Fall has arrived, which means there are various home maintenance tasks that should be attended to if you are the proud owner of a Dallas custom home. Regardless of where you live, it’s important to catch up on those tasks and projects you’ve been putting off during hot summer months, until cooler weather returns. As the winter season approaches, there are certain things you should do to make sure your family is safe during the cold months, and to prepare for the season.
First, be sure to test carbon monoxide and smoke detectors. It’s usually recommended that you change batteries in smoke/carbon monoxide detectors when the time changes, which just happened last weekend. This is particularly important if you use gas to heat your home, or have a wood-burning stove or fireplace. You’ll also want to schedule servicing/cleaning of your HVAC system to make sure it’s in good working order.
Give the laundry appliances a good cleaning. Washers and dryers get dirty, especially over summer months when sand, sweat, and dirt may accumulate in the washer or dryer. This can result in clothes that are less than clean, and appliances that malfunction. Wipe any sand, grime, or dirt away from the rubber seal and inside the drum of your washing machine, and run it while empty with a product designed to clean the washer. Be sure to clean out the dryer filter following every load.
It’s the perfect time to clean ceiling fan blades and light fixtures. Dead bugs, dirt, grime, soot from a fireplace – there is more than you can imagine accumulating on the light fixtures and ceiling fan, considering many homeowners use fans regularly during the hot summer months. Vacuum pendant lights over the island in the kitchen, and use a cleaner safe for use to wipe away build-up from fan blades, chandeliers, and other light fixtures.
Don’t forget the bathroom fan. Summer months can be super humid in North Texas, which means the fans in the bathrooms may have to work harder than usual to clear the air following a shower or bath. Remove the cover, then vacuum dust and dirt away – you may also want to use a spray cleaner and rag to wipe away grime that has built up.
One dreaded chore – inspect and clean the gutters. While no one considers cleaning the gutters a fun project, it must be done in order to ensure downspouts are clear, and your roof/structure of your home aren’t damaged by rain and moisture. Inspect the rain gutters to determine whether it’s time to clean out dirt, dust, leaves, and other debris, and check them for damage as well.
Give the exterior a thorough inspection. When you have invested a substantial amount of money in a custom built home, it’s important to make sure everything is in good condition from the foundation to the roof, walls, and attic. Give your home a good once-over to make sure there is no obvious exterior damage.
At Bud Bartley Custom Homes, we know the importance of trusting dedicated, qualified custom home builders who are passionate about quality materials and workmanship. We’ve been building custom homes in the Dallas area for more than three decades, so you can trust us to deliver results that go beyond your dreams!
