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Autumn is coming and time to check your home out with these suggestion

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Hamm Homes

As the vibrant colors of autumn surround your seasonal home, it's important to prepare your property for the change in seasons. To help you transition smoothly into fall and maintain your cozy retreat, we've put together a list of essential fall home maintenance tips:

  1. Heating System Inspection: Schedule a professional inspection of your heating system to ensure it's in peak condition for the colder months ahead. Replace filters and consider a furnace tune-up.

  2. Seal Gaps and Cracks: Inspect your home's exterior for gaps and cracks that may allow drafts. Seal them to improve energy efficiency and keep the warmth in.

  3. Clean Gutters and Downspouts: Remove fallen leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts to prevent clogs and water damage. Consider installing gutter guards.

  4. Lawn and Garden Care: Continue to care for your lawn and garden. Rake leaves, trim shrubs, and plant fall flowers for added curb appeal.

  5. Fireplace Maintenance: If your seasonal home has a fireplace, have the chimney cleaned and inspected to ensure it's safe for use. Stock up on firewood.

  6. Exterior Painting and Repairs: Take advantage of milder fall weather to tackle any exterior painting or repair projects before winter sets in.

  7. Window and Door Insulation: Check for drafts around windows and doors. Apply weatherstripping or use draft stoppers to keep cold air out.

  8. Safety Check: Test smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers to ensure they are in working order. Replace batteries as needed.

  9. Outdoor Furniture Storage: If you won't be using outdoor furniture during the fall and winter, store it in a dry, protected area to prolong its lifespan.

  10. Indoor Coziness: Prepare your interior for fall by adding cozy blankets, throws, and autumn-themed decor to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

  11. Emergency Kit: As the weather becomes more unpredictable, assemble or update an emergency kit with essentials like flashlights, batteries, canned food, and water.

  12. Storm Preparedness: Inspect your roof for any damage and make necessary repairs to prepare for potential fall storms.

  13. Winterize Outdoor Plumbing: If your seasonal home will be vacant during the winter, don't forget to drain and winterize outdoor plumbing fixtures to prevent freezing.

  14. Schedule Inspections: Plan for a professional inspection of your property before closing it up for the winter, including a check of pipes, insulation, and security systems.

These fall home maintenance tips will help you enjoy a comfortable and stress-free autumn at your seasonal retreat.

Wishing you a beautiful and serene autumn!

Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

This is timely advice to share.

I hope your are feeling better. Have a great day.

Sep 18, 2024 10:23 AM
Bob "RealMan" Timm
Ward County Notary Services - Minot, ND
Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker

Check, check, and check Will Hamm . I'm ready for winter except for mentally ready.

Sep 18, 2024 10:51 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good morning Will,

The fall home maintenance tips you have suggested are espcially important if you live in your area. We are stilll in the 90's so will hold off for a while before attempting many of these suggestions.

Sep 18, 2024 10:59 AM
Lew Corcoran
Better Living Real Estate, LLC - East Bridgewater, MA
Expert guidance. Exceptional results.

Thank you, Will Hamm, for the fantastic fall home maintenance tips! Your practical advice on preparing our homes for the season is invaluable, and I truly appreciate your effort in helping us create a cozy and safe environment this autumn.

Sep 18, 2024 12:41 PM
George Souto
George Souto NMLS #65149 - Middletown, CT
Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert

Will Hamm some of these suggestions apply to me, and those that do will be done within the next 30 days.

Sep 18, 2024 02:47 PM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Hi Will- we don't have the major seasonal changes of those who live up north but I remember we had many preparations when we lived in Northern VA. 

Sep 18, 2024 05:00 PM
Brian England
Ambrose Realty Management LLC - Gilbert, AZ
MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ

This is a good list, but there are items on the list that wouldn't apply for me and my home, haha.

Sep 19, 2024 05:43 AM