Kirby Cox's Calgary Real Estate Blog

This weather is a sign of the changing season, and Autumn officially starts today (hard to believe!). The colder temperatures can mean big changes for your home, so this time of year is perfect to tackle some of those home maintenance chores early. We came across a great checklist in Better Homes and Gardens recently, and there were some great tips in there like this one: 

Your roof's drainage system annually diverts thousands of gallons of water from your house's exterior and foundation walls. That's why it is so important to keep this system flowing smoothly. Clogged gutters can lead to damaged exterior surfaces and to water in your basement. They are also more prone to rust and corrosion. Before the leaves fly this fall, have your gutters cleaned, then covered with mesh guards to keep debris from returning. [Better Homes and Gardens]

If you don't have time to read the full list, no worries, here's the highlights: 

• Inspect and clean gutters and downspouts
• Seal gaps and cracks around windows and doors
• Inspect your roof for damaged shingles
• Repair damaged sidewalks, driveways and steps
• Drain and winterize outdoor water systems: irrigation, faucets
• Clean or replace dirty furnace filters
• Have a professional inspect your heating system
• Check your fireplace for build-up and clean out (chimney sweep) if necessary
• Test any and all monitors (fire, carbon monixide, etc.) to ensure they are still working

For the detailed checklist, check out Better Homes and Gardens online.