However, homeowners need to prepare for the coming fall and winter seasons to make sure their investments remain free from any damages. Although the Houston fall and winter seasons enjoy relative good weather, it is crucial for homeowners to perform a checklist to ensure they’re ready for the ensuing months.
Alfred’s Construction and Renovation in Houston is excited to offer home maintenance and renovation tips to help homeowners ensure their homes are prepared for the coming seasons.
1. INTERIOR HOME MAINTENANCE
Inspecting your home’s interior for maintenance and repairs is just as important as checking the exterior. Some of the easiest maintenance a homeowner can perform is interior. Fall is an excellent time for home renovation projects to prepare for the much cooler winter months. With this in mind, here are a few interior home maintenance tips for homeowners.
It Isn’t Summer Anymore: Houston is known for its hot and humid summers. Although the cooler fall and winter seasons don’t bring terrifyingly cold weather, it’s important for homeowners to check their air conditioning systems. Some of the most expensive energy costs in your home are related to heating and cooling. Check for leaks from doors, windows and any other opening in your home. The cooler seasons can significantly increase your energy bill as cracks and leaks allow cool air to come in while hot air leaves your home. This is also a great opportunity to cover up your outdoor AC system and any other visible piping.
Time to Check Your Emergency Generator: It is commonplace for homeowners in colder climates to have emergency generators. Houston is no exception, and with possible blackouts in the winter months, emergency generators offer homeowners some security if power loss were to occur. Also, remember to never run your emergency generator in an enclosed space to avoid a carbon monoxide hazard.
Inspect Your Furnace: Houston fireplaces and furnaces are generally electrical systems compared to the wood furnaces of our northern brethren. Nonetheless, a home maintenance expert like Alfred’s can check to see if your furnace is working properly along with your ducts and air filters. A faulty furnace system can let heat escape during the cooler months, increasing your energy bill.
Don’t Forget the Smaller Inspections: While you’re at it, check any other small detail of your home’s interior. Make sure to change your ceiling fan’s direction to redistribute warm air around your home. Take the time to clean your humidifiers to avoid bacteria and unneeded moisture from permeating your home. Ensure your carbon dioxide and smoke detectors work properly, and don’t forget to keep some batteries nearby in case you need them in a moment’s notice.
2. EXTERIOR HOME MAINTENANCE
Once you’ve checked your home’s interior for any maintenance opportunities, it’s time to look outdoors. It’s not uncommon for exterior maintenance projects to outnumber interior homes. After all, the cooler seasons bring rain, wind and other conditions that continuously test your home’s exterior. To guide you in figuring out which exterior home maintenance project to tackle, here are a couple tips sure to help you.
​Consider Some Paint Touch-Ups: Your home’s exterior can continuously require upkeep if peeling paint and damaged surfaces persist. Take the time to paint areas including railings, trim and any other surfaces requiring it. Remember, exposed surfaces may struggle against the fall and winter conditions. A trusted home maintenance contractor like Alfred’s can take care of any painting your home requires and leave it in the best position to remain damage-free across the cooler months.
Your Roof Might Need Some Work Too: Although proper roofing is good for a number of years, it is always worth to check if any damages have occurred. Humidity combined with rain and icy conditions can cause lots of damage on roofs. Remember, your roof is your first line of defense. Anything that permeates your roof trickles down your home. Features such as insulation, drywall, plumbing, electrical and other systems become increasingly vulnerable when your roof isn’t prepared for the outdoor weather conditions. Make sure to check for leaks and have a trusted professional home maintenance contractor like Alfred’s ensure your roof is ready for any event.
Don’t Forget What’s On the Bottom Too: With your roof being your first line of defense from winter outdoor conditions, make sure your foundation is working properly too. Look for any cracks or caulks around siding, windows, pipes, and door frames. The last thing a homeowner would want is water to find its way into their foundation and freeze, causing crack and mold buildup. Water damage is not uncommon in Houston as the colder seasons bring additional rain rather than snow. If you notice anything needing repairs, contact a professional like Alfred’s to solve any foundation issues.
Clean Your Landscape to Avoid Damages: While plants bloom and grow larger during the summer season, it’s always best to clean your yard and landscaping before the colder season. Take out any dead plant or summer seasonal ones. Make sure no tree branches are scraping your home or are too close. Trim any large tree to prevent branches from snapping off and damaging your home too. If you have a patio or deck, check if any shrub or other plant are in place to possibly cause damage.
Alfred’s Construction and Renovation in Houston hopes you gained new knowledge about fall maintenance in Houston. Alfred’s is a premier general contractor in Houston with years of renovating homes and other properties based exactly on your needs. Alfred’s would be thrilled to be your home maintenance contractor in Houston and ensure your investment remains damage-free after the upcoming colder seasons.
