It's Fall Y'All

Southern End Investments loves fall. The changing leaves, the brisk cool weather, Halloween, birthdays, anniversaries, there is so much to love about Fall! As fall approaches though we all move away from days spent enjoying our yard & the great outdoors to time spent enjoying the warmth and comfort inside of our home. Before you pack it in for those shorter days however there are some things you should do to keep up with your home, not just for possible resale, but for comfort, preventing problems & lower utility bills.

We have complied a list of outside tasks to help you:

Falling leaves can mean clogged gutters & downspouts. Clean these out so everything drains ok. Make sure all drains are away from the house or better yet drain into a rain barrel for future use.

Now is a great time to check all wood trim for damage either by wear & tear or bugs. If you discover a bug problem then call the exterminator. If it’s rot repair or replace. Fill any small holes, especially ones that could let in water, wind or pests.

Now is a good time to inspect the roof or have a licensed professional take a look. Fix anything that is broken & replace if it’s too far gone. You don’t want that collapsing due to a full snow load or any unwelcome visitors!

If you live in a cold weather area then you should wrap any exterior water pipes to prevent bursting. There are many products on the market that you can use, or have a professional wrap them for you.

A small thing you can do that makes a world of difference is making sure your door & window seals are still in good condition. Replace any that are cracked, brittle or missing.

Now is also a really good time to clean up the flowerbeds. Since everything is dying or dormant now is the time to divide any perennials & remove dead annual plants. This will save you time & keep your flower beds looking good & ready for spring.

Another outside project is to trim all dead tree branches or ones overhanging your home or outbuildings. This is for your safety as well as your properties when the wind blows.

Another thing to do with those trees is clean up the leaves. Whether you rake, mow, bag whatever get them up to protect your grass for the upcoming spring.

Check the exterior paint for chipping, pealing & fading. If you feel the house needs a fresh coat now is the perfect time to do that.

Your inside list is a little smaller but here it is:

An ounce of prevention goes a long way so change batteries in smoke & carbon monoxide detectors to keep your family safe.

As cold weather approaches we like the warmth of a roaring fire. So now is a good time to clean & have your wood burning fireplaces inspected for the upcoming usage.

Check your attic for insulation. Make sure you have the right amount & if not add some more. If it’s been moved around then put it back. Make sure attic vents are clear to allow warm air out.

Nothing to difficult but if you do these small things you'll gain long term rewards. Remember to enjoy the season & we'll see you next month!