Home Improvements In The Fall

Fall is just around the corner, and with that comes thoughts of cider, apple orchards, and pumpkin spice lattes. As you are considering the approaching season, now is a great time to consider giving your home a bit of a facelift. The cooler fall temperatures and less demand for home improvement professionals add up to a great season to tackle some projects. Which ones should you take on? Here is a list of great projects to tackle in the fall.

1) Upgrade Your Windows and Door

Fall means winter weather is just around the corner, and single-pane windows or windows prone to drafts will eat up your heating energy quickly. The same is true for doors. This season is a great time to upgrade your windows and doors. You’ll find your home cozier in the winter, and the fall weather means you won’t be too uncomfortable while the renovation is underway.

2) Refresh the Fireplace

Fall and winter are both excellent seasons to enjoy the presence of a fireplace in your home. If you have one, fall is a good time to consider giving it a facelift. Make sure the chimney and fireplace are cleaned by a professional chimney sweep, so they are ready to serve you safely, but you can go beyond this, too. Refinishing the facade and mantle can completely change the look of your space, giving you an improved ambiance for those beautiful decorative items you want to display.

3) Prep the Deck

If you have a deck or patio, get it ready for the winter. Get rid of the decorative planters you had on display, so they do not crack during cold weather spells. Check the deck and patio for cracks and dents, and fix them quickly. These problems will get worse during the winter. If it’s time to refresh the overall look, stain or paint the deck so that it is ready to welcome your fall cookouts and events.

4) Upgrade Your Gutters

If your gutters get clogged up in the fall, it can allow an ice dam to form in the winter. This serious issue can damage your roof. Upgrading your gutters to add protection against leaf buildup is an excellent choice in the early fall before the leaves start falling. Not only will you protect your roof, but you won’t have to tackle the cleanup project when fall comes.

5) Add a Sunroom

If you want to take on a big project, consider adding a sunroom. A sunroom can give you a space to enjoy the outdoor ambiance of your yard during the winter without having to sit out in the cold. It can add a bit of value to your home and extend your living space at the same time.

How Can I Prepare My House for the Fall Season?

In addition to these home improvement projects, there are a few things you should do to make sure your home is ready for cooler temperatures. Consider these:

• Upgrade your thermostat – A programmable thermostat lets you maximize your heating and cooling. Fall is a great time to make this change.
• Switch the fan – Warm air rises, which means in the fall, you want your ceiling fan to blow air upward, pulling the cool air from lower in your home up, and pushing the warmer air down.
• Plant spring flowers – You should plant your spring-blooming flower bulbs in the fall. They need to spend the winter underground before showing beautiful colors next spring.
• Check your detectors – You should check your smoke and CO detectors at least twice a year. Since fire is a bigger risk in the winter when you are heating the home, make sure you have fresh batteries in place.
• Organize your garage – Are your summer toys and gear cluttering up the garage? After you do your fall yard work, organize the garage. Make sure you know where your fall and Christmas décor is while you’re in there.
• Add some fertilizer – In the fall, the right fertilizer will help protect the lawn against winter damage while also stopping the weeds that want to spring up in the growing season. Make sure you choose a fall blend fertilizer appropriate for your type of lawn.

Whether you are taking on a major renovation or simply need a little help prepping for fall, Henderson Properties can help. Our renovation and maintenance team can assist with projects large and small for your home, whether your personal home or your rental property.

Reach out today to get the help you need to assist with your fall cleanup needs.