The 5 Most Important Home Improvement Projects for Fall

With fall right around the corner, it is time to start considering how you can make your home more comfortable and cozy as the temperature begins to drop and you start spending more time indoors. While spring is typically known as the home improvement season, at Windows on Washington we believe fall is also the perfect time to get those important home improvement projects ticked off while the weather is still mild. You likely have an endless home improvement to-do list, so how do you know where to start? Which home improvement projects are the most important to get done for fall? In this article, we offer our top four home improvement projects to get your home ready for the cooler months ahead. 

1. Check Your Roof 

When improving your home for fall, the best thing you can do is start at the top and work your way down. The first thing is to check your roof to make sure it is not damaged, cracked or buckled. You also should inspect the flashing around plumbing vents, skylights and the chimney. If you do find any damage, speak to a home improvement professional to find what the best solution will be to repair it before winter arrives. 

2. Clean Your Gutters 

If your home is near deciduous trees, ensure your gutters are clear of leaves or other debri, you may need to check your gutters several times throughout fall, to make sure they remain clean and clear before winter arrives.  Did you know your home’s gutters divert thousands of gallons of water every year? That is why it is important to keep water flowing away from your house and not into it. If you notice any cracks or other major damage, call a professional home improvement contractor to get them repaired as soon as possible

3. Inspect Your Windows and Doors

Your home’s windows and doors are vital to the overall comfort and energy efficiency of your home. Fall is the perfect time to check all your windows and doors and make sure they are in good condition and working as intended. At the same time do a quick check on the caulking and give it some needed touch-ups. Sometimes, windows and doors cannot be fixed with caulking, especially if they are old. Old windows and doors can allow the cooler outside air to leak in and your warm inside air to leak out, which can increase your heating bill. Replacing your old windows and doors during fall with newer materials and technology will ensure your home is more energy efficient, comfortable and ready for the cooler weather. 

4. New Siding or Power Washing

Inspecting your home’s siding is another essential home improvement project for fall. Siding is essentially a facelift for your home, with the added benefits of helping to lower your utility bills and keep your home comfortable year-round. Here are some signs your siding needs to be replaced. New siding significantly enhances the curb side appeal of your home, however, it is on the more expensive side of home improvement projects. If it is not in this year’s budget, consider thoroughly washing the exterior of your house instead to remove any stains or mildew and make your home shine. Having your home's exterior and windows power washed won't just make your home look sharp, it also will prevent the growth of mold and mildew that feed on grime.

5. Seal Gaps and Insulate 

Nothing makes your home more uncomfortable during fall and winter than a draft that just will not go away. If you find your home is draftier than usual, it might be because your home is leaking air in places you did not even know air could leak into. It might also be because your home is not properly insulated. If this is the case, it is a good idea to get a professional home energy audit done to review your home’s caulking and weather stripping. The auditor will likely look inside your attic and around your home to see how well insulated it is, and will be able to advise whether you need more insulation. They will also be able to advise you on the places you need additional caulking and weather stripping. 

While there are several big projects on this list, do not be overwhelmed. Start with the one project your home needs the most and slowly tick the others off if need be. Just getting a head start on one of these important home improvement projects for fall will make a world of difference to your home and how energy efficient it is during the cooler months.