10 Tips for Fall Home Prep
Autumn is a beautiful time of year in the Bitterroot Valley and Missoula area of Montana. Leaves are changing color and the weather is cooling down. Now is the perfect time to prepare your home so you can enjoy the turning leaves and pumpkin harvest. Preparing ahead will give you peace of mind as our harsh Montana winter approaches, often suddenly and unexpectantly. Here are our top ten tips to prepare your home for the fall season.
Clean Gutters
Cleaning and repairing your gutters may seem unimportant. But waiting can result in costly repairs like damaged exterior siding, foundation problems, and basement flooding. Gutters should be cleaned out at least twice a year, in the spring and late fall. Cleaning them keeps them debris free. If you have trees close to your roof line you should clean your gutters more often and consider installing gutter guards to prevent build up. Repair or replace any damaged gutters to prevent exterior damage to your home.
Flores Remodel can clean your gutters, install gutter shields, as well as repair and replace damaged gutters.
2. Inspect Roof
Fall is the ideal time to inspect your home, garage, and shed or outbuilding roofs. If you discover damage repair it as soon possible.
We can assess your roof and do minor roof repairs as needed.
3. Do Exterior Repairs
Don’t put off repairing the exterior of your home, including damaged siding. Replace damaged siding and repair gaps and holes. Otherwise you risk mildew, wood rot, and pests.
We can replace damaged siding and caulk any gaps or holes, as well as paint siding.
4. Inspect Doors and Windows
Check all of your windows and doors for rotten components, deteriorated areas, damaged weather stripping, or any gaps that will let in drafts or pests. Make necessary replacements or repairs and caulk any gaps.
Flores Remodel installs new windows, doors, and storm doors. We can also replace just a door frame, repair damage from weather or pests, caulk gaps, or install new weather stripping around your doors.
5. Check Outdoor Lighting
The days are getting shorter. It’s important that your outdoor lighting works and is adequate during the extended dark hours of winter. You should consider adding more outdoor lighting for safety if needed.
We can help you assess your lighting needs for the upcoming dark months.
6. Winterize Outdoors
Have your sprinkler system blown out for the season and disconnect garden hoses. Shut off and insulate outside faucets and sprinkler system. Winterize and store away summer lawn equipment, vehicles, furniture, or tools to protect them from the elements. Consider adding new storage to your garage/outbuildings to make more room during winter months.
Flores Remodel winterizes sprinkler systems and outside faucets. We can also help you organize your garage, shed, and outbuildings, as well as install storage solutions to maximize your space.
7. Prepare Driveway and Walkways
Clear your driveway and walkways for winter storms. Repair any holes and divert water that will cause dangerous ice slicks. Make sure to have snow shovels, ice melt, and sand on hand.
We can help you winterize your driveway and walkways for winter.
8. Get a New Coat for Fall
Fall is a great time to add a fresh coat of paint to your exterior walls, front door, and trim. A fresh coat of paint seals and helps winterize your exterior for the winter.
Flores Remodel can freshen up your exterior with a paint job. Let us make your home brighter for the upcoming holidays.
9. Fall Yard Clean Up
Get your yard and garden cleaned up before it’s too late. Trim back trees, shrubs, and flowers as needed. Mulch leaves into your lawn as you mow. Clear out your garden for next spring. Remove any garbage or debris from your yard to prevent any unecessary danger during winter.
We can remove your junk for you. Whether it’s yard debris, house or garage junk, we’re happy to get rid of it for you.
10. Service Systems
Winter can be long in Montana. Safety check and service your furnace, heating system, and fireplace. Change your furnace filter and smoke/carbon monoxide alarm batteries.
Flores Remodel can change your filters and check your alarms for batteries.
Don’t hesitate to contact Flores Remodel, your local handyman and remodeling service. We are happy to serve the Bitterroot Valley and Missoula area of Montana.