It’s time to prepare your home for the season’s change since fall is here. A bit of attention to your home’s needs now will help both save money and avoid costly repairs that may occur later. Here are some tips to prepare the exterior of your home for fall.

Plant bulbs. Now is the time to plant bulbs so you have beautiful spring flowers popping up out of the ground once the weather starts warming up next year. This needs to happen prior to the ground freezing. Some popular options are tulips and daffodils.

Put away outdoor furniture. It’s time to wash, dry, and store your outdoor patio furniture somewhere dry for protection throughout the winter months.

Inspect your roof and siding. Inspect your roof from the ground with binoculars or climb up to check for any missing or damaged shingles that will cause water to enter your home. Inspect your siding for any holes or cracks. If needed, coordinate repairs.

Check water drainage. Your downspouts need to be pointing away from your home’s walkways, foundation, and driveways. Purchase and add extensions to your downspouts, if needed. Catching an error now will help avoid a costly flood in the future.

Here are a few additional items to check off your list to ensure that the winter season in your home is warm, comfortable, and as maintenance free as possible:

• Clean gutters to prepare for freezing/thawing
• Check for leaks in windows and roofs
• Seal gaps and cracks around windows and doors with weather-stripping and caulk
• Cut trees and shrubs, especially if future snowfall will cause them to bend and rub against your home
• Turn off all outside water and sprinklers
• Close shut-off valves, then open the outside faucet to drain the line
• Fix damaged walkway or driveway, as well as steps
• Store summer tools and prep fall/winter ones

Proper maintenance to your home will not only assure avoidance on expensive repairs and future crisis situations, but it will also enhance your home’s value and appeal. Happy fall!