From back-to-school days to, it seems each season offers the perfect excuse to put off our to do list. But be careful, homeowners: neglecting your home’s maintenance could put your
personal safety—and one of your largest financial investments—at serious risk.
In no time at all, small problems can lead to expensive repairs. And even if you avoid a
catastrophe, some minor issues can still have a big impact. Properties that are not well
maintained can lose 10 percent or more of their appraised value and even more market value. The good news is, by dedicating a few hours each season to properly maintaining your home,
you can ensure a safe living environment for you and your family ... and increase the home’s
value. You just need to know where and how to spend your time.
Fall is generally the time to relax and enjoy your home, but a little time devoted to maintenance will help ensure it looks great and runs efficiently throughout the season.
Fall
Fall ushers in another busy season of home maintenance as you prepare your home for the winter weather ahead.
Inside
❏ Have Heater Serviced To ensure safety and efficiency, it’s a good idea to have your heating system serviced and inspected before you run it for the first time.
❏ Shut Down A/C for the Winter If you have central air conditioning, you can have it serviced at the same time as your furnace. If you have a portable or window unit, ensure it’s properly sealed or remove it and store it for the winter.
❏ Inspect Chimney Fire safety experts recommend that you have your chimney inspected annually and cleaned periodically. Complete this task before you start using your fireplace or furnace.
❏ Seal Windows and Doors Check windows and doors for drafts and caulk or add weatherstripping where necessary.
❏ Check Smoke Alarm and Carbon Monoxide Detectors If you checked your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in the spring, they are due for another inspection. Batteries should be replaced every six months, so it’s time to replace them again. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to test your individual devices. And even properly functioning devices should be replaced at least every 10 years, or per the manufacturer’s recommendation.
Outside
❏ Plant Fall Flowers, Grass and Shrubs Fall is a great time to plant perennials, trees, shrubs, cool-season vegetables and bulbs that will bloom in the spring. It’s also a good time to reseed or sod your lawn.
❏ Rake or Mow Leaves Once the leaves start falling, it’s time to pull out your rake. A thick layer of leaves left on your grass can lead to an unhealthy lawn. Or, rather than raking, use a mulching mower to create a natural fertilizer for your lawn.
❏ Apply Fall Fertilizer If you choose not to use a mulching mower, a fall fertilizer is usually recommended. For best results, aerate your lawn before applying the fertilizer.
❏ Inspect Gutters and Roof Inspect your gutters and downspouts and make needed repairs. Check the roof for any broken or loose tiles. Remove fallen leaves and debris.
❏ Shut Down Sprinkler System If you have a sprinkler system, drain any remaining water and shut it down to prevent damage from freezing temperatures over the winter.
❏ Close Pool If you have a pool, it’s time to clean and close it up before the winter.
While this checklist should not be considered a complete list of your home’s maintenance needs, it can serve as a general seasonal guide. Systems, structures, and fixtures will need to be repaired and replaced from time-to-time, as well. The good news is the investment you make in maintaining your home now will pay dividends over time. Keep a record of all your maintenance, repairs, and upgrades for future reference, along with receipts. Not only will it help jog your memory, but it can also make a big impact on buyers when it comes time to sell your home … and potentially result in a higher selling price. Are you looking for help with home maintenance or repairs?
At Veterans First Realty, we have an extensive network of trusted contractors and service providers and are happy to provide referrals! Call or email us, and we can connect you with one of our preferred vendors.