Although winter is already here, you shouldn’t forget to keep your home’s maintenance in order, especially if you plan to sell it in Kanawha County.
You’ll be glad you took care of all these things before your next serious prospect discovers you. If you wait, the weather and contractors will likely be much more difficult to organize, and it will subsequently be harder to get these tasks done. Let’s explore several areas in your home that could use some attention this fall.
Furnace/Heating System
As the weather begins to cool down, it’s time to start thinking about your furnace and heating system. Late August is the best time to check that everything is working properly and efficiently.
Replacing the filter is crucial, but you should also clean the ducts if possible (which might require professional help). Additionally, having a professional once-over of your heating system is recommended to make sure everything runs both optimally and safely. By doing this now, you can avoid any future issues that could result in an expensive repair bill—or worse, no heat at all!
Fireplace and Chimneys
Fireplaces bring a sense of comfort and luxury to any home. They also require regular home maintenance to keep them functioning properly. Chimneys in particular need to be cleaned out frequently to prevent soot build-up and fires.
You’ll want to check that your fireplace and chimney are free of any safety hazards. Of course, you still want to be able to enjoy the benefits of a crackling fire with some peace of mind. Creosote build-up can be a grave safety hazard, and is often the source of devastating fires. If you’re unsure of how to inspect for creosote or clean it once found, seek help from an experienced chimney sweep.
Water Lines
Did you know that water supply lines in your exterior walls are susceptible to freezing during cold weather? By taking a little time doing some home maintenance now, you can prevent messy problems later on.
If the water lines for your kitchen sink are on an exterior wall, there are two easy and inexpensive things you can do to prevent them from freezing. Try wrapping these supply lines with insulation designed for this purpose. Or even better, wrap those lines with heat tape if you have a convenient electrical outlet nearby.
Gutters and Downspouts
Gutters and downspouts are an essential part of your home’s drainage system, channeling water away from your foundation to protect your structure from water damage.
We often only think about cleaning the gutters and downspouts during home maintenance when it’s raining heavily in the spring, but neglecting them during fall can be costly.
If gutters and downspouts are clogged with debris, water will back up and run down behind the gutters and onto the fascia board. This could cause rot, and sooner or later, you’ll have to replace the entire system. Have a look before fall begins to make sure everything is draining as it should be.
Roof
Out of all the home maintenance tasks you can do this fall, checking your roof is probably the most neglected. But it’s also one of the most important.
Broken or missing shingles and tiles can spell disaster for your roof come winter. Snow, freezing rain, and violent winds can easily force water into areas of your roof that are typically dry. To avoid any issues, check your roof for damage in the fall and call a contractor if necessary.
Complete these five home maintenance tasks this fall in Kanawha County, and you’ll be able to relax without worry. However, keep in mind that these are only the bare minimums. Depending on the age and condition of your home, there may be additional tasks that require attention. If in doubt, get the help of a professional to ensure the safety and comfort of you and your family.
Don’t want to deal with repairs? Sell to us instead!
As a cash home buyer in Kanawha County, our team at 3 Oh 4 Investments prides ourselves in guaranteeing fair cash sales that don’t come with extra fees like repair fees, commission fees, and even cleaning fees. We can buy your home as-is and can give you a fair cash offer in just a few days!
Contact us today to learn more.
