With fall in full swing and winter creeping ever closer, Gerstad Builders remains committed to being your partner in homeownership – even after the sale of your dream home! Our team believes a beautiful home deserves year-round care, so we put together this helpful guide to help you transition your home smoothly into the cooler months.

Why Home Maintenance Matters

Practice consistent home maintenance throughout the year and reap major benefits in the long run. Seasonal upkeep not only saves you money and preserves the value of your home, but it also ensures the safety and comfort of your family. Prepare your home for cooler weather this month and enjoy peace of mind until it’s time for spring cleaning!

Fall Maintenance Checklist

Crisp, autumn weather is here to stay, so take advantage of the lower temperatures and get to work with these fall maintenance tips!

Start by cleaning your gutters. The gutters of your home provide necessary support throughout the year but tend to get clogged after heavy spring showers and summer storms. Make sure to check them for large pieces of debris and other blockages to ensure your home is ready for winter challenges.

Outdoor furniture and greenspaces take quite a bit of wear during warmer months, serving as the base of your backyard gatherings. Inspect your furniture for rips, fading and stains before transitioning the space and swapping out seasonal decor. It is also a good idea to sweep off decks and patios, clean up any leftover residues and wipe out outdoor garbage bins.

It is good practice to winterize your lawn equipment and outdoor faucets before temperatures reach the freezing point. Be sure to disconnect y our hose from the hose bibs to prevent freezer damage and cover the outdoor spigots. Empty the gas tank of your lawnmower and other equipment and don’t forget to change the oil. For even more preparation, sharpen your lawn mower blades to ensure it’s ready to go in the spring. There is nothing worse than a busted pipe during the season’s first freeze, so get ahead of the weather by shutting off the outdoor water valve.

Some other tasks to add to your fall maintenance include cleaning the air conditioner and checking all electronic safety devices, carbon monoxide detectors and smoke detectors. If your home has a fireplace, evaluate any damage or cracks and make sure to remove the buildup from last winter. The same practices go for your furnace and chimney – give everything a once-over before turning up the heat this season!

With homes available in McHenry, Poplar Grove and Williams Bay, you can begin unlocking your dream home with Gerstad Builders! Fill out the contact form today or call (815) 385-4495 to get in touch with our team. Prospective home shoppers are also welcome to visit our models located in McHenry.