As fall sets in, we’re faced with crisp mornings, shorter days, and more rainfall. It’s the time of year where families gather for seasonal cheer, homes are laden with holiday decor, festive music plays on every station, and calendars filled with social events. As we get caught up in all the celebrations, we can’t help but overlook some of the home care and preventative maintenance. In order to keep your real estate in San Diego in top condition, upkeep is essential throughout the year.
Here are some tips we’ve learned as real estate agents in San Diego to ensure your home is ready for the winter:
Stay warm and cozy Living in southern California has its perks with weather, but as we get into the end of the year, mornings are a bit icy and evenings have a chill. Take time to test your heating system, ensure thermostat works properly, call an inspector in if anything seems off, and check the filters to make sure they’re free of dust and debris (as these can contribute to allergies or block heat from providing warmth.)
If you have a gas fireplace, turn it on, and assess for any unusual smells. If it’s electric, check the outlets and connection to ensure it works. Should you have a wood burning fireplace, don’t forget to stock up on a little extra wood for those evenings that you want to stay in turn on a movie and snuggle up with your loved ones.
Knowing that we spend more time indoors during this time of year, check that your windows have secure weather stripping to prevent any breezy drafts from seeping in. Look for any cracks as they can let out heat but also let in unwanted pests.
Give a little love to the exterior Once you have the inside of your home in good shape, give a little attention to the exterior. When it rains gutters and downspouts can get clogged, so check beforehand to ensure they’re free of any blockage.
Take a walk around your home
Look for any peeling paint, moisture, or stains as this can indicated that the exterior is losing its protection, which can affect insulation and conditions on the inside. Examine your roof from the outside and inside to make sure that there isn’t any damage, slipped tiles, water stains, or any sign that a potential leak could occur. If anything appears to be abnormal call out a roofer for an inspection immediately, as leaks create bigger issues when left unattended, especially in a downpour.
Summer is over so be sure to have proper covers for your patio furniture, pool, barbecue or other equipment that you have stored in the backyard. You’ll want to keep it secure until the sun is back out and able to use once again.
If you’re thinking to buy a home in San Diego or sell your San Diego home, small upkeep tasks like these throughout the year, can save you a lot of time and money in the buying or selling process. And having a safe and secure home gives you extra time to enjoy a blissful fall and cozy winter where you can get into the holiday spirit, sing to your favorite carol, and shop for the perfect gifts.