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It’s hard to believe we’re already in the last few months of 2019! Fall is just about here, which means the busy hustle and bustle of the holidays is just around the corner. While most people enjoy the holidays and the change of pace that it entails, it can easily be one of the most stressful times – for homeowners in particular. Not only do you have to think about gift shopping, special events, unusual work schedules, and potential traveling, but you also have to prepare your home to endure the harsh weather and elements that come with the season. Unfortunately, cooler, wetter weather can wreak havoc on your house if it has not been properly maintained!
Because no one wants to be hit with an unexpected home repair bill during the already expensive holiday season, the best thing you can do is make a conscious effort to prep your home throughout the weeks leading up to winter. You might think it’s not a big deal; why fix something if it’s not broken? The answer is that, more often than not, the expense of an emergency home repair far exceeds the cost of maintenance before the damage is done. Similar to the expression “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” it’s in your best interest to keep your home in great working order instead of waiting until something goes wrong to address an issue.
On top of the additional expense, it’s much more difficult to find a professional that is available to provide their services during the holidays. Most businesses have shorter hours and are closed for multiple days, meaning their available work schedules fill up much more quickly. It can be extremely frustrating to call one handyman after another only to hear that no one has any time to fit you in right before the holidays. Save yourself the struggle and get these things done ahead of time!
Here are a few home maintenance projects you should consider having done before the cold winter months arrive:
1. Clean out the gutters
As much as we all hate to do it, cleaning out the gutters is a must. Clogged gutters can be a dangerous hazard during the winter months. Water and debris freezing in the gutters can make them very heavy, causing them to break and fall. Not only can this be dangerous to you, but it can also cause serious damage to your home. Who wants to pay for gutter repair or replacement when cleaning them out a few times a year can easily prevent this problem?