The Fall season is arriving this weekend and it’s time to take a close look at your Charleston home to make sure it is prepared for cooler weather. Our Fall Maintenance Checklist will help keep your house in peak condition during the upcoming seasons, as well as prevent costly repairs down the road. If you’re thinking of putting your home on the market in the near future, having your home in tip-top condition will give homebuyers peace of mind and can help you achieve the best outcome.
Inspect your roof and siding. Your roof should be inspected annually to ensure there aren’t any cracked or missing shingles that could cause further damage and potential costly repairs. Rain and wind combined with humidity and changing temperatures can cause serious damage, so it’s best to be proactive when it comes to your home’s roof. If you don’t feel safe on a ladder, call a professional to come out and inspect your roof thoroughly. While you’re at it, examine your siding for any cracks or loose panels, and make repairs as needed to protect your home’s full exterior from harsh weather.
Seal gaps and cracks. Sealing gaps and cracks in your home’s exterior can help keep the warm air in and the cold air out. You can easily check this yourself by moving your hand around all window and door frames to check for any drafts of air. If you notice any space, apply weatherstripping or caulk as needed to keep your home cozy and energy-efficient during the Fall and Winter.
Service your HVAC system. To ensure your heating system runs smoothly throughout the colder months, have a professional come out to service your HVAC system. The technician will check for leaks, replace filters and make any necessary repairs to ensure your home stays warm and comfortable. Be sure to also change your air filter every month to keep your system in working order and remove impurities from the air.
Fireplace and chimney sweep. Having your fireplace and chimney cleaned will help remove blockages and built-up creosote from different parts of your chimney. If you haven’t used your fireplace in a while, pests may have built nests that could also clog the airways. Early Fall is the best time to take care of this maintenance task so that your fireplace is ready for the first fire of the season as the weather gets cooler.
Clean gutters and downspouts. Towards the end of the Fall season after leaves have fallen, inspect your gutters and downspouts – it is likely they are filled with leaves and debris. Clogged gutters and downspouts prevent the flow of water and can cause wood rot and pest infestations, which will likely result in the need for additional repairs. Again, if you don’t feel safe climbing a ladder, call a professional to come out and take care of this routine maintenance task.
Check hand-railings for safety. Check to make sure all porch and deck railings are sturdy and in good shape so that your house is in safe condition for you and your guests. Railings need to be safe to hold onto if the grounds become icy and slippery. While wintery weather isn’t something we normally see in Charleston, this might not be something that is often considered, so add this to your Maintenance Checklist to ensure your railings stay in tip-top shape year round.
Tidy up and decorate. Now that the not so fun parts of prepping your home for Fall are finished, take care of smaller items like tidying up your outdoor spaces such as your porches, yard and garden. Start by raking leaves, cleaning the patio furniture and preparing your garden for colder weather. Consider switching out your window box and front porch flowers, adding fall decorations like pumpkins and seasonal wreaths to your front porch for a warm welcome.
It’s much safer to be proactive with home repairs rather than discovering damage the hard and expensive way. If you’re thinking of selling your home and you need expert recommendations on how to prepare your home, a William Means agents will be happy to get your home ready to list!
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