Autumn projects – Get your home ready for winter

With summer's heat fading and winter's chill yet to set in, autumn is the perfect time to tackle exterior maintenance, landscaping, and painting projects as well as to prepare your home for the colder months ahead.

MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS

Exterior:

• Start by inspecting your home's exterior for any signs of wear and tear.
• Clean out gutters and downspouts to prevent clogs and water damage.
• Check for cracks or gaps in the foundation, siding, and roofing, and seal them to prevent drafts and water infiltration.
• Trim overhanging branches and shrubs to prevent them from causing damage during winter storms.

Windows and Doors:

• Inspect windows and doors for drafts and leaks, and seal them with weather-stripping or caulk as needed.
• Lubricate door hinges and locks to ensure smooth operation throughout the season.

Fireplace and Chimney Maintenance:

If you have a fireplace or wood-burning stove, now is the time to prepare it for regular use during the colder months.

• Inspect the chimney for creosote build-up and have it cleaned by a professional chimney sweep if necessary.
• Check the damper for proper operation and ensure the flue is clear of debris.
• Stock up on seasoned firewood and store it in a dry, sheltered location.

Exterior Painting and Staining:

If your home's exterior could use a fresh coat of paint or stain, autumn is an ideal time to tackle this project. Cooler temperatures and lower humidity levels provide optimal conditions for painting and staining, ensuring better adhesion and drying times.

Clean the surface thoroughly, repair any damage, and apply a high-quality paint or stain to protect and beautify your home's exterior.

Landscaping and Garden Maintenance:

• Prepare your landscaping and garden for the winter months by cleaning up fallen leaves, dead foliage, and debris.
• Trim bushes and trees to promote healthy growth and prevent damage from heavy snow and ice.
• Plant bulbs for spring blooms and apply mulch to protect plants and soil from freezing temperatures. Consider installing a rain barrel to collect rainwater for watering plants during dry spells.

WINTER COMFORT – GET COSY

You’ll be spending more time indoors with family and friends, so it makes sense to prep your home to make it as warm and inviting as possible.

Opt for warm lighting:

The simplest way to create a cosy atmosphere is through low, warm lighting which can easily be achieved simply by changing light bulbs to a lower wattage or you can invest in a lamp or two to place on side tables or to stand in a corner.

Layer up with blankets, throws and cushions:

Nothing says cosy quite like soft fleecy throws or woolly blankets along with extra cushions for added comfort when snuggling in front of a movie on a cold winter’s day.

Incorporate soft, plush textiles such as throw blankets, faux fur rugs, and velvet cushions to add warmth and texture to your home.

Invest in winter bedding:

Pack away the summer bedding and invest in cotton flannel, velvet flannel or heavyweight Egyptian cotton sheets which are wonderfully warm alternatives to crisp lightweight bedding.

And if you really feel the cold, add an electric blanket for that extra toasty feeling.

Comforting Scents:

Fill your home with comforting scents that evoke warmth and relaxation. Use scented candles, essential oil diffusers, or potpourri in seasonal fragrances such as cinnamon, pine, and vanilla.

Create a warm outdoor space:

South Africans love to spend time outdoors and there’s no reason not to cosy up outside during the milder days. Mushroom heaters or outdoor fire pits offer warmth and make for a perfect gathering space for family and friends to enjoy the chillier evenings.

Add solar lamps and fairy lights to illuminate your cosy outdoor area and create a load shedding-free zone where you can relax in the evenings.

Autumn offers the perfect opportunity to tackle home DIY and maintenance projects that will enhance your home's comfort and functionality, especially through the winter months.

And, from exterior maintenance and heating system tune-ups to interior upgrades and landscaping projects, there are plenty of tasks to keep you busy throughout the season.

By taking a proactive approach to home maintenance and improvement, you can ensure your home remains in top condition and ready to withstand the challenges of winter.