How to Prepare for Fall To-Do List
With every changing season, a homeowner’s to do list grows. Whether you’re preparing to go from warm weather to cold or vice versa, there are ways to make the transitional tasks a little quicker and easier. This way you have more time for the indoor and outdoor activities that make owning a home well worth it.
Improving your energy efficiency and keeping your house warm, to preventative maintenance and keeping your family safe, the list of things to do is long. The first step is to make a list of tasks and prioritize them. Some factors to consider are whether you will complete the task yourself or hire it out, how much it will cost, and how quickly it needs to be done.
First Things First
In most cases, projects that require professional assistance are going to take priority. After all, researching local services, asking for recommendations, and getting an appointment can take some time.
Roof Repair – Before the first big snow storm, it’s important to inspect your roof for loose shingles, moss, or other signs of failure. Ideally, you should get your roof inspected by a professional twice yearly and after any major weather incident.
Gutter Cleaning – Gutter cleaning is one of those things you could do yourself but, for the time and money, it makes more sense to call a professional. According to HomeAdvisor, the average price to clean gutters and downspouts in Phoenix, AZ, is between $133 and $210.
Chimney Sweeping – If you have a wood-burning stove or fireplace, it’s important to get it inspected and, if necessary, cleaned to prevent build up. If you don’t you could be facing a mess, or worse, a fire hazard. While your chimney is being swept, you can get chopping and stock up on firewood.
Furnace Inspection – While you may be looking forward to cooler temperatures, the last thing you want is to turn on your heat and realize it’s not working. To avoid this problem (and having to wait on a service call during busy season,) schedule a fall furnace check to test your unit and make sure everything is in working order.
Small But Mighty
In addition to the big jobs, there are lots of smaller tasks you can check off your list pretty quickly and without a lot of expense. Simply dedicate a Saturday to getting these things done, and you will be ready for warm cider by the fire before you know it.Winter Supplies – This is one of those situations where “better safe than sorry” applies. Even if you don’t live in an area of the country known for its snowstorms, you’re better off having some supplies on hand. Check shovels, ice scrapers, and other winter equipment, and replace anything you need to before winter weather hits and supplies are difficult to come by.
Pipe Prep – Shut off water to exterior faucets, disconnect hoses, and store them indoors. This will help keep your pipes, faucet heads, and hoses in good, working order when temperatures hit freezing and below.
Safety Check – Fall is the perfect time to stay cozy with candles and warm up by the fireplace. In related news, it’s also a great time to ensure you are prepared in the unlikely event of a home fire. Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and make sure your fire extinguisher is in date and ready to use in case of an emergency.
Lighting – One of the most noticeable changes in fall is how much earlier the sun goes down. Taking a few minutes to check all your outside lighting and replace any burnt-out bulbs will prevent you from fumbling for your keys in the dark, and it will make you feel safer.
When it comes down to it, there is no way around your fall to-do list. Getting out of it would mean sacrificing your health and safety and compromising your biggest investment. Taking care of it as efficiently as possible, on the other hand, means you have time to enjoy your home and the autumn season.
sent in by Paul Denikin, Dad Knows DIY
Red Leaf Trees Near the Road from Pexels