A resource for those seeking information on organizing and transforming spaces.

Home Maintenance Ben Soreff Home Maintenance Ben Soreff

Guest Post - Ways to Prepare Your Home for Fall

Fall is known for crisp leaves, chilly air and the holidays that take place in succession. When the temperature drops for the first time, many people pull out their boots and scarves and won’t look back until the following spring. While you may be preoccupied betting yourself ready, you should consider taking the time to make sure your house is prepared for the colder weather, too.

Your house shelters you, so it makes sense that you should care for it in return. Before the weather grows too cold, you can patch up the areas that may be failing and ensure your family has an easy winter ahead of them.

yuuuy.png

Fall is known for crisp leaves, chilly air and the holidays that take place in succession. When the temperature drops for the first time, many people pull out their boots and scarves and won’t look back until the following spring. While you may be preoccupied betting yourself ready, you should consider taking the time to make sure your house is prepared for the colder weather, too.

Your house shelters you, so it makes sense that you should care for it in return. Before the weather grows too cold, you can patch up the areas that may be failing and ensure your family has an easy winter ahead of them.

1. Check Batteries

Checking the batteries of your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors should be a routine item on your checklist. At the very least, you should change these batteries once a year to ensure everything works properly.

Work the battery check into your seasonal routine, and you’ll never put your family at risk. As a bonus, you’ll never have to worry about the annoying beeping from those devices when batteries run low.

2. Go Through Clothes

As you prepare for the winter months that will soon be here, you may be digging through boxes in the closet or your garage full of warmer, thicker clothes. Take this time to go through any summer clothing that doesn’t fit your family members anymore and donate it to an organization that will give it to someone in need. 

Giving away clothes that your family doesn’t wear anymore can help you clear out some space in your house, which might work exceptionally well as storage for new holiday decorations. You can also pride your family on a job well done in a simple task that can make a huge difference.

3. Catch up on Maintenance

Look out for the areas of your home that need a little extra care before the cold weather comes — especially your gutters. As autumn rolls in, leaves will be falling everywhere. Make sure your gutters are spotless before the season begins so they won’t be blocked by so many leaves.

Additionally, you can save money on your heating bill by insulating your garage door properly. If your garage is attached to your home, you mustn’t allow heat to escape through it. You should also clean or replace any weather stripping that looks dirty or rotten. Doors and windows can receive the same treatment if you have the time.

4. Test Your Backups

Test your backup generator to make sure it still works. Replace batteries in flashlights and radios if need be. By testing these items out when you don’t need them, you’ll feel better prepared for the storms that are sure to come. You’ll know that reliable backups are waiting for you in case of an emergency.

5. Make Outdoor Repairs

Before it gets too cold, you should focus on making the repairs you put off or didn’t get to over the summer. For example, if you need to trim or remove dead limbs off trees so they don’t pose a hazard to your home, you should do so before the winds of fall come rolling in.

You should also fix walkways that are damaged. Later in fall or early winter, when ice forms overnight, sidewalks can become slippery and a falling hazard. Even healthy and active people are at high risk for outdoor falls, maybe more so than their senior citizen counterparts. You’ll also want to have a plan for clearing snow and ice in place, like when you’re going to salt your driveway or sidewalk or if you plan to shovel it the next day.

Preparing to Fall Into Cooler Weather

Fall is a transitional period of the year. You should ensure your household is prepared for the worst of the cold weather to fully enjoy all the exciting parts of the season and the most beautiful time of the year.

Author bio: Rose Morrison is the managing editor of Renovated, where she offers advice on home renovation, maintenance, and organization.nd slow-paced lifestyle now, because your little ones will be back in school before you know it!

Read More
Home Maintenance Ben Soreff Home Maintenance Ben Soreff

Guest Post - Types of Storm Damage and How They Should Be Addressed

You never know when a storm will strike, but it's best to prepare for any damage to your property. Here are some common signs of storm destruction to your house and how you best address the fallout.

t6.png

You never know when a storm will strike, but it's best to prepare for any damage to your property. Here are some common signs of storm destruction to your house and how you best address the fallout. 

1. Damage to Your Roof

Maybe a nasty thunderstorm blew through your neighborhood last night and took a few of your shingles with it. If you find them littering your lawn, pull out a ladder and do a quick inspection of your roof. You’ll likely find a patch of missing tiles. 

If you have a tarp and you feel comfortable, climb up and place it over the damaged section to protect the interior of your home. Your roof is likely now compromised, and if you continue to have bad storms, you could get a leak inside the house. Moving forward, you'll either need to patch your roof or hire someone to do the job for you.

