in good working order.
3. Buy extra gasoline. Purchase extra gas to have on hand for use in your generator, so you’re prepared for emergencies. Make sure you store gasoline in tanks away from fire sources and out of children’s reaches.
4. Clean the garage. Since you’re in the garage prepping for fall, you might as well purge, organize and clean it while you’re there!
Properly maintaining your home also enhances its value and appeal. If there’s anything we can do to provide additional vendor referrals, don’t hesitate to reach out. By doing preventative maintenance now, when the chilly weather approaches you and your home will be ready.
All the best, Kellogg Family Real Estate Team