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🍂 Fall Home Maintenance: Protect Your Home Before Winter Hits 🏡

 


As the days grow shorter and the temperatures start to drop, fall is the ideal time to prepare your home for winter. A little effort now can prevent costly repairs, improve energy efficiency, and keep your home safe and comfortable all season long.

🔧 Key Areas to Address

🏠 Roof and Gutters

  • What to Do: Clean gutters and downspouts to prevent clogs that lead to water damage or ice dams. Inspect the roof for missing or damaged shingles.

  • Cost: $150–$300 for professional gutter cleaning; roof inspection may run $150–$400.

  • Benefit: Prevents leaks, structural damage, and costly emergency repairs.

🔥 Heating System

  • What to Do: Have your furnace inspected, replace filters, and test your thermostat. Consider duct cleaning if it’s been several years.

  • Cost: Furnace inspection $80–$150; new filters $10–$40; duct cleaning $300–$500.

  • Benefit: Lowers energy bills, improves air quality, and reduces the risk of furnace breakdown in freezing weather.

🪟 Windows and Doors

  • What to Do: Check seals, replace weatherstripping, and caulk gaps. Install storm windows if you have them.

  • Cost: Weatherstripping $50–$150 per door/window; caulking $30–$100.

  • Benefit: Cuts heating costs by up to 20% and keeps cold drafts out.

🌳 Exterior Maintenance

  • What to Do: Trim back trees and shrubs away from your house. Store hoses, shut off outdoor faucets, and cover them to prevent freezing.

  • Cost: Tree trimming $200–$500 (depending on size); faucet covers $10 each.

  • Benefit: Prevents frozen pipes, water damage, and storm-related damage from falling branches.

🪵 Chimney and Fireplace

  • What to Do: Schedule a chimney sweep and inspect for cracks or creosote buildup.

  • Cost: $150–$350 for cleaning.

  • Benefit: Reduces fire hazards and ensures safe, efficient heating.

🚨 Safety Checks

  • What to Do: Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, replace batteries, and keep fire extinguishers handy.

  • Cost: Batteries $10–$20; new detectors $25–$60 each.

  • Benefit: Provides peace of mind and protects your family in case of emergencies.

💡 Why It Matters

Fall maintenance may feel like a chore, but it’s a smart investment. Spending a few hundred dollars now can save you thousands in emergency repairs later. Plus, it boosts comfort, safety, and even your home’s resale value.

Think of it as giving your home a warm coat before winter arrives. 🧥🏡❄️

____________________________________________________________________________

Whether buying, selling, or seeking valuable insights into the market, I'm here to be your trusted guide in the dynamic world of real estate. Feel free to contact me for a confidential discussion, where we can explore your goals, address any questions, and navigate the exciting path of real estate together. Your real estate journey is unique, and I am committed to providing personalized assistance tailored to your needs. Don't hesitate to connect. 

Dani | 734-623-9442 | dani@danihallsell.com

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