Wagner Realty
October
17
17
Get Your Bradenton Home Ready for Fall
Like it or not, summer is behind us, and cooler weather is headed our way. Luckily, living in Florida means the changes in the seasons aren't nearly as drastic as those experienced by our friends up north. Still, our real estate agents in Bradenton want to make sure you're ready for the change. These are the steps you should take this fall to get your Bradenton home ready for winter.
A Checklist to Get Your Florida Home Ready for Fall
- Make Sure Your Gutters Are Clear
If you live in a house with lots of overhanging trees, you might be shocked to discover the amount of leaves, debris and organic matter that pile up in your gutters over the course of a year. This can cause a lot of problems, including potentially costly water damage during rainy conditions, so make sure your gutters are clear before winter arrives. - Check the Heating System
Chances are, you haven't used or even thought about your heating system since last winter. But the day will inevitably come when you have to fire it up again. Before that day arrives, have your HVAC cleaned and serviced by a pro to make sure it's in good working order. - Seal the Gaps
Air leaks around windows, doors and anywhere wires or pipes enter your home pose two potential problems. Not only do they let conditioned air escape – which makes your home more difficult to heat and cool – but they can also let mice, insects and other critters into your house. Winter is the time when small animals are most likely to want to seek refuge in your home, so do a thorough check to make sure you don't have any gaps. If you find any, use caulk or weather stripping to seal them up. - Inspect Your Roof
Winter rains can take a toll on your roof, especially if it's already in not-so-great shape. Give it a thorough inspection, looking for moss, wet spots, loose or broken shingles and any other damage that might cause a leak. If you're not comfortable climbing up there on a ladder, hire a pro who can tell you whether or not your roof is sound.
- Turn Off the Irrigation
Frozen pipes aren't necessarily common in our neck of the woods, but they're not impossible either. Before the threat of freezing temperatures arrives, winterize your irrigation system to make sure it doesn't freeze. Turn off the water at the main shutoff valve, and then open up each outdoor valve to let the water drain. - Add Insulation
If you're concerned about being able to stay warm this winter, or if you want to reduce your utility bills by making your house more energy-efficient, adding some extra insulation is one of the best options. In most homes, the attic is the most cost-effective place to add insulation. - Inspect Smoke Detectors
Fall is one of the crucial times of year to make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors have fresh batteries and are working correctly. This is especially true if you have a fireplace that you plan to use this winter, but even if you don't, winter is still the season when the most house fires occur. While you're inspecting your smoke detectors, check your fire extinguisher and make sure that everyone in your household knows how to use it.
Contact Wagner Realty today to learn more about adjusting to the changing seasons in Florida, and to find out how we can help you make your dream of living in the Sunshine State a reality. If you're looking for Bradenton homes for sale, our team is here to help.