With falling temperatures on the horizon, autumn is slowly making its approach to the Carolinas. The change of season is a perfect time to clean or spruce up your yard and home while checking some to-dos off of your home’s annual maintenance list.

Yard + Curb Appeal Maintenance

The maintenance you put into your yard in fall can bring you both beauty and ease the following spring. Prune trees and shrubs, fertilize and reseed the lawn, and trim overgrown tree limbs (especially those that are getting too close to power lines or your home). 

Inspection Time

This is the perfect time to inspect the exterior parts of your home and make sure they are in working order. Clean gutters and downspouts and check that everything is draining properly; improper drainage can harm the exterior surfaces of your home and cause rust and corrosion. Examine your windows and storm doors for loose screens, broken glass or seals, or damaged stripping or caulking. If anything is damaged or needs updating for a proper seal from the incoming winter chill, replace or repair it as needed. 

Prep for the Cold

Your utility bill will thank you for ensuring your services are in working order before winter. Replace the HVAC filter and get your units serviced, check the pipes in your home for proper insulation, and make sure the fireplace flue is sealed to prevent cold air from entering. Locate the water shut-off valve in your home to prepare in case of freezing temperatures.

Inside the Home

As the end of the year looms closer, we all tend to spend more time indoors as the temperature drops. Ensure your home is both clean and comfortable - check off these tasks now so you can enjoy your space later. Deep clean appliances, run a cleaning cycle if applicable, inspect the dryer duct, and perform any routine maintenance to areas like countertops, ceiling fans, baseboards, and more. 

This list is just the start! Depending on your home and lifestyle, there may be even more to-dos to get your home where you would like it to be. If any of these projects call for more hands or time than you can commit, reach out to your trusted Helen Adams Realty agent for vendor recommendations for everything from lawn work, windows, inspections, home improvement, and more.