If you decide to hire a contractor to repair your roof and live in a northern state, inquire about installing an ice shield. Roof shingles aren’t waterproof, but they are water-resistant. Each winter, when snow accumulates on your roof and then melts, your shingles are flooded. Installing an ice shield provides additional protection against melting snow.

Another way to confirm you’ve incurred damage to your roof is by inspecting your gutters. Make sure they aren’t bent or broken, as they need to function correctly and drain water away from your property. If you find any broken or bent pieces, quickly replace them yourself or with the help of a professional. 

2. Damage to Your Fireplace

Many people look forward to using their fireplace to warm the home when it gets cold out. However, when it comes time to light a fire, you might find that your chimney sustained damage you didn't even realize due to heavy hail, wind or rain. Broken chimney caps are one of the most common repair issues people face with their fireplaces. Chimney caps are necessary for your fireplace to function correctly — keeping things properly ventilated and protecting your chimney from wild animals and the elements. 

Another issue to be on the lookout for with heavy storm damage is a cracked chimney flue. Extinguish your fire immediately if you suspect this. A cracked flue can trap heat in your house, risking a fire or even causing CO2 to leak into your home.

3. Damage to Your Walls or Windows

If a tree branch crashes into your home during a storm, breaking a window or damaging a wall, you first want to ensure everyone in your family is safe. The best course of action is to call 911 and then leave your house to get a look at the damage done to your property. If you smell smoke, stay outside of your home until authorities arrive and clear the scene. 

Depending on the severity of the destruction, you might need assistance in boarding up the broken windows. A local contractor can help you patch a hole in your wall until more permanent work can be done. Also, don’t forget to contact your insurance company to file a claim. Depending on the situation and your insurance, you may be covered.  

4. Damage to Your Pipes

If you notice a sudden problem with your water — either your pipes are leaking or you turn on your faucet and no water comes out — turn off your water source. Before you proceed, you'll want to ensure no more water can add to the mess. Next, unplug all appliances in the area and remove valuable devices. Contact a licensed plumber for their help. Then begin to remove excess water from the site. 

No water coming from your pipes following a storm could be evidence of a more significant issue in your community. Check in with local news sources online for more information. If nothing has happened, contact a plumbing professional to help resolve your issue. 

How to Fix Storm Damage Around Your House

The idea of dealing with an emergency on your property is less than ideal. However, now that you know how to repair your home in four key areas, you'll be more than prepared if the worst happens.

Author bio: Rose Morrison is the managing editor of Renovated, where she offers advice on home renovation, maintenance, and organization.nd slow-paced lifestyle now, because your little ones will be back in school before you know it!

Read More
Home Maintenance Ben Soreff Home Maintenance Ben Soreff

Tips For Keeping Pests Out Of Your Home During The Winter Months

When the weather outside turns cold, you want to stay inside your warm home. Unfortunately, so do the many insects and other pests that usually spend most of their time outside. Once these unwanted guests take up residence in your home during the winter, they can tear up insulation, chew into electrical wires, leave unpleasant odors here and there, and much more. To prevent these and other problems, here are some tips for keeping pests out of your home during the winter months.

tyy.png

When the weather outside turns cold, you want to stay inside your warm home. Unfortunately, so do the many insects and other pests that usually spend most of their time outside. Once these unwanted guests take up residence in your home during the winter, they can tear up insulation, chew into electrical wires, leave unpleasant odors here and there, and much more. To prevent these and other problems, here are some tips for keeping pests out of your home during the winter months.

Seal Up Cracks and Holes

Just before cold weather sets in, seal up all cracks and holes on the outside of your home. Pay particular attention to areas where pipes and utilities enter your home since these are prime spots for pests to enter. If you think some holes and cracks are too small to bother with, consider that house mice can squeeze through holes the size of a dime.

To seal up small cracks and holes, you can typically find a caulk specific for the type of material the crack or hole is in. Typically, people use a caulking gun to make the application process a bit easier. Once you apply the caulk, you can wipe it down with your finger to smooth it down. Additionally, if you’re concerned about excess caulk that dried on, you can use sandpaper to smooth it down, if needed.

Trim Trees and Shrubbery

If you have trees and bushes close enough to your home that they may be touching your roof or other parts of your home, trim these back substantially before winter weather arrives. If you don't, you're giving various insects, mice, and other pests a bridge to walk straight into your home as the temperature drops outside.

To trim trees or shrubbery, you can use pruning scissors for the small pieces that are touching your home. For bigger branches that require a chain saw, it may be a good idea to contact a professional to ensure that the branches don’t fall into your home and ruin your home during the removal process.

