Fall has finally arrived and it is the perfect time to do some impactful improvements around the house. The weather is pleasant which means you finally have an opportunity to clean up any summer clutter and get ready for the upcoming colder days.
The best thing about these fall home improvement projects is that you don’t have to do only one big renovation at once. Instead, you have just enough time to improve your home by doing small projects one at a time which you can do even yourself.
When you decide which improvements you want to complete this fall, first you must think about how each project is going to keep your home cozy, safe and ready for the winter months. From cleaning out your backyard to choosing the best heating system for your home, there are so many options to choose from which will fulfill your needs and even save your budget.
However, if you are still unsure where to start, take a look at some home improvement projects you can tackle this fall to make your living space more comfortable and in some cases even cost-effective.
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Inspect the gutters
This home improvement project may be your least favorite job, but it must be done in order to prevent leaks in the roof or other damages in the house. In general, this job entails either cleaning build-up rainwater, leaves and acorns or replacing a portion of the gutter.
For example, if you have a problem with build-up rainwater in the gutter, then it is recommended that you check your roof’s drainage system. In this case, you can add a rubber bearing which will help plug the leaking portion of the gutter. Also, you can use mesh guards to keep the leaves and other debris from blocking the gutter.
All in all, the entire job doesn’t require any particular tools. All you need is a ladder, gloves, a scoop, bucket and a hose which you already have somewhere in your garage. However, if you feel uncomfortable with climbing on the ladder, you can always find a professional on sites like YourJobCost to do the job for you.
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Treat your deck
Another home improvement project is to treat your deck. The first thing you must do is remove leaves and other unwanted items that may be cluttering your deck. Then, check if there are any damages on the surface that need to be fixed.
This is very important because no matter what kind of material you have used for constructing it, you must maintain it accordingly so it will be prepared for springtime. For example, one way of maintaining your deck is by power washing. This uses pressurized water which helps get rid of any dirt and fungus on the surface. In most cases, this is the only way you can remove any hard stains, but be careful with it so you don’t ruin the finish and color of the surface.
In addition to all of this, you must put some effort into the surrounding area of the deck like trimming the bushes and trees nearby. This will help reduce the chance of mold and moss that may also cause damages to the surface of your deck.
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Upgrade your windows
Your windows should also be taken into consideration when you are preparing yourself for fall. Giving your windows a thorough check-up will help you save money on your utility bills. You can consider replacing old windows with energy-efficient upgrades which will not only be cost-effective, but they will also ensure the perfect temperature in your home.
First, you should check for any drafts and find out what is causing the heat to escape your home. In this case, the frame or glass may be damaged which is why you must repair it quickly in order to get ready for colder days. Other times the sills may no longer be suited for your windows, so you should invest in a window snake and caulking insulation to fix any future leaks.
Upgrading or repairing your windows isn’t a cheap job, but doing some of these improvements is certainly going to increase the level of comfort in your home as well as reduce your heating and cooling bills.
Winterize your irrigation systems
Without proper preparation, your irrigation system is more likely to be damaged by freezing temperatures. Your first step is to shut off the valve for any water supply by wrapping it with insulation. However, if you don’t have a valve, you can install one as a preventative measure.
Next, you need to remove the water from the pipes following the winterization process which will prepare and protect the irrigation system. You can do this using one of the three methods of water removal which involve removing the water from the pipes manually, automatically or by blowing it out.
For example, you can start by manually draining the pipes, but the blowing out method ensures that the pipes will be clear enough to prevent water damage. In any case, your irrigation system usually defines which method you should use. But, if you aren’t sure which system you have or whether it involves more complex plumbing, it is advised that you leave this home project to a professional who will do the job for you.
Inspect your heating systems
Another very important thing you must consider is preparing your heating system type for the upcoming months. There are several things you could do which will keep your home cozy and safe before the weather gets cold.
You should replace the old air filters with new ones in order to maximize the efficiency of your heating system. Changing them on a regular basis will also contribute to reducing your utility bills in the future.
Next, if you have a fireplace, it is recommended that you clean the chimney and check for any obstructions which could impair its functionality. Also, having a clean chimney protects you from poisonous gasses and other environmental hazards.
Lastly, if you aren’t satisfied with your heating system at home, you could opt for a programmable thermostat which is easy to use and very cost-effective. With the thermostat, you will be able to adjust the temperature according to your needs while at home and when you are out, so it doesn’t affect your heating bills.
Final thoughts
Before engaging in any kind of home improvement project, think about your priorities. Also, estimate how much each home improvement job is going to cost, so you can decide which one is the most important and start from there.
Even though some of these home improvement projects may be costly, remember that everything will be totally worth it when the colder months arrive. In fact, tackling these projects on time will help you get through fall and even winter without worries.
