Fall is here, bringing with it a new to-do list for property owners. Whether you have a renovation project in mind for your principal residence or an investment property, or you’re getting ready to rent or sell, fall is a wonderful time of year to get your home in perfect condition before the arrival of colder weather.
You might think that home renovations slow down after the summer months, but that’s not the case. Thanks to the milder weather, fall is the perfect opportunity to prepare your home for colder days. Use this time to get these fall maintenance and renovation projects done before it’s too late.
Enlist a Professional
If you’re planning to invest in home renovations to increase the resale value of your home, it’s wise to enlist the service of a real estate agent before any significant investment. An agent like the ones at Michael St. Jean Realty brokerage can help you determine where to put your dollars for the best return on your investment.
Fix Up the Roof
The last thing you’ll want to deal with during winter is roof damage. Your roof needs to be in the best possible shape to combat the wind, rain and snow that winter brings. Make sure to keep your roof clear of any fallen, wet leaves as these can collect and cause drainage issues on your roof.
Replace any missing shingles and fix other signs of damage before what starts as an eyesore turns into serious and expensive leaking problems down the line. You might not need to replace your roof now, but it’s a good idea to make these more minor repairs early to avoid leaks.
Replace Old Windows
If you’ve been thinking about replacing your window, fall is the best time to do it. With the winter temperatures coming, you want your home to be a cozy den rather than full of drafts. If you have old windows, especially single-pane windows, consider replacing them with double or triple glazed windows to improve insulation and reduce your energy costs.
Upgrade Furnace
The worst time to find out your heating system isn’t working is in the midst of cold temperatures. It’s not a bad idea to get your furnace serviced in the fall to avoid problems surfacing later on, but even if you don’t, turn on the heat early to test it. If it isn’t warming your house properly, call a maintenance professional as soon as possible.
If your furnace is 10 to 15 years old and generally takes longer to heat the house, it’s probably a good time for an upgrade.
New Insulation
Insulation is very popular in the fall, with preparations underway for winter. An autumn upgrade will leave you cozier come wintertime when the temperatures start to plummet. New insulation can also reduce the risk of mould, mildew, and dry rot that commonly form when the outside temperature becomes colder than the indoors, creating condensation in your home.
When it comes to making your home more comfortable or more valuable, it pays to get ahead on some key tasks and renovations in the fall before you settle in for the winter.