Keep Basements and Attics Clean and Dry

Pest spraying and other services common to companies such as Skeeter Beater, can typically prevent your home from being habitable for insects. However, pest control services are only part of the solution. For many insects and pests, damp basements, attics, and crawlspaces are perfect spots to ride out the winter. With that in mind, it’s ideal to maintain a pest-free environment by keeping areas dry. In some environments, a dehumidifier may help prevent pest problems.

In addition to using a dehumidifier, it’s also ideal to decrease clutter or build-up of items that may be a good hiding place for pests. For example, cardboard boxes with holes in them that are full of china wrapped in newspaper is the perfect place for almost every type of pest.

Store Firewood Away from Your Home

When cold weather arrives and you start using your wood stove or fireplace, it may be tempting to store your firewood close to your home, or even bring quite a bit of it inside. While it may not be fun to walk outside and have a cold wind hit you in the face as you gather firewood, keeping it stored away from your home will lessen the chances you'll have mice, spiders, and other pests sitting by your fire as well. 

For best results, store your firewood at least 20 feet away from your home, and also keep it at least six inches off the ground. Oftentimes, homeowners will create a mini hut with a wood roof on top of it so rain or snow doesn’t ruin the wood. However, some homeowners use a tarp, which makes it easier for pests to hide in the wood. With that in mind, I’d also recommend avoiding tarps that directly touch the wood stacks.

Besides hiring a professional pest control company, there are many things that you can do to also help prevent your home from being the home of insects and other pests during the winter months. By implementing these tips prior to and during the winter months, you'll have an easier time maintaining a pest-free home for you and your family can enjoy.

Read More
Home Maintenance Ben Soreff Home Maintenance Ben Soreff

4 Changes to Make to Your Home Before the Winter

It's that time of year again! The leaves are changing colors, the air is crisp and cool and pumpkin spice everything is all over your grocery store. But before you break out the dishes for Thanksgiving dinner, it’s important to remember to create a safe and comfortable space for your holiday celebrations to happen. In other words, it’s time to prepare your home for winter. To help you do that, we’ve created this blog post to help you identify four things you should do before the cold sets in.

Tips for Keeping Pests Out of Your Home During the Winter Months.jpg

It's that time of year again! The leaves are changing colors, the air is crisp and cool and pumpkin spice everything is all over your grocery store. But before you break out the dishes for Thanksgiving dinner, it’s important to remember to create a safe and comfortable space for your holiday celebrations to happen. In other words, it’s time to prepare your home for winter. To help you do that, we’ve created this blog post to help you identify four things you should do before the cold sets in.

Check the Seals and Weather Stripping

Cold air can seep into your home via leaks in your windows’ weather stripping. You can prevent this heat loss by inspecting all of your windows. Check the seals and weather stripping on them, and if any of them have started to go bad, replace them. On a related note, if you have any broken windows or screen doors, be sure to replace those, too.

Take a Look at Your Heating and Air Conditioning System

To ensure that your heating and air conditioning systems are ready all year round, it’s good to inspect them at the change of the seasons. You’ll need to change filters, check the outdoor AC condenser and test the thermostats to start off with. If you’re not an expert, it’s also wise to talk to a heating and air conditioning contractor. These units require specialized knowledge to service and repair, so it’s typically better just to hire it out in the long run.

Prepare Your Fireplace

Inspecting your fireplace ensures that you can safely burn wood in it all winter long. Start your tasks by making sure that your chimney is clear of debris, including birds’ nests. The bricks around the chimney should be solid and not crumbling. Your fireplace’s damper must also open and close properly. Finally, make sure that the bricks and mortar around the mouth of the fireplace are solid and without cracks.

Do Due Diligence on Your Property

It’s easy to forget the grounds of our property once the cold weather settles in. Who wants to leave the house, after all? That’s why it’s important to check your property for things like troublesome tree branches or fallen leaves that could damage your roof or storm gutters.

Speaking of storm gutters, be sure to clear them out. Finally, check your roof to ensure that it’s solid. Any broken shingles or signs of curling or blistering should be fixed before the days turn cold.

The winter months are quickly approaching, which means it’s time to take care of any issues that could lead to bigger problems. If your home isn't ready for the cold weather ahead, you're going to have a rough few months trying to keep up with the weather-related problems you could encounter. To help save yourself some trouble this season, be sure to check off all the items on this to-do list. Once you do, you’ll be able to enjoy the winter and the coming holiday season without the worries and stress that come from having to do unexpected home repairs.

Read More