by Jenn Hawkins

Fall Home Improvement Projects

With cooler days on the horizon, it is time to get out and start those fall home improvement projects you put off over the summer. Here are a few projects you can get in before sitting down to watch some football. 

During the hot summer, no one is especially eager to tackle home improvement projects. After all, spending the day at the lake or in air-conditioned comfort is far more inviting during those hot days. But with cooler weather, fall is the perfect time to tackle the projects that have languished since May. Here are three home improvement projects to get your home ready for the cold..

Pressure Washing and Painting

Summers in SW Idaho are hot, and they can be dusty, so if you want to brighten your home and get rid of the dirt and grime, rent a pressure washer for the weekend. A gasoline-powered pressure washer can make cleaning your home and flat surfaces much easier. For your home and concrete surfaces, pre-treat the area with a one-to-one ratio of bleach and water in a pump sprayer. Test an inconspicuous area of your home with the pressure washer before you begin as large pressure washers can remove the paint. You will find that the treated area shines like a new penny when you have finished pressure washing it.

As you move around your home, pay close attention to any areas that might need paint. If the "body" of your home is in good shape, consider painting the trim if it needs it. Keeping your home in good repair, including the paint job, will go a long way to improving resale value and curb appeal. HomeLogic has a great resource for fall maintenance.

Planting Beds and Shrubs

After the summer heat, weeds may have overrun your flower beds. Fall is the time to remove last spring's mulch, to pull the weeds, and to spread fresh mulch to your planting beds. Later in the fall, trim back your hedges to get them under control.

Roof Inspection and Repair

Fall is a great time to inspect your roof to find any problem areas that may require attention. First, perform a visual inspection to note any missing or broken shingles. Repair or replace these shingles immediately to prevent a leak from the ceiling. While you are on the roof, check chronic problem areas such as sky lights, chimneys, and vent stacks. Staying ahead of roof problems can prolong the life of your roof. Here are some more tips to make repairs — that way, you can keep small problems from ballooning up to big issues in the future.

These do-it-yourself home improvement projects are not terribly labor-intensive and can get you back to enjoying Idaho's fall weather.