There’s nothing quite like fall in Northern Virginia, with crisp air, colorful trees, and beautiful blue skies. It’s the perfect time of year to explore our region’s stunning country roads, visit corn mazes and pumpkin patches and check out fabulous fall festivals. Many of us also feel a burst of energy as the cooler weather arrives. We’re ready to tackle home projects and get organized. Early fall is the perfect time to think about home maintenance – indoors and out. Even if listing your home isn’t on your mind, routine maintenance and prevention enhance your home’s value and keep your home cozy and inviting. As we prepare our homes for fall weather, we focus on several areas:
- Getting ready for the cool, damp climate by weatherizing your home.
- Keeping indoor spaces safe and comfortable as temperatures fall.
- Keeping your home looking tidy and attractive inside and out as summer’s vibrance subsides.
How Can I Prepare My Home’s Interior for Fall?
As the fall chill sets in, we want to ensure our interiors are cozy, warm, and dry. Safety is also a priority as we crank up fireplaces and furnaces. Here are some tips for preparing our indoor spaces for fall:
- Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries as needed.
- Have your fireplace and chimney professionally cleaned for safety and air quality.
- Check windows and doors for drafts and leaks to cut energy bills and prevent water damage.
- Have your furnace inspected and have a professional test for carbon monoxide.
- Reset your programmable thermostat–or install one if you don’t have one.
- Check your attic for leaks or moisture.
- Test your generator if you have one, and make sure you have gasoline on hand.
- Purge and donate summer items and clothing you don’t use instead of storing them for next year.
How Can I Prepare My Exterior and Outdoor Space for Fall?
In Virginia, summer’s end doesn’t mean the end of outdoor living and entertaining. We can keep our outdoor spaces attractive and user-friendly well into the fall. Early fall is also the ideal time to ensure your home is weather tight and ready for cooler temps and wet weather. Here are some tips for preparing your lawn, landscape, and exterior:
- Drain and store garden hoses and turn off outdoor water sources.
- Clean your gutters and remove leaves and debris from summer rains.
- Check your drainage systems to prevent flooding.
- Clean up your yard and flower beds to keep your post-summer landscape neat and attractive.
- Early fall is the best time to fertilize your lawn to help it recover from dry August weather and provide nutrients for spring growth.
- Plant bulbs for spring flowers. Talk with your landscaper about varieties and color schemes.
- Complete a visual roof check from the ground and contact a roofing company to inspect if you have concerns.
- Check your trees for dead branches or limbs too close to utility lines.
- Talk with your landscaping company about fall pruning for shrubs and trees.
- Remove, clean, and store your summer patio furniture and cushions.
- Install or perform cleaning and maintenance on outdoor lighting to provide visibility and charm as days grow shorter.
Moving or Staying? Fall Maintenance is a Must
We often focus on curb appeal when we prepare to list our homes for sale. But the truth is, upkeep and maintenance keep your home attractive, comfortable, and cozy even when resale is not a priority. Taking care of routine maintenance also makes things much easier whenever you decide the time is right to sell your home. If putting your home on the market is in your plans, Yvonne Holland can help with the little details that bring top dollar in a changing environment. However, curb appeal is always a plus, even if you plan to stay long-term. The transition to fall offers the perfect opportunity to clean up, get organized and ensure your home is well-protected against the elements.
