The fresh crisp mornings of autumn are here!  The kids are back in school; the trees’ leaves are turning their beautiful colors of red, yellows, and oranges; the days are getting shorter.   And, we’re experiencing our first “frost” this week.  All signs that our days of lingering outdoors in warmer temps are coming closer to an end.

For homeowners this means we have a few things we need to take care of outdoors before temps drop below 32 degrees and the snow begins to fall.  Here’s my list of “Autumn To Do’s“:

1. Collect and clean delicate statuary and other decorative items from the gardens.
2. Cover concrete bird baths and tall statuary with plastic.
3. Cut down some of the fall perennials in the garden(s) leaving others standing at full height to add interest to the yard during the winter months.
4. Schedule a time to have the in-ground sprinkler system blown free of water.
5. Disconnect all garden hoses and other metal hardware from exterior water spigots to prevent damage to the pipes. (There’s a lesson to be learned with this item:  A friend of mine failed to do this item on the checklist one year.  Spring came along. The garden hose was attached to the metal accessory again (which was left on the spigot during the winter) and they began powerwashing the siding on their home.  Three hours later they found water on the floor in the lower level bedroom- which is on the same side of the house as the water spigot.  Of course, unplanned water damage repairs to the wall followed after that  Not to mention that the carpet needed to be pulled up so the cement floor could dry to prevent mold from setting in.)  Failing to remove garden hoses and any other accessories from your home’s spigots in the fall causes water to remain in the pipe, it freezes, and damages interior pipes.  If there is one item on this checklist I want you to remember, it is this one!!
6. Drain and store garden hoses.
7. Clean and store patio chairs, tables and chair cushions.
8. Remove leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts to prevent ice build-ups and ensure free flow of rain and melting snow in the gutter system.
9. Wash exterior windows.
10. Check external doors; replace weatherstripping if needed to prevent the transfer of heat and cold drafts in the house.
11. If we are fortunate to have Indian Summer, you may have the opportunity to touch up paint on house trim, railings and decks.   But be sure to read the temperature limitations on the paint can first.
12. Pick up fall leaves and winterize the lawn.

I hope you find this checklist useful.  Enjoy the blessings of this fall season.  We look forward to helping you with all  of your real estate needs!!

Next month’s blog:  Decorating for Winter and Christmas.  How Much Should I do if I am Going to Put My Home on the Market?

Berni Halaas, REALTOR®
New Century Real Estate and
Interiors by Berni
“Going above and beyond to make YOUR DREAMS come true.”
www.newcenturymn.com