End of Summer Home Checklist for Columbus Ohio Homeowners

August in Columbus means summer is beginning to wind down, kids are heading back to school, and fall will be here before we know it. It is also a great time for homeowners to tackle a few maintenance projects before cooler weather arrives.

You do not need to spend an entire weekend working on your house. A handful of simple tasks now can help prevent larger problems this fall and winter.

Here is an end of summer home checklist for Columbus homeowners.

Clean and Inspect Your Gutters

Leaves may not be falling yet, but summer storms can fill gutters with sticks, leaves, and other debris.

Take a few minutes to make sure gutters and downspouts are clear and that water is being directed away from your foundation.

If you have trees close to your home, you will probably want to check them again later in the fall.

Take a Look at Your Roof

Summer storms, wind, and heat can be hard on a roof.

From the ground, look for:

• Missing or damaged shingles

• Loose flashing

• Sagging gutters

• Tree branches touching the roof

You should also check ceilings and attic spaces for signs of moisture or leaks.

Catching a small roof problem now is much easier than discovering it during the first snowstorm.

Give Your HVAC System Some Attention

Your air conditioner has probably been working hard all summer.

Replace the air filter if needed and consider having the system serviced. Late summer is also a good time to make sure your furnace is ready for the colder months ahead.

The first cold morning of the year is not when you want to discover that your heat is not working.

Check Windows and Doors

Ohio's changing seasons can be tough on caulking and weather stripping.

Walk around your home and look for gaps or damaged seals around windows and exterior doors.

Sealing these areas can help keep cold air out and improve your home's energy efficiency this winter.

Finish Outdoor Projects

If you have been putting off an exterior project, August and early September are great times to get it done.

Consider:

• Touching up exterior paint

• Repairing deck boards

• Cleaning patios

• Sealing your driveway

• Repairing fences

• Power washing siding

Many outdoor projects become much more difficult once temperatures start dropping.

Take Care of Your Lawn

Late summer is an important time for lawns in Central Ohio.

Depending on the condition of your yard, this may be a good time to start thinking about:

• Aerating

• Overseeding

• Fertilizing

• Repairing bare spots

Fall can provide excellent growing conditions for cool season grasses, so a little preparation now can make a noticeable difference next spring.

Trim Trees and Landscaping

Take a look at trees and shrubs around your property.

Remove dead branches and trim vegetation that is touching your siding, roof, or windows.

You should also make sure landscaping is not blocking drainage or allowing water to collect near your foundation.

Check Your Basement for Moisture

Summer humidity and heavy rain can reveal basement and drainage problems.

Look for:

• Damp areas

• Musty odors

• Water stains

• Cracks

• Signs of mold or mildew

If you notice recurring moisture, it is better to address the cause before fall and winter precipitation arrives.

Clean Out the Garage

The garage tends to collect quite a bit over the summer.

Before colder weather arrives, take some time to organize lawn equipment, bikes, tools, and summer gear.

This is also a good opportunity to make room for your car before you are scraping frost off the windshield every morning.

Start Thinking About Fall

You do not need to winterize your home in August, but getting ahead of seasonal maintenance makes homeownership much easier.

A few hours of preventative work now can help protect your home, reduce energy costs, and prevent expensive repairs later.

Final Thoughts

One of the best ways to protect the value of your home is simply to maintain it consistently.

Columbus gives homeowners four very different seasons, and each one brings its own maintenance needs. Using the end of summer to inspect your property and take care of small projects can put your home in great shape heading into fall.

And if you ever have questions about which repairs or improvements can have the biggest impact on your home's value, the Associates Realty team is always happy to be a local resource.