Real EstateCharleston Real Estate: Home Improvements for the Fall

Fall is approaching and it’s time to make ready for old man winter. Although it still feels like summer here in Charleston, SC, while you’ve been playing at the beach, the elements and mother nature herself haven’t taken a vacation.  And she’s is making a steady march into the fall!  That means now is the time to perform a few needed maintenance tasks that will prepare your home for the transition into fall and the first chilly nights of the winter.

Here are a few tips and tricks to get ready:

• Clean out your gutters.  Leaves and debris cause back-ups and this can lead to water getting into your home. Simply scrape out the gutters, run water through them and make sure they drain property. This is also a good time to check for leaks in the seams. Water leaks, unlike the proverbial “squeaky wheel ” are the silent perpetrators of corrosion, mold growth, and termite infestation!
• Check window sills and doors for drafts.  You want to make sure the outside air stays out and vice versa. An easy trick is to take a lighted incense stick and hold it near the door or window and check for air movement. Have the caulk and weatherstripping on hand to fill-in and close any gaps.  While you are at it, spray some dry lube on all those hinges so they keep working in to next year.
• Have your furnace or heating unit checked-out. Sediment build-up can reduce efficiency and cost you more in the long run. Remember to change your furnace filters monthly!
• Might as well check the air ducts! Out of sight/out of mind but while you are looking at your heating, check the ducts for leaks, and make sure the seams are attached. There are several options out there for the “do-it-yourselfers “. Don’t forget to check ducts in the crawlspace, it’s forgotten most times. 
• As daylight savings ends and days become shorter, make sure your outdoor lights are working. There are loads of energy saving options from LED to automatic shut off fixtures, some with motion detectors. Well-lit outdoor areas helps minimize stumbles and accidents as you leave or return home at night, as well as deters intruders.

Note: Readying your home for colder seasons can help you stay ahead of potential home issues. And while Charleston SC doesn’t necessarily get too cold even in the winter months, its always better to be proactive  when it comes to house maintenance, especially if you’re thinking of selling in the near future. If you are not a do-it-yourself homeowner, have a look at our FREE guide to Selling Your Charleston SC Home for more tips and tricks.