October begins tomorrow! Which means we’re officially heading into the part of the year when Minnesota homeowners start thinking about colder weather, shorter days, and getting the house ready for winter.
While we love remodeling homes, there are plenty of smaller things you can do throughout the year to maintain your home and help it serve you well for the long run. Not every improvement needs to be a major renovation. Sometimes it’s taking care of a small problem before it becomes a big one, or simply knowing what to look for as the seasons change.
We’d love to help with the big projects, of course, but we also want to share the little ideas that can make owning and maintaining your home a little easier. With winter approaching, here are a few things worth checking off your list this October.
- Clean the Gutters
Clear leaves and debris from your gutters and make sure downspouts direct water away from the foundation. Blocked gutters can contribute to ice buildup once temperatures drop.
- Check Windows and Doors
Look for drafts around exterior doors and windows. Replace worn weatherstripping and inspect caulking for cracks or gaps. Finding these problems now is much better than discovering them during a January cold snap.
- Disconnect Outdoor Hoses
Remove garden hoses from exterior faucets and properly winterize outdoor plumbing. Water left in the wrong place can freeze, expand, and damage pipes.
- Check Your Furnace
Your heating system is about to become one of the hardest-working parts of your house. Replace the filter, check that vents aren’t blocked, and consider having the furnace inspected if it hasn’t been serviced recently.
- Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
With the house closed up and heating equipment running more often, fall is a good time to test your detectors and replace batteries as needed.
- Look Over the Roof
From the ground, check for missing shingles, damaged flashing, sagging areas, or other obvious problems. If your roof is aging, October is a much better time to have it inspected than after a winter storm.
- Check the Attic
Adequate insulation and ventilation can make a noticeable difference during a Minnesota winter. Look for signs of moisture, pests, or areas where insulation may be lacking.
- Protect Your Pipes
Pay attention to plumbing that runs through garages, crawl spaces, exterior walls, and other cold areas. Make sure vulnerable pipes are properly insulated, and know where your main water shutoff is located.
- Inspect the Basement
Check around foundation walls, windows, floor drains, and your sump pump for signs of moisture. A small problem that’s easy to address in October can become considerably more frustrating during a winter freeze.
- Put the Yard to Bed
There are still a few outdoor jobs worth doing. Clear leaves away from the foundation, trim potentially troublesome branches, and put away outdoor furniture and seasonal equipment.
You don’t need to accomplish everything in one weekend. The point is simply to catch the little things while the weather is still working in your favor, in that sweet spot where you have less yard work but no snow. Once winter arrives, we’re all going to be spending a lot more time inside. October gives you one last good opportunity to walk around your home, notice what’s been bothering you, and take care of it before the cold settles in.
If you’re ready to talk about anything related to refreshing your home, we’re just a phone call away. Call 651-735-8367 or fill out our Contact Card here.
