Are Your Properties Ready for Fall?

Are Your Properties Ready for Fall?

All over the country we’re ready for some climate change, you know, that normal cooling off that happens this time of year. Are your properties ready? Rentals-Rehabs-Personal?

Here are 8 things you should do now:

1. Check the roof. Is your roof in good enough shape to make it through upcoming cold, wind, snow, ice? When doing a rehab, I like to replace the roof immediately when it needs it. Leaks and roof problems can ruin a great rehab!

2. Clean the gutters. As leaves are falling, clogged gutters increase the chance of wood rot and pest infestations. Make sure all gutters are securely fastened to soffits to prevent unnecessary leakage and damage, and keep them clean of debris.

3. Lawn maintenance. This is the time of year to cut back shrubs so the branches can heal before cold hits. It’s the perfect time for transplanting as well as aerating and reseeding. Be sure in-ground sprinklers are blown out and winterized before freezing temps hit.

4. Tune-up the furnace. Now, before the HVAC guys are booked up. You DO NOT want to turn on the heat when it gets cold inside, only to find that your system isn’t working. Plus, keeping the HVAC regularly serviced and at peak performance saves on heating and cooling bills, as well as prolongs the life of the unit.

5. Check your windows. Probably the number one place in any house for air loss is cracked, thin, and/or poorly fitted windows. Replace broken panes and make sure all seals are tight. To pass inspection, by the way, all windows must open and close securely and you want that in your home, too, for increased safety as well as insulation.

6. Add insulation. If you haven’t done it, have yours checked. It’s pretty simple to add more where needed or have additional insulation blown into walls, ceilings and attic. Don’t forget to check under the house. Tac up any fallen insulation strips and replace wet, damaged and missing sections.

7. Check door frames. Another common place for heat loss. Replace any rotted wood and make sure doors close and seal tightly. There are plenty of easy ways to fill in air gaps available at your local hardware stores.

8. Inspect the Fireplace. Yay, I love this time of year! Have your chimney checked for leaks and cracks. Have the flue cleaned of debris that could catch fire when you start burning this winter. Whether your fireplace is gas or burns real logs, now’s the time to have it prepped for winter use.

Are your properties ready? What can you add to this list?

 

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2 Comments

  1. Oh, thanks, Ashley!

  2. Thank you Karen, always appreciated!

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