After a summer of fun and frolicking under the sun, autumn is the best season for making home repair improvements. Why you may ask? Aside from having fewer responsibilities to enjoy the holidays, your home needs to be in tip-top shape come wintertime. Nobody wants to do home maintenance under cold temperatures. It doesn’t have to be as daunting as it seems especially with this handy home maintenance checklist. You best be prepared, winter is coming.
- Check appliances for cleaning and repairs.
It is a necessity to check major household appliances that are constantly in use. Check ovens for clogged burners or gas line misfires. Ensure that water lines are correctly allowing water in and out of dishwashers. The refrigerator should be checked if it is cooling properly to keep food from spoiling. Clothes washer and dryer cleaning should be done to avoid lint buildup. Call appliance repair services if you notice something off.
- Reseal walkways and driveways.
Walkway and driveway resealing provide a protective barrier against cold winter temperatures. It’s a necessary move to make if you want to avoid costly repairs. During winter, water can penetrate the existing cracks on your walkway/driveway causing further damage. Resealing is best done during spring or autumn when temperatures are more neutral than during summer or winter.
- Inspect your roof and gutters.
Walk around outside of your home and peek through a pair of binoculars to make sure that your roof doesn’t have issues that need fixing. Watch out for loose shingles and rusting. While you’re at it, check to see if your gutters aren’t clogged. Keeping your roof and gutters in good condition before and throughout the cold weather protect your home from interior leaking. Remember, the goal is to stay warm and dry.
- Clean out the garage.
Come winter, you won’t be pulling out your golf clubs, lawn mower, grill, and other outdoor equipment anytime soon. You’ll have to store these all away. Avoid a cluttered garage by cleaning the whole area out. Use bins and racks to keep your things organized so you wouldn’t have to be searching high and low for anything you’ll need for spring.
- Be on the lookout for gaps and holes.
You’re not the only one who will try to keep warm and cozy during winter. Rodents will also want to find shelter from the cold temperatures. So don’t forget to fill in any gaps and holes inside your home where they can possibly enter. By doing so, you’ll be saving your home from an infestation of rats and mice. The last thing you’ll want is critters scurrying about in your house.
