Does your property need some maintenance this Autumn? As the temperatures plummet, don’t let the standards of your home follow suit. In fact, autumn is the perfect time to elevate your property, both internally and externally.
Whether you’re working your way through a home inspection checklist or simply want to make some seasonal changes for you and your family to enjoy, this easy-to-follow autumn home maintenance checklist has something for everyone.
1. Keep the heat in and the cold out
Autumn is the first season of the year when temperatures start to drop. That’s why keeping in the heat should be your first priority when working through your home maintenance list for autumn.
One of the best ways to do this is to acquire a good sealer and fill in the areas where heat could escape. Older doors and windows are often the worst offenders when it comes to letting in unwanted drafts.
2. Maintain your heating system
After you’ve sealed up any unwanted window cracks and drafts it’s time to make sure your internal heating system is firing on all cylinders.
The last thing you want on a chilly autumn evening is a malfunctioning heating system.
Depending on how you warm your house, there are different steps you can take to ensure your specific heating system is working properly.
For example, if you use split system air conditioning, make sure your A/C is inspected as per the manufacturers guidelines and regularly clean the filter. Do you have a traditional fireplace? Have the chimney inspected and cleaned to ensure it’s safe and efficient.
Gas fireplaces are another way homeowners choose to warm their property during autumn. If your house has a gas fireplace, make sure your gas installation is compliant and has the necessary requirements such as a regulator, particularly if it's in an investment property.
Not only does a fully functioning and well maintained heating system provide warmth and comfort for you and your family during autumn, it also allows you to create an inviting atmosphere during an open home, should you decide to put your home on the market.
3. Test smoke alarms
With the temperature dropping and heaters and fireplaces coming into use, ensuring your smoke alarms are fully functioning is a must.
Check the legislation for the state your property resides in and ensure you are getting your smoke alarms tested at the correct intervals. Legislation is particularly strict for rental properties.
For example, in NSW, a landlord must install a new battery into the smoke alarm, it then becomes the tenant's responsibility throughout their tenancy. Check your local legislation for up to date requirements.
If your devices are more than 7-10 years old, consider upgrading to newer models for heightened safety.
4. Moisture management
An issue that typically arises in the autumn and winter months is the build-up of moisture. As rains fall harder and the temperature drops, it becomes more difficult to keep spaces dry, which can create fertile conditions for mould and other bacteria. One way of tackling this is with a dehumidifier but make sure to keep yours maintained, should you choose to use one.
If you do own and use a dehumidifier it’s worth giving yours a once-over this autumn, starting with a cleaning and emptying of your water intake, as well as checking the cleanliness of its filters.
5. Protect outdoor furniture
Autumn weather can be unpredictable, so don’t leave outdoor furniture exposed. Clean, dry, and store outdoor tables, chairs and accessories to prevent damage from rain or frost.
If storage space is limited, use durable protective covers to safeguard items like BBQs and patio sets.
6. Look after the lawn
Your lawn is one of the first things visitors, guests and potential buyers see when they arrive at your property.
One thing we often don't do throughout the colder months is mow the lawn with the regularity we do in summer.
Make the effort to maintain your lawn throughout autumn and if you're someone who puts the lawnmower into hibernation for winter, remember to empty the fuel canisters and safely store it away.
7. The rest of the garden too
While you’re out in the yard, you may as well get to work on the garden. Just because the leaves are starting to change colour and falling off the trees, it doesn't mean your garden needs to be void of colour.
Head to your local flower market and pick up some seasonal flowering plants and either add them to your front entrance area in pots or if you feel really inspired plant them around your garden beds. A bit of brightness when you arrive home will make you feel good even if the weather is changing.
8. Consider composting
One of the most iconic images of autumn is the golden leaves falling from trees. Of course, the flip side of this is that it can create quite the leafy mess across your backyard or get in the way of your curb appeal.
Raking up all of these and preparing them for compost is a great way to turn one of the messiest parts of autumn into a fantastic and productive part of the home.
What better way than to fertilise your freshly refurbished and well-maintained garden!
9. Put away out of season accessories
Autumn means backyard fixtures like the pool will start getting less use for a little while. That means it might be time to start packing away some of the more summery items around your home.
Accessories like pool floats, garden lights, outdoor décor and watering cans can clutter your space and risk damage if left outside. Thoroughly clean and store these items to keep them in excellent condition for next year.
Replace summery décor with cozy autumn accessories like festive wreaths, decorative lanterns and warm-toned outdoor mats to create a welcoming vibe.
10. Prepare for the next seasonal change
By tackling this autumn checklist early, you can save yourself from costly repairs down the line, while making your home cosier, safer, and more season friendly.
It will also help you be prepared for the next season: winter! It always helps to have one eye on the future whether that be to maintain your house for the colder months or booking a free appraisal with LJ Hooker to potentially sell your home.
DISCLAIMER - The information provided is for guidance and informational purposes only and does not replace independent business, legal and financial advice which we strongly recommend. Whilst the information is considered true and correct at the date of publication, changes in circumstances after the time of publication may impact the accuracy of the information provided. LJ Hooker will not accept responsibility or liability for any reliance on the blog information, including but not limited to, the accuracy, currency or completeness of any information or links.
