While many of us associate home improvement tasks with the new year and spring cleaning, the months following summer are perfect for getting some tweaks done. In truth, there are specific tasks that must be finished before winter arrives, such as those that make your house cozier or more welcoming to holiday visitors. Some smaller maintenance tasks can also improve your home’s longevity.
Here are some autumn house improvements to wrap up before Santa Claus shows up.
Update Your Insulation
As insulation settles over time, it might leave certain areas of your house unprotected from the cold. Inspect the insulation in your home’s attic, garage, and other places where cold air could enter, such as vents and light fixtures.
If you own a metal building, such as a barn or barndo, consider insulating it before winter comes. How to insulate an existing metal building is a question you should be asking before winter. The process isn’t much different from insulating a regular building but requires more preparation. It’s advisable to contact professionals before starting DIY insulation since the process can be complicated, especially if existing insulation is present.
Check Your Heating System
Call a professional to check your furnace or heat pump to ensure it is clean, in working order, and operating at maximum efficiency. They should also check for carbon monoxide leaks during the inspection.
You don’t want to be the 200th person in line for repairs on the coldest day of the year, so take care of it as soon as possible. Choose a heating and cooling company with experienced professionals.
Pool and Patio Remodel
The pool is the perfect place to spend a hot summer day. When the weather cools down in autumn, it’s an excellent time for substantial pool and patio maintenance, redesign, or installation.
Since pool repair professionals are in great demand during the summer, autumn is their off-season. Their schedules lighten up significantly, making them more accessible for your pool makeover. Costs tend to be lower during this period as well. Include pool-related items on your autumn home improvement list and contact only the best professionals.
Similarly, renovating a patio or deck in autumn means it will be ready for use in spring, avoiding the busy spring and summer seasons.
Declutter Your Garage
Most people don’t use their garages only for parking. It’s often a place to keep garden equipment, toys, and off-season clothes. It can also be a mini-workshop for DIY home improvement tasks.
With the impending arrival of snow and ice, it’s essential to provide space for your cars. Parking in the garage protects your vehicle from the weather, extending its lifespan. Start cleaning and rearranging the garage now to keep your automobile in a dry, warm place all winter.
Maintain Your Lawn
Lawn mowers can make your yard look better, so keep mowing if your lawn seems healthy. The late summer weather is ideal for grass growth. For a tighter cut, lower your mower’s cutting height and mow more often, at least once a week.
Remove no more than a third of a grass leaf at a time to prevent wilting. When grass growth slows down in autumn, prepare your lawn for winter by increasing the mower’s height setting.
These renovations to squeeze in before winter can make your home more comfortable and better prepared for the colder months.