Winter is coming. How can you tell I was binge watching Game of Thrones this week? While this phrase is the motto for House Stark on the TV series, it certainly reminded me that in my reality the warm sunny days of summer are fading fast and soon, I will look out my kitchen window marveling at the rainbow of colors which saturate the trees. Then one by one those beautiful leaves will fall to the ground and so will my mood as I get the garden rake out of the shed. Fall is the perfect time of year to get all of those home maintenance exterior DIY projects out of the way and begin on the interior ones which will keep you plenty busy until Spring rolls around again. Here are some areas in your home you will want to address before the snow starts swirling:
Drainage issues
When next spring comes, where will the melting snow go? Is your basement properly protected and are there any improvements you can make to drainage? Have tree roots caused damage to the foundation? You can gauge many issues from the previous spring but mostly you just need to look around. In the basement you can check for moisture by taping a garbage bag on the floor for a day. If the outline of the bag is left when you remove it, there’s moisture coming in.
Drafts
You might have enjoyed the breeze in the summer, but you don’t want it in winter, so check the seals on doors and windows. Your electricity and heating bills will thank you for this one. It doesn’t mean you have to replace everything, but there are numerous and affordable options at any hardware store that will make a difference as the temperature drops.
Cleaning
From air filters to gutters and garden equipment and tools, you need to plan for the winter and next summer when everything is in use again. Obstructions need to be cleared from gutters obviously before they fill with snow and ice, and outdoor equipment could be expensive to repair if it’s not serviced before idling for months.
Safety
Check that old paint hasn’t been left near a furnace or outside extension cords have become frayed or nicked. Check fire places or chimneys and heaters for any obstructions or dirt that could cause problems. It’s easy to let little things slide when your mind is on sun, sand and surf but these things can be a risk in winter when everything’s in use. Change your furnace filters and clean your kitchen range as well while you’re at it.
Spring clean
Spring clean in the fall – as well as garden and yard tidying, get your painting done now while you can still open windows for ventilation. If you’re considering a move in the winter, work on some of those improvements now before the days get darker and nights get colder. And even if you’re not moving, you’ll feel your home is more homely when you’re stuck indoors.
We can all learn a lesson or two as the fall season approaches from my Game of Thrones TV marathon. Embrace the attitude of the Stark family; as lords of the North, winter hits their lands hardest so they strive to diligently prepare for the coming snow. Being Canadian living in the land of snow and ice, we can certainly relate. So this weekend start checking off those To Do items on your list because nobody – not even a Stark – wants to be on a ladder outside in December.
Think you’re too busy to get all these done before the first snow fall or you’d rather soak up the sun on your vacation? eieihome has just the thing to check off your to-do list with our easy to navigate directory of service professionals, allowing you to find the handy-man, electrician, or plumbing professional to have your home ready for winter!
