The year is fast approaching its end. Summer 2024 is nearly done and autumn will soon arrive. The seasons are changing quickly, so while you’re planning on sipping on pumpkin spice lattes and enjoying the crisp air of autumn, don’t forget about preparing your home for the season that follows!
Here are the top 10 home repairs you should tackle this autumn to keep your house warm and ready for winter. You may not need all of these repairs if you have been keeping up with your home maintenance schedule. Congratulations if you’ve done that. If you haven’t already, don’t worry. This is a gentle reminder. Let’s check them out!
1. Clean the gutters
Leaves are beautiful until they clog your gutters. Clean them out to prevent water damage and keep your drainage system flowing smoothly. Remember, a clogged gutter is like a bad haircut – it’s just not a good look!
2. Seal up window leaks
Drafty windows and doors can add more zeros to your heating bill. Check and seal up leaks with caulk or similar material to keep the cold out and the heat in. Think of it as creating a cozy barrier around your home.
3. Inspect the roof
Before the snow hits, check your roof for any damaged or missing shingles. A leaky roof in winter is not something you would like to deal with. It will ruin everything – just like a wet blanket ruins a picnic!
4. Check the chimney
If you have a fireplace, make sure your chimney is clean and free of soot buildup. A dirty chimney can be a fire hazard. It can also leave your family room with an unpleasant smell whenever the fireplace is in use. You want to enjoy warm cozy moments with your loved ones – not worry about a fire or funky smells. Plus, Santa will give you extra points for the clean entrance!
5. Service the furnace
Your furnace has been on a well-deserved break aka summer vacation, but now it’s time to get it back into work mode. Have it serviced to ensure it’s running efficiently. A well-maintained furnace works better – just like a well-oiled machine.
6. Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
Safety first! Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they’re working properly. It’s a small task that can make a big difference.
7. Trim trees and bushes
Overgrown or weakened branches can cause harm during winter storms. Trim them off to keep your home and children safe from falling branches. Trim overgrown shrubs to give your yard a stunning facelift. Think of it as giving your yard a stylish autumn look.
8. Drain and store garden hoses
Water left in hoses can freeze and cause them to burst. Drain and store the hoses appropriately to avoid a mess and unexpected costs. This is similar to inspecting and repairing the roof: it is both necessary and practical.
9. Insulate pipes
Stop your pipes freezing up in winter by insulating any exposed plumbing. Frozen pipes can burst and cause major structural damage. Insulating them will keep the water flowing and give you peace of mind to enjoy some quality time with family.
10. Check the attic insulation
If you have an attic, this is the best time to check the insulation up there. Proper attic insulation helps keep your home warm while lowering heating costs. It’s like adding another level of comfort to your home.
Hire the Pros
Feeling overwhelmed by the list above? Don’t worry! Hire ECMJ handyman services to handle these tasks for you. We deliver professional services with the skills to get the job done right the first time, saving you time and stress. After all, why DIY when you can relax and let the pros take care of it?
Finally, it is advisable to have a home maintenance schedule to help keep track of everything. If you don’t have one, ECMJ can help you prepare one and also deliver any required services. Send us a message via the contact us page or this link. We’ll be happy to help!
So, get ready to enjoy the season and all of the pumpkin spice lattes you can possibly consume, knowing your home is taken care of by professionals who deliver quality service with a smile!