As your family heads back to school, take some time to complete a few simple home repairs. Doing your “home”-work projects now will allow you to spend more time with your family and less time fixing, cleaning and repairing things this fall.
Get outside for some yard work
After a summer full of outdoor fun, it’s time to tidy the yard before winter comes. Clean and safely place any outdoor furniture in storage. Once the furniture is put away, give your deck or patio a good power washing. Bring your indoor plants back inside and prune your trees and shrubs to encourage healthy growth. You should also remove any leaves or debris from your gutters to avoid clogs or other drainage issues.
Inspect the driveway
While you’re outside, check your driveway and patch any cracks or potholes that may have resulted from the summer heat. You may also want to consider resealing your driveway in the fall to keep it smooth and even all year long. Sealing your driveway will also protect it from any winter snow or ice damage.
Organize your garage
Fall is an ideal time to clean the garage and clear out any unwanted items your family has collected over the summer. Invest in a good storage system that will keep you organized. Clear pathways around vehicles and doors. Move your rake or leaf blower to the front of the garage and consider placing holiday or winter items in an accessible spot for the coming season.
Install a remote thermostat
With the kids back in school, your home may now be unoccupied for a large portion of the day. Lowering your thermostat while the family’s away can provide substantial cost savings. Consider investing in a programmable thermostat if you don’t already have one. This will allow you to create custom temperature settings for the hours you are home and away.
Check and seal your windows
Proper insulation will not only keep your family comfortable, but it may also help to improve the overall energy efficiency of your home. Air drafts are often easy to spot. First, make sure your windows are tightly shut. Then, feel around the edges of your windows for air leaks. If you feel a draft, you can easily seal the leaks with do-it-yourself caulk or weatherstripping.
