Pumpkin patches, corn mazes, football games–when we think of the fall, our minds always take us to our own favorite parts of the season. However, we bet it’s safe to assume that, when you think of the fall, “home projects” is one of the last things that comes to mind.
However, for homeowners across the US and beyond, the autumn months bring an opportune time to complete certain tasks around the home. Curious what those might be, exactly? Keep reading as the House Hacks Tips team shares our favorite projects for homeowners to complete during the fall season.
Clean Up Your Yard
With cooler weather comes an opportunity to prep your yard to grow back lusher and healthier in the spring. Water your yard regularly, and rake and clean up debris about once per week to keep your yard tidy, and to avoid having to pack all your yard cleanup into one grueling weekend.
Prep your yard for the fall with these tips!
Clear Your Gutters
When trees shed their leaves in the fall, they have to land somewhere, which often includes your gutters. By not clearing out your gutters in the fall, they can quickly clog up, leading to rainwater pooling on your roof, potentially causing roof rot and mold.
Thankfully, this can all be prevented with proper care and twice-a-year maintenance of your gutters and downspouts. Spend a few hours one weekend clearing the debris from your gutters, and by your foundation’s downspouts, before too much debris accumulates, to save yourself the headache and expenses of the latter.
Read our step-by-step instructions for cleaning your gutters and downspouts
Repair Your Attic
The last thing any homeowner wants to do on a hot summer day is climb up to the attic (heat rises, afterall). If your attic has a leak, or needs insulation, take advantage of the cooler weather in the fall to complete any ”upstairs” projects before the harsh winter weather sets in.
Refresh Your Carpet
Unlike summer, when heat and humidity is at its strongest, fall’s cool, dry air makes it the best time to clean your carpets and allow them to air-dry.
Hire a local carpet cleaner, or rent a machine yourself at the local hardware store, to clean out dirt, debris, and stains that accumulate on carpets with everyday life. Whatsmore, you’ll also be helping to improve your indoor air quality by cleaning out dust and dander—just what you want as you prepare to spend more time indoors during the cooler months.
Check your Water Heater
When the temperatures go down, appliances like your water heater are naturally used more often. Stay ahead of the colder months to come by checking your water heater now, and flushing it of built up sediment so it’s in tip-top shape to provide hot water all winter long.
Check Your Chimney
The average home should have their chimney swept after about 80 or so fires. A quick way to tell if yours needs cleaning is to take a fireplace poker and run it along the inside of your chimney. If you find a 1/8-in. layer (or more) of buildup, it’s time to call in a cleaner, especially if you plan to use your fireplace this fall and winter.
We’d never suggest spending the entire season dedicated to home projects (you do enjoy a pumpkin spice break or two, afterall!). However, by planning out a few home projects throughout the season, you’ll be able to stay on top of your home maintenance to-do list, while maintaining the curb appeal, and equity, of your most prized asset–your home!
