It might still feel like summer in the DC Metro area, but we’ve passed the autumnal equinox, meaning that Fall is upon us! For many people, Fall is a relaxing season, bringing cooler weather and delicious seasonal drinks.
However, Fall also brings some household responsibilities – take advantage of the cooler weather to perform this necessary maintenance before the frosty winter arrives!
Are you unsure where to begin with your autumnal chores? Check out our list of the 4 home projects to take care of as we move into Fall for some ideas!
Clean out your gutters
No one wants to clean out the gutters — but you need to do it every year, or else risk expensive and dangerous damage to your home. Since you have to do it anyway, the cooler weather will make the chore more bearable.
Seal Doors and Windows
Poor insulation around your doors and windows could easily lead to a cold home once winter arrives — and a costly heating bill! Check the weatherstripping on your doors, to make sure that the seals are intact. For windows, use caulk around the edges to ensure the integrity of the seal.
Extra tip!! If you want to help reduce heating costs, consider investing in a smart thermostat. Not only can these devices help you cut down on HVAC costs, they can improve the value of your home when you’re ready to sell!
Change the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
Many people neglect this home chore, and risk their own safety in doing so. The chore almost never takes more than a few minutes, and can greatly increase the safety of you and your family in the home. This is especially vital as the weather gets colder — you want to have ample warning about smoke and carbon monoxide if you like to build a cozy fire in the fireplace.
Clean out your chimney
It’s tempting to pile up the logs and start a fire as soon as the weather gets cold, but this can be quite dangerous! After months of disuse (particularly if you didn’t clean your chimney at the beginning of spring!), your fireplace and chimney can have a buildup of creosote. This buildup, if left untreated, can cause dangerous chimney fires. For some chimneys, you can clean the creosote buildup yourself — otherwise, you’ll need to hire a professional.
It can be time-consuming to prepare your home for seasonal changes, but it’s a very important process. Your home is likely the largest investment that you will make, and it’s vital to do everything possible to preserve and improve its value — you’ll thank yourself when you decide to sell!
There are many things you can do to raise your home’s value when preparing to sell. Want to learn more? Contact The Keri Shull Team today to learn how we can help get you the best possible price for your home when you decide to sell!
