Here are some tips to get your house ready for the fall season. I’m doing them at my house right now, so call me if you have any questions!
1. TRIM DEAD TREE LIMBS. A fall or winter storm may cause an already strained branch to give way. Hire a professional to remove any large or high branches that pose a risk.
2. MAKE OUTDOOR STRUCTURAL REPAIRS. Faulty handrails, uneven steps and cracked walkways may lead to injury to you or visitors. Inspect exterior fixtures for loose or missing pieces and repair as needed.
3. FIX ROOF LEAKS. Rotted or missing shingles or flashing are a top cause of interior ceiling and wall leaks. If necessary, hire a professional to inspect the roof for you. Replace broken or damaged roofing and touch up loose flashing.
4. CLEAN YOUR DRYER VENT. A buildup of lint equals blocked airflow and an increased fire risk for your clothes dryer. Twice a year, unplug the dryer, vacuum out the duct and then reattach it securely.
5. VACUUM REFRIGERATOR COILS. Boost your fridge’s energy efficiency by scheduling this task both in fall and spring. Unplug the fridge, locate the coils on the bottom or back of the refrigerator and use the long nozzle on a vacuum to do away with dirt and dust.
6. CLEAR GUTTERS AND DOWNSPOUTS. Debris-clogged gutters combined with water or ice can lead to foundation flooding, roof leaks and structural damage. Use thick gloves and a trowel (if necessary) to thoroughly clean gutters. Inspect for cracks or segments that have pulled away from your house. Also ensure that downspouts direct water away from your foundation.
7. INSPECT YOUR CHIMNEY. Hire a professional to remove animal nests, debris and creosote buildup, all which can cause a home fire.
If you have any regular maintenance tips, please leave them here as a comment and I’ll add them to my next post!
If you’re sprucing up your home before you sell it, visit my website at http://www.SuperHooper.com for more free tips on low cost remodels that will get you top dollar.
