While fall is officially here, it’s hard to believe with the warm temps in North Texas when you walk outside. There’s lots to do, both indoors and out, to prepare for fall and winter, so why not take care of those chores while the weather is still nice? We have a few suggestions that will help you get your home prepared now, so you can enjoy the upcoming holidays and relax.
Here are a few easy steps you can take to get the interior of your home ready:
Inspect your windows and doors for any air leaks. The tiniest gap or crack can result in drafts and higher energy bills, so use weatherstripping and caulk to keep the warm air indoors, and the cold air outside, where it belongs.
Make sure your furnace is ready. Before you turn it on for the first time, give your furnace a quick once-over and change the filter. You may want to consider contacting your HVAC contractor for a pre-season check-up so you can avoid any unexpected surprises.
If you don’t have one, create a makeshift “mudroom.” Dedicating an entryway is a great way to make sure the mud, dirt, and wet shoes stay in one small area rather than making a mess throughout your home. Add a coat rack, shoe rack, and of course, a good rug, to capture most of the moisture and mud. You may also want to consider a bench to sit on to remove or put on shoes/boots, or for storing backpacks.
If you have a fireplace, now’s the time to gather firewood and make sure the chimney is clean. You’ll also want to check the flue to make sure it’s operating as it should.
And now for the outdoors…
Clean out the gutters. This is usually the most dreaded job of all, but it’s necessary, not only to ensure water drains away from your home properly, but to check that your roof is in good repair while you’re up there. If any damage is evident, or shingles are broken or missing, you can make minor repairs or call a professional roofer to take care of the problem.
Want beautiful spring flowers next year? The time to plant bulbs is now. Spring is a glorious time of year, and you’ll be glad you went to the effort when those gorgeous daffodils and tulips start peeking out!
Clean up the outdoors. From lawn chairs and tables to gardening tools and decks or patios, it’s time to give everything a good cleaning. Decks, patios, and lawn furniture get grimy, dusty, and downright dirty over the spring and summer months. By cleaning it now, it will be ready for use next spring.
Given the weather is still fairly warm, you may still be using outdoor plumbing for watering the flower garden. When temperatures cool and plants begin to go dormant, be sure to drain the sprinklers and faucets, then cover them to protect from freezing when cold weather finally arrives.
Do these things and you’ll be prepared for the fall and winter seasons, leaving you time to relax and focus on preparing for the holidays.
Still haven’t found the home of your dreams? North Texas is a favorite destination of home buyers for a multitude of reasons. Whether in Frisco, Lantana, Corinth, Ft. Worth, or any community in the Dallas metro area, our DFW real estate professionals can help you find that special home you dream of calling your own. Give us a call today!
