The end of summer is finally here: we’re saying goodbye to warm temperatures and days by the pool and replacing them with falling leaves, pumpkin spice-flavored everything, and fall activities like apple picking and Halloween costume shopping. Each seasonal change means your home and yard have different needs, too. Check out our to-do list to help get your home fall-ready in no time.
Indoor
Check for Drafts
Don’t let good heating go to waste. Check your windows and doors for drafts to make sure no cool air is getting in. Be sure to replace seals and repair caulking around window and door frames if needed. The sooner you identify problem areas, the sooner you can get things repaired and ready for the season.
Smoke Detectors
Enjoying a cozy evening with a cup of warm apple cider and a binge-worthy show next to a warm fire could be considered the perfect fall evening for some. But before you light that fire, make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly and see if their batteries need to be replaced. Additionally, make sure your smoke detectors are clean – dust build up can sometimes interfere with their effectiveness.
Fireplace
Once you’ve gotten your smoke detectors ready for fall, make sure your fireplace is in tip-top shape for the season! Clean it out, inspect the flue, and ensure the doors and shields are ready for action. If you don’t have the time to clean the chimney, you can have it professionally swept if needed. Lastly, be sure you have plenty of firewood on hand! Keep a stock nearby.
Fall Décor
This is the best part: dusting off your favorite fall decorations and getting your home ready to welcome the season. Visit your local pumpkin patch to pick out a few pumpkins for carving or a few gourds to place at your door for good measure.
Outdoor
Clean Gutters
This fall chore is dreaded by most but should be mandatory on your fall to-do list. Avoid potential water damages to your home and foundation by simply cleaning out the gutters. This item takes a little bit of elbow grease, but easy for a two-person-team. If you’re not up for the task, hiring a professional is an easy, low-cost option to make sure this gets checked off your list.
Check Roof
Take a closer look at your roof and check for missing shingles or debris pileup. Doing this will make sure it’s ready for potential snowfall in the coming months.
Clean Up HVAC
Give a big thanks to your AC unit for surviving the summer heat! To get things situated for fall, make sure you clean up the unit and add protective covering to keep debris and ice out. Next, be sure to clean up air ducts and replace the filter.
Take Care of Outdoor Water
Next, it’s time to take care of the outside faucets and store hoses for the season. Be sure to drain garden hoses and disconnect from the outside spigots. Shut off exterior faucets, and if needed, turn off the valve inside your home. Store hoses in a dry place so any residual water won’t freeze.
Plan Ahead
Once the ground cools, it’s time to plan for next spring! Plant bulbs for your garden that will bloom just in time for spring. There are plenty of varieties to choose from, but if you need some help deciding, check out this list from HGTV.
If you’re looking for a home to make yours this fall, contact a PrimeLending home loan expert near you to get the process started! Our team will be with you every step of the way.
