Fall home maintenance probably isn’t #1 on your list of Top Fun Things to Do, but alas, these tasks must be done to keep our homes comfy and cozy during the cold months.
Tackling these tasks a little at a time as fall gets underway means you’ll have more opportunities to relax and enjoy all those football games throughout the week!
1. General Seasonal Chores
General fall home maintenance tasks, like cleaning gutters, bleeding radiators, and protecting lawn irrigation systems from freezing, are some of the workhorses of the cooler season.
Taking the time to perform preventative maintenance will go a long way in avoiding flooding or other home disasters.
2. Critter Control
We aren’t the only ones looking for comfort when the temps turn chilly. Squirrels and raccoons are fond of attics, while mice love any space small enough to squeeze through.
Inspect foundations, roof lines, and other access points that uninvited guests will use to take advantage of your heated space.
3. Chimney Check
Schedule a chimney inspection as soon as possible. Homeowners will bombard the most in-demand professional sweeps as soon as the temperature dips. They’ll look for hazards like liner cracks and damaged masonry.
Has the change in season inspired you to update your fall home decor? Try these creative fall home decor ideas.
4. Tune Up the Heating System
Experts encourage regular HVAC inspections to avoid the heater dying during a blizzard. You’ll want to ask your neighbors for recommendations and talk with two to three vendors about a yearly or bi-yearly HVAC maintenance schedule.
5. Clean and Restore Patio Furniture
The set has served you well this summer, but the 4th of July party left mustard stains on the cushions, and the rain started rust spots on the chair legs. A soapy scrub will clean cushions, and applying a waterproof coating will prolong their pretty colors.
Wire brushes are perfect for removing rust spots, but deep corrosion will require a chemical remover found at home improvement stores. Spraying a rust-proof layer of paint helps maintain the spruced-up finish.
Plastic and wood pieces could also use a scrub down or a spray from a specialized patio furniture cleaner (some have protective coatings added). Use the waning sunshine to make sure they are thoroughly dried before storing or covering for the season.
6. Should You Rake the Leaves?
Not necessarily. A small layer of mulched leaves provides nutrients to the lawn and microhabitats for beneficial insects and wildlife. Regions with lots of snow don’t get a pass. Mounds of snow on top of thick layers of leaves will kill the grass, so raking is a necessary fall home maintenance task.
7. Lawn Care
For those who enjoy the fruits of fall labor in the spring and summer, thoroughly preparing the lawn with a multi-step plan will make the backyard barefoot-ready. You’ll tackle raking, dressing, and feeding the grass. Professional landscapers can handle any chores you don’t have time to take on.
8. Fall Planting
In containers and gardens, whether flowers or vegetables, there are many options to add color and food to your green space. Depending on your gardening zone, some plants, like pansies and ornamental kale, will supply the pretty factor deep into winter.
The fall is an exciting time of year, with so much change in the air. Make sure you plan these fall home maintenance chores early, so you’ll have time to appreciate the beauty of the season. More time for pumpkin-flavored beer, lattes, and warm baked goods!
