6 home improvement projects to tackle this fall

Fall is an ideal time for homeowners to tackle home improvement projects and seasonal maintenance. Whether you’re taking a DIY approach or enlisting the help of experienced professionals, here are the best fall projects that will get your home ready for winter from the inside out.

[Photo Credit: Studio D]

1. Paint your front door
Get your porch ready for fall when you spruce up your entryway with a fresh coat of paint. The perfect DIY task for those not-too-cold autumn days, painting your front door is a relatively easy and budget-friendly fall home improvement project that will add a pop of personality to the exterior and enhance your home’s curb appeal.
 
2. Repair or update windows
Inadequately sealed windows make for a drafty home, which can lead to expensive heating bills in the winter. That means inspecting and repairing your windows should absolutely be on your fall home maintenance checklist. Now is the time to clean and lubricate window tracks, seal up any cracks with caulk, and replace old weather stripping as needed. If your windows are more than 15 years old or if you’ve noticed condensation build-up, it’s likely time to replace them with new energy-efficient windows.

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Time to repair or replace your drafty old windows?
Let YP find Window Repair & Replacement experts in your local area.

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3. Seed and feed your lawn
Fall is the best time to start a new lawn from seed, thanks to warm soil and cooler air temperatures. Plant new grass in September to give the seeds plenty of time to germinate and establish new roots in time before the ground freezes – and make sure to water frequently and thoroughly. Fall is also prime time to lay down fertilizer to thicken up your existing grass and fill in any bare spots, so you’ll have a perfect green lawn come springtime.
 
4. Prep fireplaces
If you’re lucky enough to have a gas or wood-burning fireplace in your home, you’ll want to make sure it’s in good working condition as part of your routine fall home maintenance. Get ready for cozy nights by the fire by hiring a chimney sweeping service to clean the flue and remove any built-up ash and debris. You’ll also need a professional to inspect and clean your fireplace to ensure it's functioning properly and safe to use this winter.

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Ready for a roaring fire this winter?
YP can locate a local Chimney Cleaning & Sweeping business to prep your fireplace for the cold-weather season.

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5. Insulate the attic
Insulating a drafty attic is one of the best fall projects to reduce heat loss and lower your winter heating bills. Even if your attic is already insulated, there may be areas you can top up with spray foam or cellulose insulation. An insulation expert can help identify what type of attic insulation will work best for your space and develop an insulation retrofit strategy to make your home more energy efficient.
 
6. Repair your roof
Even minor roof issues can become a major expense during a hard winter, so roof maintenance and repair is considered a critical fall home improvement project. Hire a professional roofing company to conduct a routine inspection and fix any leaks, worn or damaged shingles, and cracked flashing. A roofer will also be able to identify any trouble spots or issues that might cause problems down the road.

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Don’t trust yourself on a ladder?
Let YP find experienced Roofers in your local area to maintain and repair your roof.

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