Labor Day may not be the first official day of fall, but for many it feels likes the unofficial end to summer. While warm days are sure to follow the holiday weekend, they are certainly numbered. Before long the air will turn crisp, the leaves will fall, and snow will be in future forecasts.
Take advantage of good weather while it’s here to not only up your home value and curb appeal but also create a comfortable and safe environment during the colder, brisker temps ahead.
Home Projects to Do Before Labor Day
- Service the HVAC: A summer of open windows means debris and allergens may be lurking in your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. Replace air filters to help cut back on what is blowing through your home. Also, be sure to perform regular maintenance, bringing in an HVAC pro to service your unit if needed to ensure it’s running as efficiently as it can be.
Check the roof: Heavy snow can prove a heavy burden on a roof that isn’t in tip-top shape. Inspect your roof for holes, loose shingles, or areas that could lead to leaks and ice damming this winter. If you aren’t doing the work yourself, hiring a roofing contractor, such as North Shore Home Works, while the weather is still warm will be easier, and likely less expensive, than waiting until the dead of winter.- Add insulation: Good for your home no matter what the weather, proper insulation can make your interior more comfortable and energy bills less expensive. If your house typically feels drafty and cold in the winter, or you’ve noticed your heating and cooling bills creeping up in cost, consider having your insulation increased in the attic, exterior walls, ducts, crawl space, and basement.
- Seal any cracks: Avoid warm air from getting out and cold air from getting in by caulking around window and door frames. Your house will stay warmer when it gets cold out without spiking your energy bill.
- Add weatherstripping: Another way to decrease your utility bills while increasing the comfort of your home’s interior is by adding weatherstripping. For areas around doors or windows where caulk can’t cut back the the air getting in and out, install weatherstripping to ensure a tight, sealed fit.
- Paint the exterior: Cold, wet weather and paint don’t mix, which means if your home’s exterior siding, windows, or doors need a fresh coat, getting it done while the weather’s still warm is a must. While it may seem like a chore done for purely aesthetic purposes, painting can extend the life of your exterior, prevent termite damage, and decrease the harshness of winter. Let North Shore Home Works know if you’d like an estimate for any interior or exterior painting!
Trim trees and bushes: Reduce the amount of leaves you’ll need to rake while also keeping your home’s exterior free from debris and branch-related damage by cutting back trees, bushes, and shrubs growing near your home. Pruners and shears can help you tackle smaller projects, while professionals may be needed for tall trees or when trimming around power lines.
Summertime is counting down, so get started now on these must-do home improvement projects. Fall is around the corner, and with it comes it’s own list of seasonal to-dos. Crossing off a few projects now can keep you from feeling overwhelmed–or worse, skipping necessary projects–later.
North Shore Home Works Roofing and Repairs
Homeowners in the Chicago North Shore area need roofs that not only fit within their budgets, but that are also built to withstand the rigors of all Chicago and North Shore’s four seasons. Red’s Roofing specializes in full roof replacement and roofing repairs for residential roofing, and we are experienced with all types of roofing materials and repairs.
Interior and Exterior Painting
Since its founding over 25 years ago, Menorah Painting has earned a reputation of excellence throughout Chicago’s North Shore. Whether it’s interior or exterior painting, residential or commercial, we back up all of our painting and decorating with a four-year written guarantee and excellent references.