Skip to Content

Here Are 8 Home Improvement Tips For The Fall

There’s a chill in the air, the trees are changing colors, and the faint smell of pumpkin spice is wafting over the horizon.

What’s that sound? Could it actually be … silence?

With the kids at school, you have a rare opportunity to work on the house without being quizzed on what your favorite dinosaur is.

Take advantage of it! Here are some home improvement ideas for the fall.

Here Are 8 Home Improvement Tips For The Fall

1. Clean Out Your Gutters

Most people don’t think about their gutters until they get clogged and overflow. A cool Autumn day is the perfect time to head outside, set up a ladder, and clean them out.

It’s less messy to clean the debris out while it’s dry, but you can scoop out wet leaves just as easily.

First, you’ll need a pair of gloves and something to scoop with.

This can be a gardening trowel, a spatula, or your hands. As you clean out the leaves and stems, you can stow them in a bag or bucket, drop them onto a tarp, or simply let them go free.

You can then use a hose to spray out any leftover material.

2. Power Wash Your House

Power washing is one of the most satisfying cleaning methods because the results are immediate and the difference is dramatic.

You can pressure wash your deck, driveway, many types of walls, and even the gutters.

If you don’t own a power washer, there are two types you can choose from – gas and electric.

Gas models are louder, but they’re cordless and often have a lot more pressure behind them.

Electric power washers aren’t as powerful, but they don’t produce gas emissions and need a lot less maintenance. The choice is yours!

3. Stain and Seal Your Deck

This looks good and can also weatherproof your outdoor gathering space. Stains are meant to color the wood, while sealers coat it to provide a glossy sheen and prevent water from seeping in.

First, sand the deck. You can use a belt sander to make the job easier along the main part of the deck, and a palm sander for the railings.

Next, if you have a leaf blower, blast the sawdust off. You can also use a broom and a hose, but you’ll have to let it dry thoroughly before staining.

Add the stain using a wide brush or paint roller.

When it’s completely dry, finish the surface with a sealer. This often imparts an even richer color to the wood than the stain alone.

4. Liven Up Your Window Frames

A fresh pop of color can dramatically change the appearance of your house. You can use wood stain or paint to breathe new life into your window frames, either indoors or out.

The first step is cleaning and sanding them. You can use a paint scraper to remove some of the old paint, then fill in any cracks or holes with spackle.

Use a sanding block to make everything even, then wash or blow away the dust.

Tape around the area you’re going to paint and be sure to put down a drop cloth if you’re working indoors. Even the most meticulous painters end up smearing it on the floor.

It’s inevitable. Finally, prime and paint the frames. You can remove the tape once they dry.

5. Weatherproof Your House

Before a cold draft starts blowing in, take the time to seal all the cracks around your windows and doors with caulk and weather stripping.

Put a draft stopper against the bottom of any doors that lead outside. Buy a hot water heater blanket (which is not something you want to make yourself, since it could be a fire hazard) and wrap your hot water heater up to insulate it.

If you have an attic, insulate the crack around the attic door and make sure the attic itself is well-insulated.

Put insulating outlet sealing gaskets behind exterior outlets, too. It may seem insignificant, but every little bit helps.

6. Fix Your Roof

It’s a good idea to get your roof in shape while the temperature is still above freezing.

Check for any sign of damage such as loose shingles, leaks, or missing gutter aprons. Stop water from getting into your house before it even becomes an issue.

Remove any overhanging branches from above the roof and remove leaves, pine needles, and other debris from the surface.

Here Are 8 Home Improvement Tips For The Fall

7. Repair Loose Railings

You’ll want your porch railings to be sturdy and secure before the ground is covered in ice.

First, tighten any loose screws or bolts, and hammer in any nails that have started coming out. Mount extra blocking between the rim joists in a zigzag pattern.

Check to see if there are spots where the rail is moveable.

If the rail is beyond saving, it may be worth installing a new one. After all, its job is to protect you when navigating stairs or standing at the edge of the porch.

8. Bring Outdoor Furniture Inside

Yes, it’s outdoor furniture, but it will last much longer if you bring it in for the winter. Leaving it outside may lead to mold, rust, or cracking.

Stow it safely in a shed or garage to protect it from snow.

You can also cover it with a waterproof furniture cover if you don’t have room to bring it inside.

Ready for Fall?

Hopefully, this guide gave you some good ideas on DIY home improvements for the fall season.

When you’re all finished, reward yourself with some hot apple cider! You really spruced up the house.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.