Selling Reno And Sparks Real Estate Blog

The end of summer is upon us! So while it's still warm outside and the days are still long,  let's close out summer strong with this "End-Of-Summer" to-do list! September is the perfect month to get your home ready for fall & winter. Are you ready? Let's start now before the busy autumn season takes over.

Your End-Of-Summer To-Do List Starts Here:

Prep Your Furnace for Winter:

Yes, here in Reno, NV, it is still pretty hot outside and it's hard to imagine turning the furnace on. But you know what happens after the hot? Suddenly it's cold! Reno home owners, your furnace is likely to go on the blink in the heart of winter. Having your furnace surviced now will help prevent future breakdowns once the cold weather kicks in. Maintaining your furncace early will be more cost effective than those expensive emergency calls in the winter. And...our heating and cooling professionals are not as busy now as they were during those blazing hot summer days and our A/C units were giving out. If you need a HVAC referral, call me, I have a list of trusted prfessionals whom I can refer to you.

Clean And Store Summer Gear:

If you haven't done so already, clean and store summer toys and sports gear. Don't throw everything in the corner of your garage. Unwanted pets have a way of getting into your garage and eating some of your summer gear. It is better to label  and organzie everything you don't think you will be using during upcoming winter months in storage bins and place them on shelfs off of the floor. Take your time and clean as you put things away. You will be happy you did when it's time to drag everything out again in spring. If you need help organzing your garage, I have a perfect person to help you. 

Clean Your Gutters:

Cleaning your gutters is usally done right before summer but we recommend you cleaning them before winter. Do this as a preventive messure rather than during an emergengy situation. Most Reno homeowners don't even think about clearing gutters but it is crutial to keep them clear all year long, especially right before winter. Fact is, the gutters on  your home serve as a preventive measure keeping leaves, unwanted bugs and frozen water from destroying your gutters, causing them to sag, leak and cause major damage to your homes foundation. 

Inspect Your Roof:

Look for missing shingles, cracked or curling shingles, or areas where shingles are crumbling. For slate and tile roofs look for cracked and broken pieces. Check for wood rot and holes, espcially on flat roofs. Trim any tree branches away that are touching your roof.  Check for cracked caulking and rust spots on flasing. Make sure the facia is in good shape by keeping it primed and painted. If possible, check your attic for water spots that may be caused by a leaky roof. When it is time to replace your roof, call me for a list of  my favorite Reno Roofers.

Light the Fireplace And Clear the Chimney:

Depending on your location, a fireplace is a great attribute to any property. Check the fireplace and chimney to be sure they are clean and free of any debris. The fireplace flue and liners should also be cleaned to prevent the buildup of ash and soot. If your home includes a gas fireplace, simply test it to be sure it is in working condition. 

Protect the Deck, Patio & Porch Areas:

Clean away dust and debris from the surfaces of the deck, patio and porch areas. Look for signs of cracking, chipped painitng, or holes. Use wood putty or stone filler to repair any surgaces that have been damaged during the summer.  Be sure to repaint or stain the surface before the wet fall weather begins. 

Who is ever really ready for the bustle of fall & winter? But with your End-Of-Summer TO-Do-List under your belt, you'll be able to relax and enjoy these waning, summer nights. 

Looking for additional End-Of-Summer Tips & Advice? Here are a few good reads:

End Of Summer Countdown by freshome. 

The Busy Homeowners End Of Summer Checklist by homesense.

Preparing Your Home For Autumn by rismedia