It’s hard to believe September has arrived along with a list of “Fall fix-its”!

While the weather is decent take some time to get your home ready for winter.

Check Fire Extinguishers, Carbon Monoxide, and Smoke Detectors

According to the Red Cross, fires increase in the fall and winter. Keep your home fire safe by getting your fire extinguishers checked by a certified professional. Fire extinguishers do break down and malfunction. In fact, after six years they need to be emptied and reloaded. If you haven’t already, buy one for each floor — and the garage.

 

 Thatch or aerate your lawn, reseed or fertilize it if needed, and plant perennials and shrubs.  According to experts, fertilized lawns will green up faster after winter.  It’s much easier to get a head start on spring planting if flower beds are cleaned and ready to go.

Start the Snow Blower

Don’t wait for the first snowfall to start your snow blower.  Drag it out of the garage and start it now.  Clean spark plugs and make sure everything is in working order before cold weather hits.  Taking some time to check snow removal equipment now will save you time and frustration when it snows.

Stain the Deck

Hot sun and summer heat is hard on traditional wood decks.  To stop buckling and winter damage power wash and stain your deck.   September’s slightly cooler temps and lower humidity make it a great time to work on decks.  Ideas for improving your deck.

Inspect Your Home’s Exterior

Nobody wants to spend money on roof repairs.  And nobody wants buckets sitting all over either.  Inspect your roof — as well as other expensive fixes, like concrete, siding, grading, and gutters — before it becomes a real problem. You’ll cut costs by fixing them now and stay dry and warm all winter long.