Simple August projects that can help prepare your property for fall.
1. Give Your HVAC System Some Attention
After working through the hottest part of the year, your HVAC system deserves a check. Inspect the filter and replace or clean it according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Check that outdoor equipment is clear of leaves, weeds and other vegetation.
If your system has been struggling to maintain a comfortable temperature or making unusual sounds, consider having it professionally evaluated rather than waiting for another temperature extreme.
2. Check Windows and Exterior Doors
Walk around your home and look for damaged caulk, gaps or deteriorated weatherstripping. Sealing unwanted air leaks can help make a home more comfortable as temperatures change.
3. Look Up at the Roof—and Down at the Gutters
You don’t necessarily need to climb onto your roof. From the ground, look for obvious missing or damaged shingles and check gutters for debris or sagging sections.
Make sure downspouts are positioned to carry water away from the home. Managing moisture around a structure is an important part of protecting building materials and reducing moisture-related problems.
4. Inspect Decks and Outdoor Living Areas
Look for loose boards, unstable railings, damaged steps, peeling finishes and areas where water collects. Addressing small repairs now can make outdoor spaces safer and help protect them through fall and winter.
5. Pay Attention to Drainage
Summer thunderstorms can reveal how water moves around your property. Look for erosion, standing water and areas where runoff travels toward the foundation instead of away from it.
6. Start Planning for Fall
August is also a good time to make your fall maintenance list: HVAC service, gutter cleaning, fireplace or chimney inspection, weatherstripping and outdoor plumbing preparation.
A home doesn’t need a major renovation to benefit from regular care. Small maintenance projects throughout the year can make the property easier to enjoy—and easier to prepare when it is eventually time to sell.
Thinking about buying or selling in Middle Tennessee? Blackwell Realty & Auction is here to help you evaluate your next move.