End-of-Summer Home Maintenance: 7 Things Homeowners Should Do Before Fall

Summer may be winding down, but your home's maintenance list isn't quite finished yet!

Late summer is a great time to walk around your property, take a look at the things that have taken a beating during the spring and summer months, and handle a few maintenance items before cooler weather arrives.

The good news? Not everything on your home maintenance list has to be a major project. A little attention now can help prevent bigger - and potentially more expensive - problems later.

Here are 7 end-of-summer home maintenance tips to help get your home ready for fall.

1. Clean Out Your Gutters

Spring and summer storms can leave gutters filled with leaves, twigs, dirt, and other debris.

When gutters become clogged, rainwater can't properly drain away from your home. That can potentially lead to water overflowing near your roof, siding, or foundation.

Take a look at your gutters and downspouts and make sure they're clear and draining properly.

Homeowner Tip: Don't forget the downspouts! Make sure water is being directed away from the foundation of your home.

2. Trim Your Trees, Bushes & Shrubs

Take a walk around your yard and look closely at your landscaping.

Do you have bushes that have gotten a little out of control over the summer? Dead twigs or branches? Trees that need some attention?

Late summer can be a good time to clean things up and improve your home's curb appeal.

Removing dead or damaged growth can also help you spot potential issues before fall storms, wind, ice, and winter weather arrive.

And sometimes the best improvement is simply scaling those bushes back a little bit!

3. Check for Wasps & Other Pests

August can bring increased wasp activity, which makes this an important time to pay attention to what's happening around the exterior of your home.

Check areas such as:

• Roof overhangs and eaves
• Decks and porches
• Sheds
• Garages
• Around windows and doors
• Outdoor structures

If you discover a nest or significant pest activity, consider having it properly treated or removed.

You don't want to discover an unwanted roommate after it has turned into a much bigger problem!

4. Give the Exterior of Your Home a Good Cleaning

After months of rain, storms, pollen, dirt, and outdoor activity, the exterior of your home may need a little attention.

Depending on the materials around your home, this could include cleaning:

• Siding
• Sidewalks
• Driveways
• Decks
• Patios
• Natural stone
• Windows

A good exterior cleaning can make a surprisingly big difference in how your property looks.

It's one of those maintenance projects that can provide an almost immediate boost to your home's curb appeal.

Just be sure to use cleaning methods appropriate for each surface. Not every exterior material should be cleaned with high pressure.

5. Don't Forget Your Washer & Dryer

Some of the most important home maintenance items are actually inside your home.

Take a few minutes to look behind your washing machine.

Check the water supply hoses for signs of wear, cracks, bulging, or leaks. A small water leak can become a very expensive problem if it goes unnoticed.

Your dryer deserves some attention too.

Cleaning lint from the lint trap is important, but homeowners should also remember the dryer vent and ductwork. Lint buildup can reduce efficiency and, more importantly, contribute to a fire hazard.

A few minutes of preventative maintenance here can provide a lot of peace of mind.

6. Start Thinking About Your Furnace

You may not be thinking about turning on the heat while it's still warm outside - and that's exactly why this can be a good time to think about your furnace.

Instead of waiting for the first cold night of the year, check whether your heating system needs routine maintenance.

This is also a good opportunity to:

• Check or replace your HVAC filter
• Make sure vents aren't blocked
• Test your thermostat
• Check smoke detectors
• Check carbon monoxide detectors

It's much better to discover a problem now than when you're depending on your furnace to keep the house warm.

7. Check Your Fireplace

If your home has a fireplace, don't wait until the first cold evening to think about it.

Depending on the type of fireplace you have, routine maintenance may include checking the chimney, damper, ventilation, fireplace components, or having the system professionally inspected or cleaned.

If you're unsure when yours was last serviced, late summer or early fall is a great time to find out.

A Little Maintenance Now Can Prevent Bigger Problems Later

Homeownership comes with plenty of responsibilities, but preventative maintenance doesn't always have to be complicated.

Sometimes it's simply noticing the small things before they become big things.

Cleaning gutters, trimming landscaping, checking for pests, washing exterior surfaces, inspecting appliance connections, and scheduling routine HVAC or fireplace maintenance can all help protect your home.

These projects can also help keep your property looking its best - which matters whether you're planning to live there for another 20 years or considering selling in the future.

Thinking About Buying or Selling a Home?

Maintaining a home and understanding its condition are important parts of homeownership. They're also important when you're preparing to buy or sell.

If you're thinking about making a move in the Kansas City area, we'd be happy to answer your questions and help you understand what today's real estate market looks like.

The Brown Team at Sage Door Realty
We Have A Door That Fits Your Future.

Steve & Christina Brown