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As your trusted real estate advisor, I’m here to help you plan your home maintenance list. Upkeep of your most cherished asset is important for your peace-of-mind, as is staying warm and comfortable this season. And, the end of daylight saving time is a great reminder to cross off items on your fall home maintenance checklist:
CHECK YOUR ROOF, GUTTERS AND DRAINAGE
Check your home for leaks in your window seals or roof. If your home’s eaves have stains, that can indicate a leak. Once a year it’s also good to go on top of your roof to check for missing shingles or any damage. This is especially important to do before winter weather sets in. If you find any stains inside, or missing shingles on top, call a roof contractor to make any repairs before winter.
While on your roof, make sure your gutters are clear so rainwater can drain properly. With lots of trees around, gutter guards may come in handy too. Check your gutters and downspouts to ensure water drains away from the home. If your area experiences snow, any back-up of gutters may result in ice damming and lead to water damage.
REMOVE HOSES AND COVER SPIGOTS
Before winter arrives, shut off all outside water faucets or garden hose connections, then drain hoses and store them in the garage. Protect all outdoor water faucets from cold weather with an insulated covers.
PREPARE YOUR YARD FOR WINTER (and plant some spring cheer!)
Rake any leaves that fall on your lawn to keep it healthy and prevent brown spots. OR, If you’re like me, you can let the leaves sit on the ground as important habitat for ground dwelling animals and insects. https://www.nwf.org/Home/Latest-News/Press-Releases/2019/09-25-19-Leave-the-Leaves
Now is also a great time to reseed your lawn and mulch plants that are sensitive to colder conditions.
Pruning plants and bushes can encourage growth in the spring, and if you are up for it, now is a great time to get some bulbs in the ground to enjoy a pop of color in the spring.
STORE YOUR LAWN FURNITURE & OTHER EQUIPMENT
To protect your outdoor furniture, be sure to store it in a cool, dry space for the season. Cushions or pillows be kept somewhere dry to prevent mold and mildew. D.A. Burns in Ballard, has a great service where they clean and store outdoor cushions in their warehouse for the winter. Learn more here:
Your lawn mower can be winterized by stabilizing or draining the fuel, or removing the battery and storing it somewhere dry inside.
SEAL CRACKS
To prevent a costly heating bill (and to stay nice and cozy this season) check the outside of your home for cracks, especially around doors and windows. You can add caulking or weather stripping to prevent drafts.
CHECK YOUR FIREPLACE & CHIMNEY
A warm fire on a winter night is lovely, but if you haven’t had your chimney inspected in a few years, be sure to hold off on starting any fires. A professional chimney inspector can ensure your flue seals properly to prevent drafts and that the chimney is functioning correctly to stop smoke from filling your home.
HAVE YOUR FURNACE SERVICED
Before the holidays, have a professional inspect your furnace. This will keep your home warm and help you avoid costly last-minute repairs. Replacing the air filter and having your ducts cleaned will help increase efficiency.
CHANGE THE BATTERIES IN YOUR SMOKE & CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS
Now is a great time to check that all of your home’s safety devices are working correctly. Take a few minutes to change the batteries in your detectors, and keep a few extra batteries on hand if you need to change them out later.
IF YOU ANTICIPATE SNOW…
Prepare for snow before winter arrives. Do you already have a snow shovel for clearing the sidewalk, de-icer to prevent slippery walkways and a sled for the kids? If not, consider buying these supplies now as stores often sell out during a big snow.
If you have questions about maintaining your home, preparing for seasonal changes or the real estate market in general, I’m here to answer them!
