The weather is getting cooler, the leaves are changing and we’re starting to prepare for a busy holiday season. With all the to-dos to tackle and guests to host, the last thing you have time for is an unexpected home repair. Take some time at the beginning of November to work on your home maintenance checklist. The payoff will be well worth it! Follow these tips to prevent any home related hiccups to your holiday plans and make the transition from winter to spring much easier.
1. Work on your landscaping - Spend an afternoon trimming your bushes and trees. Remove any dead branches and limbs and look for signs of disease. Taking care of these issues now will ensure the best foliage in the spring. This is also the best time to fertilize and reseed your lawn.
2. Rake leaves - Although they provide a beautiful backdrop, piled up leaves can damage decks, roofs and prevent growth in the spring.
3. Clean gutters and downspouts - Leaves and debris can clog your gutters, causing them to hold water and cause damage to your siding and roof. Remove debris and leaves to prevent this from happening.
4. Inspect your exterior - Look around your property and check for issues with your foundation, roof or siding. Make sure to schedule repairs before the cold winter months.
5. Seal gaps - Reduce your energy bill and keep critters out of your home this winter by filling in small holes and covering any gaps.
6. Inspect your walkways - Avoid falls on icy winter mornings by checking your driveway, decks, railings and stairs. Make sure your walkways are clear and sturdy.
7. Locate and stock up on winter supplies - You’ll thank yourself later! Put shovels, ice scrapers, emergency kits and ice melt bags nearby in case you need them.
8. Turn off exterior faucets and store hoses - Avoid pipe issues during freezing temperatures by turning off your exterior faucets and draining and putting your garden hoses in storage.
9. Add/replace weatherstripping - Keep your home warm and cozy by applying weatherstripping to doors and windows. This will help keep the cold wind out and reduce energy cost. Win, win!
10. Check safety devices - Test carbon monoxide and smoke detectors in your home and replace the batteries if needed.
11. Inspect your HVAC system - Remove any debris from your HVAC unit and schedule a maintenance checkup.
12. Clean dryer vents - Lint build up and static electricity can cause your dryer to not work as efficiently and even cause fires. Remove the lint yourself or hire a duct cleaning specialist to help.
13. Deep-clean the kitchen - Get your kitchen ready for cooking and hosting! Keep your appliances and space in good condition by degreasing the range hood and filter, cleaning the oven, vacuuming the refrigerator coils, scrubbing tile grout, cleaning light fixtures, walls and backsplashes, sanitizing garbage bins and cleaning small appliances.
14. Store outdoor furniture - Storing your outdoor furniture always for the winter will keep it clean and avoid any damage from the elements.
15. Drain and store yard equipment - Maintain your lawn mowers, leaf blowers and chainsaws by draining the fuel and cleaning them before storing them away for the fall and winter.