Shop Talk, Vol. 7: Fall Home Maintenance Projects to Do Before Winter

Portland’s fall season is dreamlike, with brightly-hued autumn foliage lining the city’s streets.

The air never feels as refreshing as it does on an October morning, and we think making use of these magical days is one of the best ways to work through your checklist of fall home maintenance projects. Here are the seasonal home care projects you should undertake.

Say ‘Goodbye’ to Summer Necessities

Summer has come and gone, and so has your need for many of the tools you’ve been using for upkeep. Before winter can catch you off-guard with harsh freezing conditions, be sure to turn off outdooring water systems – shutting off external faucets and draining any sprinkling or irrigation systems.  Be aware that underground irrigation lines can freeze as well, leading to broken pipes and sprinkler heads. In addition, store your hoses and lawn mowers and, if you have a gas-fueled mower, be sure to add fuel stabilizer to prevent degradation of your mower’s internal system.

Take Care of Leaks

A simple task with a big payoff, sealing up any leaks on your home’s exterior is one of the most important projects to complete during the fall. Taking caulk around the perimeter of your home, carefully inspect for any gaps or cracks around pipes, frames and wires. Filling these cracks is a great money-saver – and, when the cold sets in – you’ll be grateful you did!

Reverse the Direction of Your Fan

Your ceiling fans should change direction in accordance with the season. In winter months, be sure your fan is set to a clockwise rotation, which helps redistribute warm air around the room. In warm months, set it to a counter-clockwise rotation to create a cooling sensation.

Clear Out Your Gutters

Over the course of the fall and winter seasons, it is common for this foliage to create blockages in your gutter, impairing its ability to properly direct water away from your home. Left unaddressed, improper drainage can result in extensive water damage to your foundation and roof. Proper gutter maintenance helps prevent damage to your home’s structure and landscaping, which can result in savings exceeding $10,000..

These fall home maintenance projects will work to keep your home in tip-top shape throughout the testing winter months. For projects that require some external help, let Aryne + Dulcinea connect you with one of their local home repair experts!

About Us:
Over the course of their professional partnership, Aryne + Dulcinea have helped over 200 clients prosper in their new lives. During this time, they have prided themselves in their top-notch selling abilities, with homes outperforming market standards, consistently exceeding list price while most of their listings sell in under 7 days. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell, Aryne & Dulcinea will work in collaboration to guide you in investing in your future and reaching your real estate goals.

 

Shop Talk Vol. 4: Summer Home Maintenance Projects You Should Prioritize

Portland’s recent heatwave has residents withering, but summer isn’t completely brutal. In fact, the season is particularly beneficial for home owners, who can use the long days and dry conditions to complete their to-do list of summer home maintenance projects.

Paint the Exterior of Your Home

Summer is the ideal time of year to finally get around to painting the exterior of your home. Warm days and limited temperature fluctuation ensure the paint dries consistently, helping to avoid frustrating issues such as peeling and cracking. Painting your homes exterior will help to improve resistance to tumultuous winter weather. Additionally, a fresh coat of paint will increase the curb appeal and market value of your home!

Top Off Your Mulch

A simple task with a big payoff, mulching is another project sure to boost your home’s curb appeal and value. Adding a new layer of mulch helps to prevent growth of invasive plants while retaining moisture in the soil. These conditions are great for your plants and will allow them to flourish all summer long!

Clean Off Your Screens

Seasons of heavy rain and pollen can take a toll on your windows and screens. Be sure to prioritize their cleanup during the summer months, as clean screens help to promote the quality of your home’s air. To rejuvenate your screens, remove them from the window pane and scrub them using soapy water and a sponge. While your screens airdry, take a fresh bucket of soapy water or a bottle of glass cleaner to your window exteriors.

Reverse the Direction of Your Fan

Your ceiling fans should change direction in accordance with the season. In warm months, be sure your fan is set to a counter-clockwise rotation. This creates a cooling sensation as air gets pushed in a downward motion. In winter months, a clockwise rotation will help to redistribute warm air around the room.

Replace Your Air Filter

If you’re relying on an air conditioning system to beat the heat, be sure to change your air filter throughout the summer. Some HVAC experts from phs Warner Howard even recommend changing the filter once a month during peak seasons. Ensuring a clear air filter will reduce buildup and decrease the likelihood of debris causing damage to your system.

These summer home maintenance projects will work to keep your home in tip-top shape throughout the seasons to come. For projects that require some external help, let Aryne + Dulcinea connect you with one of their local home repair experts!

 

About Us:
Over the course of their professional partnership, Aryne + Dulcinea have helped over 200 clients prosper in their new lives. During this time, they have prided themselves in their top-notch selling abilities, with homes outperforming market standards, consistently exceeding list price while most of their listings sell in under 7 days. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell, Aryne & Dulcinea will work in collaboration to guide you in investing in your future and reaching your real estate goals