Autumn Has Arrived: 7 Fall Home Renovation Ideas
Sadly, summer is now in the rear view mirror. Time to dig out long pants and start wearing socks again. But the arrival of autumn does bring with it some good news: fall is the perfect time for a wide range of home renovation tasks.
With this in mind, we present seven ideal projects for your fall home renovation plans.
1. Repair the driveway/walkways
This a project you definitely want to tackle before that first snowfall. If you have cracks and broken pavement, you'll want to address that before old man winter brings that icy cold weather that will only exacerbate the problem. In Toronto, winter 2021-22 is projected to be colder than usual, and those cracks can get bigger very rapidly when the temperature drops down to freezing. The last thing you want is a potential legal headache because your walkways are breaking up to the point where they become hazardous to anyone walking by.
Need your driveway replaced? Have you considered installing a heated driveway? Just imagine... no more shoveling! If that's not enough incentive, you may be surprised how inexpensive a solution this is.
2. Replace leaky eaves trough and fascia
Much of the durability of your roof is dependent on your eaves trough and fascia remaining clear of debris. Are the downspouts in good condition? If there are any cracks or damaged areas, you'll want to replace the eaves trough before winter comes, otherwise you'll have ice build up, and wind up with those massive icicles hanging down. An excess of ice can damage your roof over the winter. And believe us... you do not want one of those falling on your head.
3. Repair or replace roof
The arrival of cooler weather is the perfect time to deal with any roof-related issues. If your roof isn't in tip top shape, you may have problems when the wind, rain and snow pick up. Are there any missing shingles? Or perhaps other hints of damage? Deal with them now before you have a leaking issue on your hands. At the very least, call your contractor and ask them to examine your roof to assess whether you can hold out until spring or not.
4. Refinish or treat the deck and patio
Decks and patios can require varying levels of maintenance, depending on what they're made of. Some tasks that may need to be performed include power washing, restaining, resanding or refinishing, and now is the perfect time to do so because it will help guard your decks and patios during the freezing temperatures of winter. Waiting for spring may not be your best course of action given how busy most renovators are with deck work then.
Do not overlook the importance of keeping your deck in tip top shape. Studies suggest that you can get a return of anywhere from 80 per cent to 120 per cent on your deck and patio investment. Is there splintering wood? A fading finish? Unstable rails? Any of these signs suggest it's time to call in someone that can whip your deck into pristine condition.
5. Ensure your windows are winter-ready
Have you ever noticed how your utility bills skyrocket during cold weather? This is because it's possible you could be experiencing heat loss through your windows. We'd advise having a close look at your windows during the fall to ensure they are winter-ready. Is the weather stripping in place? Does the sealant or caulking need to be reapplied?
Even if everything is in good working order, you simply may have windows that are not high enough quality to withstand the rigours of winter. Have a professional come in and analyze your window situation, as this is the type of investment that can really pay for itself over time in the form of lower bills and increased comfort level.
6. Touch up the home for the holidays
Chances are, you'll be entertaining a variety of guests over the holiday season, so now's a great time to start considering what improvements you'd like to make to your house beforehand.
Possible projects include:
Kitchen makeover to help improve your hosting ability;
Where will those overnight guests sleep? Time to add a guest room, or at least spruce up your existing one;
How about a new paint job for the main areas of the house?; and
Those worse for wear fixtures, cabinetry, doors or floors? Time to fix them up or replace them.
7. Is your fireplace ready?
If you have a fireplace, you know how wonderful it can be in cooler weather. But you also know that it can be a pain to stay on top of all that maintenance, and this is one device you really don't want to use unless it's in proper working order, considering the potential dangers involved. So if it's been a few years since your fireplace has been given a thorough once-over, you probably want to bring in a professional for a full inspection and cleaning and -- if necessary -- repairs on the chimney or flue.
Winters in Toronto can be wonderful, but are even better when you're fully prepared and have ensured your home keeps the weather where it belongs -- outside.