Yes, it's that time of year in Glenview once again. Fall--that time just before winter when the leaves fall, temperatures fall, and soon snow may fall. Is it any wonder they call it "fall?"
Here are a few tips to do now that will help your home survive the cold winter ahead a bit more easily:
1. Clear and Clean Your Gutters and Downspouts. While this is not a pleasant job, neither is having to pay for roof damage caused by the weight of frozen snow pulling the gutters away from the supporting structures of the roof. Wait until all of the leaves have fallen though, so you don't get some clogs after you thought you were done with this chore!
2. Give Your Home an Energy Audit. Check with your local gas and electric companies to see if they do free energy audits for their customers, and if they do, set an appointment for them to come out and do an audit for you. Take to heart what they tell you and caulk leaky spots around doors and windows, turn off ceiling fans when the room is not in use, and only do laundry or dishes at low usage times of the day. If your utility companies don't offer such audits, at least check around windows and doors yourself to see if you can feel air leaking or see daylight through these areas. If you find leaks, get out your caulking gun and fill those holes.
3. Trim Your Trees. After the leaves are gone, look at the branches of your trees to see if there are dead limbs that could fall on your house or that of your neighbor, perhaps causing major problems. Trim these dead limbs off or hire a professional before wind or the weight of freezing ice or snow causes trouble.
4. Consider Getting a Home Generator. If your location is prone to power outages throughout the year, you may want to consider investing in a home generator. If you already have one, the fall is a great time to give it a check-up to make sure it still works properly and will be ready for use if the need arises. While you're at it, check your extension cords and snowblower.
5. Clean and Inspect Your Yard. Rake the leaves, check your home's foundation, disconnect and empty garden hoses and store them in the garage, shed or basement so they don't freeze and split, and check and replace any burnt-out light bulbs in your outdoor fixtures.
Spend a few hours to do these few maintenance jobs this fall, and I'm sure you'll be glad you did. If you need a home where you can do these fall checks, contact The Marla Schneider Team online or by phone at 847-657-3790. We're the go-to Realtors® in the Glenview area. By buying your dream home now, you should be living in it before the winter weather sets in.
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