Contractor's Corner: November Home Maintenance

Lawn Care

Pruning- You'll find that cutting back is the key to revitalized gardens in the Spring because pruning staves off molding and diseases. If you have a wide range of perennials & shrubs in your yard, it can be hard to decipher which need to be trimmed in the Spring versus the Fall. We've included a full guide to pruning for the seasons here:

https://gardenerspath.com/how-to/pruning/fall-spring-perennial-cutbacks/

Storing- First, you'll want to finish clearing your gardens and any additional flower boxes, hanging baskets, and the like. This is also the time to store away yard decorations such as bird baths, garden ornaments, and wind chimes. 

You'll also want to store all outdoor furniture in a dry place before the frost arrives. Lastly, you'll want to disconnect hoses and store them as well.

Exterior Home Maintenance

Once your lawn is taken care of, the larger exterior projects can be attended to. These may be projects that require a service provider to assist you if you cannot compete them on your own, 

Black House Real Estate has a reputable list of vendors we can refer to you - sooner rather than later as their schedules fill up fast!

Call today for a referral to one of the following services: 

Power Washing- This is especially important if you're considering selling this Fall because a clean exterior adds to curb appeal. You may be surprised by the Summer build up on your home exterior! This is also a good time to clean and replace window screens as needed.

Clean Gutters & Spouts- Once you're certain all the leaves have fallen, the gutters should be serviced to avoid clogs which cause a slew of problems in the Winter months. 

Roof & Chimney Maintenance- These tasks often require a professional opinion, but they are vital to ensuring your home is ready for Winter. A roof inspector can assess the flashing on your roof and the overall integrity of your roof while providing advice to avoid leakage in the Winter. Schedule an appointment with Chimney Inspectors & Cleaners to get your chimney and/or fireplace serviced and ensure that there are no structural issues or creosote buildup from the previous season. These issues become a headache if discovered post snowfall and can be a major hazard to your safety.

Interior Home Maintenance

HVAC Maintenance- Confirm that your furnace has been serviced recently and check to make sure the heat is working as it should in each section of your home. This is also a good time to check the filter if your home uses an HVAC system to heat and cool your home. It's not a bad idea to walk around your home and make sure floor ducts are not blocked by furniture or personal belongings. 

Smoke & Carbon Detectors- With the changing seasons, it is never a bad idea to check the batteries in your smoke detectors and replace carbon detectors as needed. 

Deep Cleaning-  Much like Spring cleaning, now is a good time to deep clean. Areas to focus include the inside & outside of appliances, dusting hard to reach places in the home (ceiling fans, blinds, wooden furniture), and shampooing carpets or rugs. You can also spot clean upholstery, change window dressings for heavier curtains, and wipe down walls and baseboards. 

Windows, Additional Appliances, and Fixtures- Keeping heat in during a New England Winter is essential. On a windy Autumn day, inspect the windows & doors in your home for drafts. Consider getting windows replaced as necessary and research cost effective ways to keep heat in. 

Remove window unit air conditioners, clean inside & out, and store upright in a dry place. 

Don't forget to go around the house and replace light bulbs and batteries as needed.

Home maintenance does not have to be overwhelming-- taking things one task at a time over the course of the season will give you a sense of relief come snowfall and your home will thank you! Call Black House Real Estate today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward a smooth and successful home sale. Trust us to make your real estate journey stress-free and rewarding.