There are a few home improvement projects that are better left to be done during the fall months. Due to the hot climate during the summer months it is safer and more enjoyable to do some home improvement during the cooler fall months. Waiting until fall can help get the job done faster and more efficiently. Here is a list of some home improvement jobs that are better to take on during the fall months.
- Paint Your Front Door
Almost every inch of your home requires some amount of maintenance, including your front door. Painted doors are prone to chipping over time, and can require touch-ups; however occasionally you may be ready for an entirely new look. In either case, set aside time to select a color and work with us to complete the task. For a single exterior door that has been primed we’ll need approximately one quart of paint. While you can choose any finish, glossy paints are typically preferred for doors and trim, because they stand out and highlight these architectural features. They also tend to stand up to nicks and scrapes better than flat or eggshell paint, meaning they could last longer. The most important thing to note is whether you have a latex- or oil-based paint. This is especially important for touchups, as you never want to paint oil over latex paint or vice versa. The type of primer you use also needs to match the type of paint you use (latex or oil-based). - Power Wash Your House
It's not just the inside of a house that gets dirty. Exterior siding can accumulate a lot of dust and grime, even mildew. And because the siding is the face we offer the street, even a little dirt shows. Some houses naturally accumulate more dirt than others. If you live along a dusty road or in a new development where lawns are not yet established, you can expect a daily barrage of grit and grime. Textured siding or peeling paint only compounds the problem. When dirt really settles in, the only remedy is a good cleaning with a pressure washer or a scrub brush. We prefer a pressure washer because it's a lot less work. - Paint Your Home's Exterior
After power washing your home, it's a great time to paint the exterior of your home. A few dry days are needed between the time you complete your power wash and when you start the exterior painting. The siding of your home really needs to be clean and dry before applying exterior paint. So why do it, and why in the fall? I've mentioned in previous posts that painting your home's exterior has a number of benefits. It can completely change the look of your home. It also increases the value of your home. It's an affordable investment. By getting a quality paint job at an affordable price, you will feel motivated to continue with the makeover of your home and focus on other improvements such as the garden or interior. - Caulk or Re-caulk Your Windows and Doors
Caulk is a flexible material used to seal air leaks through cracks, gaps, or joints less than 1-quarter-inch wide between stationary building components and materials. For components that move -- doors and operable windows, for example -- weather-stripping is the appropriate material. Most caulking compounds come in disposable cartridges that fit in half-barrel caulking guns (if possible, purchase one with an automatic release). Some pressurized cartridges do not require caulking guns. Be aware that caulking compounds vary in strength, properties, and prices. Water-based caulk can be cleaned with water, while solvent-based compounds require a solvent for cleanup. - Making Your Home More Energy Efficient
This kind of work can involve anything from replacing old windows to caulking around windows to prevent drafts. It is easier to locate drafts in the fall months. Labor intensive replacements are done quicker without the intense summer heat. Any caulking should be finished before the temperature drops below 40 degrees for it to set well. Any improvements in energy efficiency are a good investment for your home as the improvements pay for themselves over time in terms of lower electrical and winter heating bills.