Getting Your Home Ready For Fall: A Checklist For Outdoor Prep

As summer fades and fall begins to show off its beauty, homeowners would do well to review this quick checklist of items that will get their home ready for its long winter’s nap.

• If you have a pool, head to the store now for your pool cleaning supplies when they are a bit cheaper.
• Summer is the best time to take a look at your roof and speak with a professional about any flaws you may find.
• Before the leaves begin to fall, take a good hard look at your trees and make decisions about which branches you should prune. Once winter sets in it is difficult to determine which branches are dead and which have merely dropped all their leaves.  Pay close attention to the trees closest to your home, shed, and fences to avoid damage.
• Now is the time to make sure your gutters are clean and debris free. It may be a good idea to bring in a professional to take care of this job for you.
• If you have been thinking about painting or sealing your deck, the beginning of fall is an ideal time. You will have less traffic and the sun’s heat is not as harsh!
• Planning on doing any pressure washing? Do it now before the leaves begin to fall and trap dirt and debris underneath them.
  • Winter Comes quick so you want to be sure your winter gear is all in good working order.
    • Make sure your snowblower and/or snowplow have undergone their yearly maintenance.
    • Be sure your sander and or salter is working and that you have plenty of sand (or salt) on hand.
  • If you have a generator, now is the time to have it serviced so you know that it is ready for you when you need it. If a generator is something you’ve been thinking of investing in, do it now before the first big storm of the season hits.
  • Get your firewood ready! If you have a wood-burning stove you don’t want to be scrambling for wood when the first cold snap hits.  (Or if it applies…stock up on your coal!)
  • It is also a good idea to be sure all windows and doors are in good operating order.
    • Check all your windows and doors to make sure all the weather stripping is intact and all storm windows are in good shape.
  • Check that your handrails and steps are secure in case you don’t get the memo about that first storm and things get a bit icy!

If any of the items on the above checklist leave you a bit worried about how your home will survive the winter, feel free to give us a call.  We can help you evaluate the condition of your roof, gutters, windows, and doors!