From cleaning gutters and sealing drafts to servicing heating systems and checking smoke alarms, small seasonal maintenance tasks can make a big difference to your home’s comfort, function, and future condition, as we weather the cooler months. Get prepped for the shift to autumn with these 10-home maintenance and makeover essentials.
As autumn approaches, we’re greeted by vibrant foliage and crisp evenings perfect for firepits in cooler regions like Central Otago and the Canterbury. Our renowned wine regions, including Marlborough, Hawke’s Bay, and Central Otago, welcome visitors with abundant vines ready for harvest, while local farmers’ markets overflow with fresh seasonal produce like apples, pears, and pumpkins. And while we’re soaking up the beauty of the seasonal shift, it’s also the perfect time to focus on preparing your home for the cooler, wetter months ahead. Whether it’s regular maintenance or enhancing your home’s appeal for potential buyers, get prepped for autumn with these 10 essential home maintenance and makeover tips:
1. Give your gutter and roof some love
Often, we don’t pay much attention to these two areas of our home’s exterior unless there’s an issue, but autumn is the prime time to show your gutters and roof some love ahead of their most demanding season. Clear out leaves and debris to avoid clogged gutters, drainage issues, and potential water damage – consider investing in a leaf blower to tackle the task. While you’re at it, give your roof a once over and check for loose tiles, damage or potential leaks – don’t wait for that first downpour to find out there’s a problem.
2. Seal, insulate and save
As temperatures drop, heating costs rise – particularly in homes without proper insulation. Before the winter chill sets in, evaluate what measures you can take to make your home more comfortable. In some instances, you may be eligible for an insulation subsidy or rebate; if not, you could consider DIY insulation or take smaller steps to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of your existing heating. It’s estimated that up to 25% of winter heat loss in existing houses is caused by air leakage, which you can help combat by sealing gaps around windows and doors, replacing worm weatherstripping and adding thicker curtains to lock in the warmth.
3. Service your heating systems
As you prepare to switch your air conditioning unit from cooling to heating, it’s a good idea to get it professionally serviced or, at the very least, clean or replace the filters. Summer is a season of high pollen and dust, so a simple filter change will ensure your unit runs efficiently and creates a healthy environment. If you rely on gas heaters, get these serviced now to prevent carbon monoxide leaks and to keep them running at their best.
4. Focus on fireplaces
There’s nothing quite like the warmth and ambience of an open fire on a dreary winter’s day, especially if it doesn’t mean being subjected to a room full of smoke. If your home is blessed with a cosy fireplace, before lighting up, use a torch to inspect the flue and chimney for any debris that’s accumulated since last winter and work your way through these important tips. If it’s within your budget, booking a professional to come and give your chimney a thorough check and sweep is worthwhile. Finally, check your fire guards or screens are in good working condition to keep pets and kids out of harm’s way.
5. Keep safe with smoke alarm checks
The end of daylight savings serves as a good reminder to check or replace your smoke alarms. Ideally, your smoke alarm should be powered by a 10-year lithium battery, checked monthly by pressing and holding the test button until it beeps, and vacuumed or dusted at least every 6 months for the sensor to work optimally. If you’re unsure, seek professional help, and if you need assistance choosing a smoke alarm, head to your local hardware store.
6. Cosy up with snug interiors
As we bid adieu to bright and breezy days, treat your home to a Hygge winter makeover that dials up the warmth and cosiness. Whether you want to commit to a complete overhaul or stick to some easy and affordable styling updates, turning up the heat in your home can be as simple as swapping out light linen throws and cushions for plush varieties, rolling out your lush woollen rugs and switching cool light bulbs for warmer tones. If you’re feeling ambitious, roll up your sleeves and roll on the paint in shades that remind you of long summer days.
7. Check decks, balconies, and exterior structures
Wooden structures are susceptible to weather changes as timber expands, shrinks, cracks, moves, and even rots across seasons. As the busy summer entertaining period ends, thoroughly check your outdoor structures for any damage. Examine joists for hidden rot caused by water runoff and ensure bolts, nails, screws, decking, balustrades, and handrails are in good shape. Staying on top of potential issues keeps your outdoor space safe and sturdy for the seasons ahead, and with regular maintenance, you’ll extend the life of your structures, too.
8. Cover, store, and protect
Stow away your outdoor furniture in preparation for the damper days ahead so they’ll remain in top condition when the sun-filled days return. If indoor space is limited, consider purchasing a weatherproof outdoor storage box for smaller décor items like cushions and chair pads, and for larger items, use durable waterproof covers to protect them from the elements. Now is also a great time to give wooden outdoor furniture a fresh coat of sealant or stain to minimise wear, fading and mould.
9. Landscaping prep
Autumn comes with plenty of gardening tasks to tackle, which will ensure a lush outdoor space greets you once spring rolls around. Start by keeping lawns raked of leaves and debris to maximise airflow, and give your trees and shrubs a healthy trim (particularly around windows) to reduce the potential for any storm damage and maximise light indoors. It’s not all prep, though; inject some colour into your garden with autumn-loving flowers like stock, viola, poppies, and pansies. Don’t forget to adjust your irrigation systems if you have them.
10. Welcome potential buyers
An autumnal backdrop can provide the perfect scene for selling your home, and with a little extra attention in all the right places, boosting your curb appeal might be easier than you think. Studies have shown that you have about seven seconds to nail your first impressions, so make sure every second counts. Start by creating neat garden edges and tidying up garden beds with a fresh layer of mulch. Move on to any areas needing a fresh lick of paint – pay particular attention to things like road-facing fences, entry gates, front doors and letterboxes. It’s also a good time to pressure wash windows, exterior walls, and concrete paths so that they’re fresh and appealing. Finally, welcome your buyers with a splash of seasonal potted colour at the front door.
The chilly autumn days are coming – is your home ready?
Prepping your home now for the cooler months ahead will keep you cosy, healthy, and happy for the seasonal shift. It will also ensure your home is protected, maintained, and in top condition for when the warmer weather returns.
If the crisp air and changing leaves of autumn have you dreaming of a fresh beginning or a cosy retreat, connect with your local First National Real Estate team. They’ll help you find happiness in a home that suits every season of your life
Disclaimer
The following advice is of a general nature only and intended as a broad guide. The advice should not be regarded as legal, financial, or real estate advice. You should make your own inquiries and obtain independent professional advice tailored to your specific circumstances before making any legal, financial, or real estate decisions. Click here for full Terms of Use.
