Fall Home Improvements That Really Pay Off

As summer draws to a close, it can seem like you’ve lost your home improvement window. After all, the days are getting shorter and cooler, and the prospect of rain can really affect our ability to do a lot of work around the house.

But fall can be the perfect time to make some improvements. Here are some that can make a big impact on your wallet.

Repair your roof

Sure, summer is roofing season. But that can mean higher prices and long waits to get your roof taken care of. With fall, business slows down, leaving more room in the roofing contractors’ schedules — and more bargaining power for you.

If your roof needs just a few shingles replaced or a full redo, it makes sense to get that taken care of before winter hits.

Weatherize

Before winter hits, take a weekend to weatherize your house. Check caulking around window and door frames. Replace door sweeps and weather stripping, if needed. And, if you have older single-pane windows, consider replacing them with newer, energy-efficient windows.

You might also look into replacing or adding more insulation to your basement, crawl space, or attic. These projects could help lower your heating bills dramatically this winter.

Clean your gutters

Clogged gutters can cause serious water damage, so either climb up there yourself or hire a service to come out and remove any leaves or other debris. Check the downspouts to ensure water flows freely. And look for any leaks or cracks in the gutters. Some issues can be repaired, rather than replaced, saving you a lot of money.

Want to avoid gutter cleaning in the future? You can get gutter guards installed that keep leaves and other debris out.

Do some exterior touch-ups

While you’re weatherizing, give your home a quick inspection. Are there areas where the paint is chipping? Siding that is getting a little iffy? Touching up the paint or replacing and repainting damaged siding can extend the life of your exterior paint — and allow you to find and fix any issues (such as rot) before they affect your entire home.

Update your tech

When you’ve got the outside in good shape, look at how you can upgrade your interior. Smart thermostats can help you manage your heating costs — and some utilities offer incentives for adding these tech tools. Smart lighting can also be a good investment, allowing you to control lighting usage.

Explore New Appliances

Also consider upgrading your HVAC system, refrigerator, and/or water heater. If either of these appliances is more than 10 years old, you’re likely to see big efficiency improvements when you upgrade, and again, your utility might offer incentives for purchasing energy-efficient models.

If your appliances aren’t due for a replacement, you might get them tuned up, just to make sure everything is working at its peak.

Need financing for any of these bigger projects? Learn more about our home equity loan options or contact us today to see how we may be able to help you finance your improvements.