We are so glad you chose a Patterson home, and we know that sometimes maintaining a home can be really overwhelming. Sometimes the little projects pile up, and you just don’t know where to start or you are afraid you are leaving out something that is really important. As the weather gets cooler, it’s the perfect time to get ready for the winter. Here are some tips we’ve gathered to help you stay on track this fall.
Outdoor Tasks:
- Clean gutters and downspouts, and inspect roof and chimney for cracks and damage. Seal cracks and leaks around the exterior of the home with color-matched, exterior caulk.
- Rake leaves and shred to use as mulch or dispose of them based on local guidelines. Prune plants and trees so that they are not touching your home.
- Clean and store your mower. Fall is also a good time to fertilize and winterize your lawn.
- Remove hoses and drain and store indoors, coiled and flat. Weatherproof or cover your outdoor faucets and check for leaks. If you have an irrigation system, drain the hoses so that they don’t freeze in the winter.
- Store outdoor furniture and cushions. Clean and test outdoor lighting; replace bulbs as needed.
Indoor Tasks:
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors when you set clocks back in the fall. Also check the expiration date on your fire extinguisher.
- Have furnace professionally inspected so that it is ready to go when the weather gets cold. Check your fireplace and stock up on wood if needed.
- Dust blinds and vacuum or wash curtains throughout your house.
- Clean kitchen and bathroom cabinets and throw away outdated food, medicine and cosmetics.
We hope this list helps get you started. Remember that your new home came with a home warranty. So check your warranties to see what might still be covered. One of the advantages of building a new home is that you hopefully have less maintenance, and we hope it stays that way for a long time.