Categories Home Inspection, Home safety

Get Your Home Ready for Fall

Fall

Warmer weather is starting to disappear, leaves will be falling, and soon teen girls everywhere will be buzzing about pumpkin spiced lattes. Yes, the signs of fall are upon us.

Just as the seasons change, so do our own needs and concerns within our homes. If you live in a colder climate, you don’t want to be caught off-guard and unprepared.

Prepping your home in anticipation of the colder months can prevent unwanted repairs or even the devaluation of your home.

Follow our advice to “Fall-proof” your home and ensure you don’t run into any unnecessary problems.

Inside the House

1. Check for Drafts

Replace any seals or caulks around windows and doors or buy heavier, insulated drapery for windows to keep your house cozy.

2. Furnace Inspection

Contract an HVAC professional to test for leaks, check heating efficiency and change the filter.

3. Winterize AC

If you live in a colder area that won’t use central air conditioning consider covering your outdoor unit.

 

Exterior of the House

1. Review Your Roof

Remove leaves or debris from flat roofs and check for loose or broken shingles/tiles.

2. Clear the Gutters

Prevent clogging by removing all debris and draining outdoor faucets in colder areas.

3. Inspect Siding

Look for any cracks or holes.

4. Chimney Maintenance

If you regularly use a wood fireplace have it professionally cleaned and inspected.

5. Look at the Trees

Make sure there are no dying, low hanging or rotten limbs that could fall on your home or a power line.

6. Install Storm Windows

Replace screens with more appropriate coverings.

7. Tend to Patio Furniture

Remove, clean and cover cushions or bring outdoor furniture indoors.

 

In Your Garage

  1. Test your generator
  2. Keep extra gas handy
  3. Service summer equipment – Empty fuel in your lawnmower, clean trimmers and get any necessary repairs taken care of so when spring rolls around your tools are ready to go!

Deep Clean

Although many attribute spring to be the season of cleaning, fall is actually the time to start. Slash your spring cleaning list by getting on top of your chores earlier in the year.

  • Dust closets when swapping out summer clothes for sweaters.
  • Wash walls, baseboards, switch plates and light fixtures.
  • Steam clean stone surfaces.
  • Inspect grout, especially around showers and backsplashes.

Preventative maintenance can save you big on emergency repairs and wasted energy costs.

Add value to your property by properly keeping up with your home’s needs—taking a few simple steps now can help you avoid a full-blown crisis down the road.

We’re here to help!

If you’re preparing to put your home on the market, you won’t want to neglect the fall home maintenance guide. Additionally, make things much easier on yourself by calling in the pros!

At Elite Inspection Group we are bridging the gap between homeowner and inspector.

We offer extended services, easy and efficient scheduling, and once we’re finished, we will take you through the report in terms that you can easily understand.

If you’re ready for your home inspection today get in touch with us here!

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