Home & Garden
5 Home Improvement Projects To Do This Fall
These upgrades can save you money and make your house more comfortable in the months ahead.
Summer has officially begun winding down, but you're probably not ready to start thinking about hay rides, pumpkin spice or Halloween. However, you might want to start thinking about tackling projects and repairs at home, as the cooler fall months make this an exceptional time to take care of important things around the house. To help get you started, we've rounded up five home improvement projects that are perfectly suited for the season.
Fix Your Roof
Replacing shingles that have blown off your roof might not be your top priority, but fall is definitely the time of year to get it done. Your home's roof is its first line of defense against the weather. And while a few missing shingles might not seem like a big deal, they could lead to bigger problems with your roof.
A quick roof inspection by a professional will turn up weak spots that could cause serious damage during the months to come. If your roof is in need of repairs, you'll want to get them done before winter weather rolls in. According to Home Advisor's True Cost Guide, the average cost to repair a roof is $830. This number can vary widely depending on the size of your roof, the extent of damage and building materials used.
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Upgrade Your Windows
New windows instantly improve your home's curb appeal — especially if your existing windows are warped, discolored or cracking. Also, if you have old, single-paned or misaligned windows, replacing them with properly fitting, energy-efficient panes could save you an average of 25 percent on your energy bills. Most replacement windows are double-paned, which can reduce energy usage up to 18 percent in the summer and up to 24 percent in the winter compared to single pane models.
According to Home Advisor's True Cost Guide, replacing a window costs an average of $300 to $1000. This cost can vary depending on whether you’re using an existing frame or building for new construction, as well as the quality of materials used.
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Repaint Your Home's Exterior
Spring showers, summer storms and winter precipitation all get in the way of a good exterior paint job. Fall tends to be a dry time of year, though, which makes it the ideal season for outdoor painting projects that need time to dry.
Fall is usually optimal for painting temperature wise, as well. Temperatures that are too cold can slow down drying time, while temperatures that are too hot can cause paint to dry too quickly and even bubble on parts of the surface. Fall temperatures are typically in the happy middle zone, and don't tend to fluctuate drastically between day and night, either, which can cause premature warping.
According to Home Advisor's True Cost Guide, the average national cost to paint a house is $2,820, and most homeowners pay somewhere between $1,710 and $3,964.
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Power Wash Your House, Deck and Driveway
Power washing uses hot, pressurized water to get rid of dirt, grime, mold and fungus. It can make an instant, noticeable difference in the appearance of a surface. And sometimes, it’s the only way to remove those hard-to-get stains.
Some types of siding are not designed to withstand the force and heat of power washing, and it can make paint peel, break windows, seep into the home through cracks, etc. For these reasons, it's almost always recommended to hire a professional, experienced power washing service.
According to Home Advisor's True Cost Guide, the average cost to power wash the exterior of a home is between $185 and $383. The average cost to power wash a driveway falls between $130 and $220. And the average cost to power wash a deck or patio is between $250 and $420.
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Upgrade Your Insulation
A well-insulated house will keep cold weather out and warm air in, potentially saving you a fortune on heating bills. According to Energy.gov, adding insulation to your home is a sound investment that will quickly pay for itself in reduced utility bills.
The attic is a good place to start upgrading your insulation, because insufficient attic insulation is a prime source of heating and cooling loss year-round. Blown-in insulation is one of the most common ways to insulate the attic, crawl space or walls of a home.
The cost of materials and installation is relatively low compared to what it will save you in heating and cooling costs. According to Home Advisor's True Cost Guide, the average cost for blown-in insulation is $1,424 with most homeowners spending between $899 and $1,951.
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Mandatory Seasonal Maintenance
While home improvement projects are optional, there are some maintenance tasks that you should do in the fall for the sake of safety and functionality. These include:
Gutter Cleaning — Gutters and downspouts should be cleaned throughout the fall so leaves and other debris can't build up in them. Gutters that are clogged with leaves can hold water and pull down your entire gutter system, and sometimes even parts of your roof.
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Leaf Removal — Fallen leaves left on the lawn aren't just an eyesore — they can turn into a big, rotting mess. Rather than just blowing them into the neighbor's yard, leaves should be bagged and removed.
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Sprinkler Winterization — Water left in the sprinkler system or pipes could freeze, crack and ruin the entire system. Manually draining the sprinklers is a start, but the only way to be sure the pipes are clear enough to prevent water damage is to blow out the system using an air compressor.
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Chimney Sweep — If you have a fireplace, chimney maintenance is not optional. Routine chimney sweeps — and regular inspections by a professional — are imperative to prevent deadly fires, carbon monoxide poisoning and expensive chimney repairs.
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Furnace Tuneup — Change your furnace filter before the start of the season. Bringing in a furnace repair professional for a quick tune up will optimize your system for colder months and can help identify problems before they begin.
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