Fall has officially arrived, and this season can be a whirlwind. Easy summer living quickly turns into busy routines, afternoon and weekend activities and before you know it, fall almost suddenly turns into winter. The same goes for those who are currently in the real estate market. Housing inventory is at its peak, and buyers are determined to find their perfect homes before the busy holiday season begins – this is especially true in 2024, as mortgage rates have come down in recent weeks. So, whether you’re looking to sell your home this fall or a homeowner looking to freshen up your living space, here are some home maintenance tasks to take care of.
Ten Indoor Home Maintenance To-Do’s
- Close crawl space vents. They’re not just decorative! They serve a purpose in the summer which is to cool and provide airflow but if you leave them open, you’re allowing for cold air to come in from outside!
- Seal gaps where critters could enter as they seek shelter from cold. Any holes in the foundation or siding are little invitations for squirrels, chipmunks, and various other wildlife to enter your home. Hearing scratching in your walls or finding droppings in your cabinets is the worst!
- Schedule a chimney cleaning and heating system maintenance. Making sure your filters in your heating system or furnace are clean to prevent toxic carbon monoxide from entering your home. As well, having your chimney inspected and cleaned will also protect against carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Service your fireplace. If your home has a gas or electric fireplace, ensure that it is serviced and functioning safely before the winter. If you have a wood burning stove or fireplace, be sure to stock up on firewood.
- Check your pipes for water leaks. Inspect your sinks, toilets, and any other pipes for any signs of leaks or exposed pipes in need of insulation. This can help prevent pipes from freezing and other potential issues that may arise in winter.
- Clean your humidifiers. With fall and winter comes drier air, and if you use a humidifier, be sure to clean it throughout to prevent mold and bacteria buildup.
- Switch out your batteries in all your detectors and check the
expiration date on your fire extinguisher. The fall time-change is usually the trigger for this task, and it is essential in preventative maintenance! - Inspect your home’s insulation. Check windows and doors for drafts and add weather stripping to prevent heat loss. Consider installing storm windows for extra insulation. Also be sure to look closely in your attic and basement for any signs of moisture, mold or insufficient insulation.
- Declutter your home. They may call it “spring cleaning”, but it doesn’t have to do only be done in the spring! Take some time to go through each room in your house and donate or throw away items you no longer need. Decluttering your home can bring a sense of cleanliness and peace, especially since you’ll likely be hunkering down at home more once the weather gets colder!
- Do little things to create a cozy living space. Boost the homey feeling in your house by doing little things such as decorating, fill the home with warm lighting, or even enhance the smell of your home by lighting candles or baking. These tips can also be extremely beneficial if you’re selling your home and want to make a good impression on buyers.
Ten Outdoor Home Maintenance To-Do’s
- Shut off your hoses and bring in your hose reel. Frozen water expands and can very easily damage any mechanisms in your hose or the hose reel, so drain it and bring them indoors before the first freeze.
- Clean out your gutters. Downspouts and gutters need to be cleared before the winter to prevent ice dams and to properly drain water out and away from your home. Make sure all drainage areas are cleared and unblocked by leaves and yard waste. Gutter guards are a great preventative measure as well!
- Inspect your roof. Check for any damaged or missing shingles and make repairs to prevent leaks during winter. Clear off any leaves or debris that might have accumulated over the summer.
- Seal Cracks in Driveways and Walkways: Cold weather can make cracks in concrete or asphalt expand, so seal any gaps in your driveway, walkways, or patio to prevent further damage during freezing temperatures.
- Drain gas out of lawnmowers and other powered yard equipment. Skipping this step will make for a very frustrating spring when none of this equipment works!
- Care for shrubs and trees. Pull out your annuals, trim your perennials, and if you have trees that aren’t hardy in the New England winter, you can wrap tree insulation around the trunk from the soil to the bottom of the lowest branch.
- Rake leaves to promote spring grass growth. Did you know that those leaves act as great insulators for your flower beds and act as mulch? You can also put them in a compost pile as they will make your spring planting successful with all those harvested nutrients.
- Fertilize the lawn. Apply a fall lawn fertilizer to strengthen roots and provide nutrients for your lawn to survive the winter and come back healthier in the spring.
- Hire a plowing service. You don’t want to be stuck shoveling a long driveway because you waited too long to schedule a company to do it in ten minutes what could take you three hours!
- Bring your outdoor furniture inside. Make sure you protect those outdoor sectionals and dining sets with their pretty cushions! Clean them off and bring them in to keep them pristine.
Finish Fall Strong for a Warm, Worry-Free Winter
Preparing your home for autumn is essential to ensure a smooth transition into the winter months. By taking care of these indoor and outdoor maintenance tasks, you’ll protect your property from potential damage and create a cozy, welcoming living space. Whether you plan to stay put through the colder months or planning to sell your home, completing these tasks will make all the difference. A well-maintained home not only improves comfort but also adds value, making it more appealing to potential buyers. So, take the time now to get your home ready for a warm, safe, and enjoyable fall and winter.