Ideas for Fall Home Projects
Fall is finally here, and while the season is best known for pumpkins and bonfires, it’s also the perfect time to tackle home renovation projects. With the cooler weather and shorter days, many of us are spending more time indoors. Now is a great time to get your home ready for the long winter.
Here are some of the best ideas for fall projects that will serve you well this season and beyond.
Re-caulk windows and doors
Unsealed or poorly sealed windows leave your home vulnerable to water, drafts, and bugs. Take a day this fall to tackle exterior caulking and sealing. Sealing drafty windows and doors can have a huge impact on your heating bill this winter. By keeping cold air out, your home will remain comfortable all season long.
When re-caulking, be sure to remove the existing caulk first to get a solid seal.
Power wash your home
Spring and summer can take a toll on your home’s exterior. The heat and humidity create the perfect environment for mold and mildew to grow. Power washing removes any gunk on your home’s siding and will give your home a clean glow.
When using a power wash, make sure that you’re using the right cleaning solution as well as the right power settings. Using the wrong solution or settings can strip paint and erode stone.
Clean and seal your deck
If you have a wood deck, now is a good time to make sure it's in good shape for next summer's outdoor gatherings and BBQs. Walk around and check for boards or railing that is cracked or warping. These should be replaced, as the harsh winter will only cause more damage.
You can check if your deck is well-sealed by spraying water on it. If any of the water soaks into the boards, your deck needs to be resealed.
Other tips for protecting your deck during the winter include:
Filling cracks with wood filler
Checking for loose nails and screws
Applying a water-repelling stain
Taking care of your deck in the fall and winter means it will be primed and ready for spring and summer.
Paint your front door
This is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to boost your home’s curb appeal. Even if you have no plans of selling, a freshly painted door can give your home’s exterior a totally different ambiance.
Fall is the perfect season for exterior painting projects. A new coat of paint hides any scuffs or imperfections on your door. Don’t be afraid to go bold! While neutral colors like black and blue are nice, reds and deep yellows are trending this year.
Re-paint interior molding and trim
Chances are that you haven’t repainted your home’s interior molding and trim in years, if ever. Over time, trim is known to become dirty, dusty, and a little dingy. Applying a fresh coat of white paint will give any room in your home a clean, crisp look.
Paint carefully or hire a professional to avoid uneven finishes and drips.
Repair and replace wood
Spring and summer are known for being damp and humid, which can wreak havoc on exterior wood. Fall is the perfect time to repair and replace wood that is bowing, cracked, or mildewed. Check areas such as:
Porch
Siding
Window casings
Door frame
While wood repair doesn’t pack a visual punch, it’s a must do. Not addressing rotting or problematic wood immediately can lead to thousands of dollars in damage and repairs later on down the line.
Rotting wood can begin to break and sag, especially during the winter. Rotting wood near door frames and windows may let moisture in, which increases the risk of mold and mildew.
Clean out your gutters
Falling leaves are nice to look at, but they’re not so great when they clog up your gutters. While no one enjoys any project that involves leaves, it’s best to deal with your gutters now before the cold weather sets in.
Clean gutters that are free of leaves and other debris minimize the risk of water damage due to poor drainage.
Tend to your landscaping
Putting down another layer of mulch in your gardens during the fall is the best way to protect your shrubs and perennials until spring. Mulch protects the base and roots of plants so that they’re strong and healthy when the warmer weather comes back.
Mulching is much more enjoyable without the blistering summer sun!
Fall is also a good time to trim problem trees and bushes. Inspect shrubs and trees around your home and cut any dying or low-hanging branches that could cause damage.
Do a simple HVAC checkup
You don't always need a professional to ensure your HVAC is in good shape. Checking your HVAC in the fall greatly lowers the risk of being stuck with a broken furnace during the dead of winter.
Some of the best tips for HVAC maintenance include:
Cleaning the outdoor unit by removing debris and ensuring proper air flow
Checking air filters and replacing as needed
Schedule a tune-up if anything seems out of order
Make sure your roof is in good shape
Your roof is subject to everything Mother Nature brings, including heat, wind, rain, and everything in between. With winter right around the corner, use this time to replace loose, damaged, or missing shingles.
Problematic shingles are not only an eyesore, they can turn into a serious leaking problem if left unaddressed. Winter brings ice, snow, and cold winds, which means your roof needs to be in tip-top shape to protect your home.
Hire a professional for larger projects
Have a large home renovation project to tackle before winter comes? Want peace of mind that everything is done right? Once you’ve tackled the smaller projects listed in this post, hire Home RX Chattanooga to take on the big-time projects you’ve been dreaming of completing. As a trusted home renovation contractor, we know the ins and outs of the large scale projects you’ve been wanting to tackle.
Ready to get started? Contact us to learn more about our services and to discuss your fall project needs.