Autumn's cool temperatures provide a good environment to address your yearly property checkup and maintenance checklist. The change of weather is a helpful reminder to complete any home clean-up projects that you may have been procrastinating on. The following are some tasks not to forget.
Clean Gutters
Autumn leaves appear gorgeous, but when they stay in gutters resulting damages would be not so pretty. The more frequently you clean out your gutters, the easier it will be to keep clean. Furthermore, it may be safer to hire a professional to do this for you.
Power Washing
Pollen and dust may stick on house during the hot and humid months. You may purchase or rent a power washer. Before starting, ensure that you use the right spray power for the surface you are cleaning. Attach the power washer to your hose and spray from one end to the other. Everything will be clean in no time.
Prune Shrubs
Take a look around your yard for any dead limbs that could cause property damage when there is heavy snow or ice. Trim down bushes and shrubs and keep them a distance away from buildings. Wait until late October to cut any spring-flowering plants to avoid removing next spring's flowers.
Prepping the Lawn
Repairing your lawn is a good way to improve your property's value. Fall is a good time to feed and reseed the grass for the coming spring. Before starting, mow your lawn one more time.
Heating Check-up
Schedule an annual check-up for your HVAC system and clean filters. This simple task may boost your furnace's efficiency and reduce utility costs. Annual maintenance can also extend the life of the heating system.
Close Off Leaks
Having your furnace cleaned may save money, but not if warm air is escaping through gaps! Look for drafts near windows and doorways. Re-caulk as necessary to prevent heat from leaking out. For older windows that cannot be caulked, consider buying plastic window coverings sold at your local hardware store.
Clean Out Creosote
You don't want to call the fire department when you first use your chimney this winter. A chimney sweep can take care of creosite buildup. This is also a good opportunity to identify other issues with your chimney and give you a chance to address them so they don't become an expensive repair.
Why You Should Do All of This
Your yearly property checkup and maintenance checklist should not be delayed. They do not strictly improve your home, but they also prevent future damages and, in the end, save you money.
This month our spotlight is on our resident marathon runner and adventurer, Jessica Ritchie. Jessica joined the Great Island Realty team in 2017. Real estate was a natural career choice for Jessica as her parents were both in the real estate and home building fields. That exposure to the home buying process helped Jessica develop a passion for real estate and an understanding of the importance of professionalism in this industry. “Creating a relationship with my clients is very important to me. Great communication and the ability to have fun together is an key piece of a smooth transaction", says Jessica.
