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Top ten fall
home improvement projects:
Fall
typically means a slow down in home
improvements. What this means to the homeowner is the contractors are
more
readily available and can complete that home improvement projects in
time for
the holiday season. As the owner of Westmoreland Contractor Referral
Service,
homeowners always ask me what the best fall home improvement projects
are.
Whether your home improvement project are aimed at reducing your winter
heating
costs or beautifying your home, now is the time to start.
With today's soaring energy costs, homeowners are looking for ways to
reduce
the cost to heat their homes before winter arrives. This fall is
particularly
good time to consider home improvements. The slowing economy and the
housing
market has home owners rethinking about selling their home and are
starting
those home improvement projects to not only add value but to ease the
stress on
the wallets this winter season.
The top ten fall home improvement projects that homeowners are focusing
on
include a list of projects that can be completed at low cost or
depending on
the homeowners preferences can be an elaborate home make over.
1. Windows and Door replacement. Window and door replacement top the
list for
fall home improvements. The low cost project can be as simple as
replacing
caulking and seals to reduce heating costs. Based on the age of your
windows
and doors, consider a total replacement for the highest energy
efficiency
benefit.
2. Insulation. Home owners should consult with a contractor to discuss
the
current level of insulation in their home. Most older homes are not
insulated
enough. Several methods are available to the homeowner, which include
blown in
insulation. New siding also has an added benefit of adding another
layer of
external insulation.
3. Gutter replacement. Gutters that are not working properly can cause
interior
damage. To prevent costly repairs later, replace those older gutters.
The fall
is the best time to clean gutters and prepare your home for the next
season.
4. Inspect furnace, fireplaces, and clean the chimney. A furnace
inspection
provides a much needed piece of mind. Make sure your inspection checks
for
carbon dioxide detection. The inspections and annual cleaning should
include
changing filters. These small checkups will help to avoid unexpected
problems
during the coldest winter months.
5. Interior Painting projects. As summer comes to an end and you start
to spend
more time indoors the new appearance, warmer, and inviting feeling of a
fresh
coat of paint will help to push off those dreaded winter blues. Add a
touch of
color and brightness.
6. Roof repair and replacements. Fall is the best time to have a
contractor
look at the roof and determine is any trouble spots are present and
could
become an issue during the winter months. Talk to your contractor about
how to
locate a leak inside the home around the typical trouble spots.
7. Kitchen renovation. A kitchen renovation can be scaled to fit any
budget. A
simple home improvement project that replaces the countertop in a
kitchen can
change the look and feel of a kitchen. A complete kitchen renovation
can
include a new design and layout of a kitchen that can add space and
improve the
traffic flow to make it more efficient.
8. Bathroom remodeling. Bathroom options today include garden tubs with
whirlpool jets that dissolve the stresses of today's hectic lifestyles.
Remodeling the bathroom can be a simple re-do or an elaborate complete
renovation.
9. Indoor and outdoor lighting. As the evenings become longer and the
cold
winter dreary weather approaches, a project that includes updating both
indoor
and outdoor lighting can provide an inviting environment and if energy
saving
lighting is used can save energy.
10. Landscaping. Start preparing your landscape for spring. The fall is
the
best time to plant grass seed to ensure a head start on the spring
growing
season. Start your garden now for the arrival of spring. Plant those
flower
bulbs in the fall to start your spring flowerbeds.
The top ten fall home improvement projects are the typical projects
that
homeowners should consider before winter. Winter has a way of sneaking
up on
us, but if you start thinking of those home improvement projects now
you can
enjoy a warmer, more beautiful home that is more energy efficient and
safe. |
