Autumn in Saskatoon never seems to last quite long enough. One minute, we are enjoying warm afternoons and colourful leaves; the next, we are searching for the snow shovel. Taking care of a few important jobs now can help protect your home, prevent expensive winter surprises and make spring cleanup much easier.
Here are some things to add to your autumn home and yard checklist.
Outside the house
Clean the gutters and downspouts
Leaves and debris can prevent water from draining properly. Clean your gutters and make sure downspouts direct water away from the foundation. This can reduce the risk of ice buildup, leaks and drainage problems.
Check the roof
Look for missing, curled or damaged shingles, loose flashing and signs of wear around vents or chimneys. If you are not comfortable inspecting the roof yourself, consider having a professional take a look before snow arrives.
Inspect the exterior
Walk around your home and check the siding, foundation, windows and doors for cracks or gaps. Sealing small openings can help keep cold air, moisture and unwanted pests outside.
Drain outdoor water lines
Disconnect and drain garden hoses, shut off exterior water lines and empty outdoor faucets. If you have an underground sprinkler system, arrange to have it blown out before the first hard freeze.
Prepare outdoor equipment
Clean and store lawn furniture, garden tools, planters and seasonal decorations. Drain the fuel from equipment that will not be used over the winter or follow the manufacturer’s storage recommendations.
Inside the house
Have the furnace checked
A furnace inspection can help identify problems before the heating season is fully underway. Replace or clean the furnace filter and keep additional filters on hand for the winter.
Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
Test every alarm in the house and replace batteries if needed. Check the expiry dates as well, since the alarms themselves need to be replaced periodically.
Stop drafts
Check the weatherstripping around exterior doors and windows. Caulking gaps and replacing worn weatherstripping can make your home more comfortable and may help reduce heating costs.
Reverse ceiling fans
If your ceiling fan has a reverse setting, switch it to rotate clockwise at a low speed. This helps move warm air that has risen toward the ceiling back into the room.
Check the fireplace and chimney
Before using a wood-burning fireplace, have the chimney inspected and cleaned if necessary. Gas fireplaces should also be checked and serviced according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
In the yard
Take care of the lawn
Continue mowing until the grass stops growing. A final cut, along with fall fertilizer if appropriate for your lawn, can help prepare it for winter.
Deal with fallen leaves
Rake or mulch heavy layers of leaves so they do not smother the grass. Leaves can also be added to a compost pile or used as protective mulch in garden beds.
Prepare trees and shrubs
Remove broken or damaged branches and water trees and shrubs well before the ground freezes, especially newer plantings. Avoid major pruning unless the particular plant benefits from fall pruning.
Clean up garden beds
Remove diseased plant material and weeds, but consider leaving some healthy stems and seed heads for winter interest and wildlife. Protect tender plants as needed and plant spring-flowering bulbs before the ground freezes.
Get ready for snow
Check that your snow shovel, ice melt and snowblower are easy to access and ready to use. It is much nicer to discover a problem on a mild autumn afternoon than during the first major snowfall.
A little preparation goes a long way
You do not need to complete everything in one weekend. Start with the jobs that protect your home from freezing temperatures and water damage, then work through the rest while the weather cooperates.
A well-maintained property is easier to enjoy, less likely to develop costly problems and more appealing when it comes time to sell. If you are thinking about making a move, autumn can also be a good time to walk through your home with a real estate professional and identify any projects worth completing before listing.
Interested in how we can help you buy or sell in this market?
Contact Irwin Realty & Associates with Royal LePage Saskatoon Real Estate
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