Home Projects to Tackle Before The Fall

Now that we are approaching the end of August, it’s time to start thinking about the changing of seasons and how you can tidy up your home before the fall. It’s always a good idea to do a little preventative maintenance before the leaves start falling.  Here are a few projects that you can easily tackle before the seasons change and save yourself some work in the spring! 

Clean Out Gutters

Cleaning out your gutters is not a fun task, but it is something that needs done annually to prevent damage to your home.  People don't often stop to think of the issues that can arise from clogged gutters, but there are actually many. If water is not able to properly flow away from your house, then damage can result in a number of different locations, from your roofing to your foundation. While you’re up on that ladder, visually inspect your roof for damaged shingles, flashing or vents.  Ladder safety is also very important when cleaning. You should always tell someone what you are doing and even have a spotter if possible.  

Prepare Your Garden

If you have a garden, it is a good idea to go through and deadhead your current flowers from the heat of the summer.  Once you clean out your dying flowers, you can plant some new fall flowers like mums or pansies.  You can also think about planting early for next spring!  If you’ve never planted bulbs before, select a spot in your yard that gets full sun during the day.  Lillies or Tulips are great fall bulbs that will bloom in the spring. You should also consider laying new mulch and weeding. This will cut your spring gardening time in half! The more you are able to take care of in the fall, the less you will have to do in the spring!

Clean and Store Outdoor Furniture

It might not be time to put away your patio furniture yet, but save yourself some time by cleaning your outdoor space now.  Cleaning or weatherproofing your patio furniture will save you time and the hassle of trying to fix damaged furniture next spring.  

Clean Out the Fireplace and Chimney

Before you stock up on firewood, you should perform a chimney and fireplace inspection. The majority of fires caused by a fireplace is because they have not been properly cleaned.  A good way to tell if your chimney needs cleaning is if you have poor burning fires, a build-up of soot, or are noticing a buildup of smoke when using your fireplace. There are also services that will inspect and clean your chimney for a small fee.  

Perform a Home Safety Check

Replace the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide monitors. A good way to remember to do this is to always replace the batteries when you change the clock for daylight saving time. It is also beneficial to create a family fire escape plan or review the one you already have. You can also put together an emergency preparedness kit so that you are ready for winter power outages.

Taking the time to go around your home and check off some fall maintenance tasks before the crisp weather hits will be very beneficial to your home.  From cleaning the gutters to planting seasonal flowers, you will be thankful you tackled your fall to-do list!