14 Ways to Get Your Home Ready for Fall
Fall is a stunning time of year, with its crisp air, changing leaves, and cozy vibes. But before you can fully enjoy the season, there are a few important home maintenance responsibilities you should take care of. It is also a great time to check-up on your insurance. Please call Bradford Turner Insurance Group in Cumming, Ga if you need any help with your home or auto insurance.
Here is a checklist of 14 essential fall home tasks:
- Roof
- Inspect your roof thoroughly for any damaged or missing shingles, rusted flashing, or moss and lichen.
- If you find any issues, contact a professional roofer to make repairs.
- Gutters and Downspouts
- Clean your gutters and downspouts to eliminate any leaves and debris.
- Look for any clogs and clear them if necessary.
- Consider installing gutter guards to lower the likelihood of future clogs.
- Siding
- Check your siding for any cracks or gaps.
- Repair small holes with caulk and patch any larger holes with new siding material.
- Touch up your exterior paint if needed.
- Landscaping and Gardening
- Trim your tree branches, especially those that are damaged, that are too close to your roof or power lines, or that hang over your driveway.
- Rake up your leaves frequently.
- Apply fertilizer to your lawn to help prevent winter damage so that it revives faster next spring.
- Harvest your fall vegetables and plant your spring bulbs.
- Bring your potted plants and flowers inside.
- Drain and store any garden hoses.
- Winterize your outdoor faucets and irrigation systems.
- Lighting
- Install outdoor lighting if you don’t already have it.
- Ensure your existing outdoor lighting is in good working order.
- Yard Equipment
- Service your lawn mower and emergency generator.
- Garage and Shed
- Organize and put away your yard tools and equipment.
- Clear room for your car in your garage.
- Throw away any liquids that might freeze, as well as unneeded flammable or hazardous materials.
- Summer Vehicles
- Service and safely store your summer cars, ATVs, boats, golf carts, and RVs.
- Change the oil, top off the gas tank (and add a fuel stabilizer), and cover the gaps through which rodents might be able to gain entry.
- Windows and Doors
- Seal all gaps and cracks around your windows and doors with caulk, weather stripping, or window insulators.
- Seal any entry points for cable lines or phone lines.
- Change out your screens for storm windows and doors if you have them.
- Safety Checks
- Test all of your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, test your fire extinguishers, and review your emergency escape plans.
- Furnace
- Hire a professional to service your furnace if needed.
- Fireplace
- Hire a professional to clean your fireplace and chimney.
- Thermostat
- Upgrade to a programmable thermostat.
- Pantry
- Clean out your pantry and throw away any expired items.
- Donate unopened, unexpired food that you probably won’t get to in the next few months to your local food pantry.
By taking care of these necessary fall home prep tasks, you can ensure that your home is ready for the colder weather ahead. You’ll also be able to enjoy the season a little bit more knowing that you’re prepared for anything.
Here are some extra tips for fall home prep:
- Make sure your walkways and driveway are clear of leaves and debris to prevent falls.
- Insulate your attic and pipes to help keep your home warm and lower your energy costs.
- Stock up on firewood if you have a fireplace.
- Check your insurance coverage to make sure you have adequate protection for your home and your belongings.
