As autumn approaches, we’re greeted by vibrant foliage and crisp evenings perfect for campfires andbonfires in coolerregions like the Blue Mountains and Adelaide Hills. Our wine regions of the Barossa,Margaret River and Hunter Valley greet visitors with abundant vines ready for harvest, and our localfarmers’markets overflow with fresh seasonal produce like apples, pears, and pumpkins. And whilewe’re soaking up all the beauty of the seasonal shift, it’s also a perfect time to zero in on preparingyour home for the cooler, wetter months ahead. Whether that’s simply maintaining your home orenhancing appeal for potentialbuyers, get prepped for autumn with these 10 essential homemaintenance and makeover tips
 

1.Give your gutter and roof some love

Often, we don’t pay much attention to these two areas of our home's exterior unless there’s anissue, but autumn is the prime time to show your gutters and roof some love ahead of their mostdemanding season. Clear out leaves and debris to avoid clogged gutters, drainage issues, andpotential water damage–consider investing ina leaf blower to tackle the task. While you’re at it,give your roof a once overand check for loose shingles, damage or potential leaks–don’t wait forthat first downpour to find out there’s a problem.

2.Seal, insulate and save

As temperatures drop, heating costs rise–particularly in homes without proper insulation. Beforethe winter chill sets in, evaluate what measures you can take to make your home morecomfortable. In some instances, you may be eligible foran insulation subsidy or rebate; if not, youcould considerDIY insulationor take smaller steps to increase the effectiveness and efficiency ofyour existing heating. It’s estimated thatup to 25% of winter heat loss in existing houses is causedby air leakage, which you can help combat by sealing gaps around windows and doors, replacingworm weatherstripping and adding thicker curtains to lock in the warmth.

3.Service your heating systems

As you prepare to switch your air conditioning unit from cooling to heating, it’s a good idea to get it professionally serviced or, at the very least,clean or replace the filters. Summer is a season of high pollen and dust, so a simple filter change will ensure your unit runs efficiently and creates a healthy environment. If you rely on gas heaters, get these serviced now to prevent carbonmonoxide leaks and to keep them running at their best.

4. Focus on Fireplaces

There's nothing quite like the warmth and ambience of an open fire on a dreary winter's day especially if it doesn't mean being subjected to a room full of smoke. If your home is blessed with a cosy fireplace, before lighting up, use a torch to inspect the flue and chimney for any debris that’s accumulated since last winter and work your way through these important tips. If it’s within your budget, booking a professional to come and give your chimney a thorough check and sweepis worthwhile. Finally, check your fire guards or screens are in good working condition to keep pets and kids out of harm’s way

5.Keep safe with smoke alarm checks

The end of daylight savings serves as a good reminder to check or replace your smoke alarms–acritical task with figures showing thatnearly half of NSW homes affected by fires last winter lackeda working alarm. Ideally, your smoke alarm should be powered by a 10-year lithium battery,checked monthly by pressing and holding the test button until it beeps, and vacuumed or dusted atleast every 6 months for the sensor to work optimally. If you’re unsure aboutthese steps, seekprofessional help, and if you need assistancechoosing a smoke alarm, head to your localBunnings.

6.Cosy up with snug interiors

As we bid adieu to bright and breezy days, treat your home to a Hygge winter makeover that dialsup the warmth and cosiness. Whetheryou want to commit to a complete overhaul or stick to someeasy and affordable styling updates, turning up the heat in your home can be as simple asswapping out light linen throws and cushions for plush varieties, rolling out your lush woollen rugsand switching cool light bulbs for warmer tones. If you’re feeling ambitious, roll up your sleeves androll on the paint inshades that remind you of long summer days.

7.Check decks, balconies, and exterior structures

Wooden structures are susceptible to weather changes as timber expands, shrinks, cracks, moves,and even rots across seasons. As the busy summer entertaining period ends,thoroughly checkyour outdoor structures for any damage. Examine joists for hidden rot caused by water runoff andensure bolts, nails, screws, decking, balustrades, and handrails are in good shape. Staying on topof potential issues keeps your outdoor space safe and sturdy for the seasons ahead, and withregular maintenance,you’ll extend the life of your structures, too.

8.Cover, store, and protect

Stow away your outdoor furniture in preparation for the damper days ahead so they’ll remain in topcondition when the sun-filled days return. If indoor space is limited, consider purchasing aweatherproofoutdoor storage boxfor smaller décor items like cushions and chair pads, and forlarger items, use durable waterproof covers to protect them from the elements. Now is also a greattime to give wooden outdoor furniturea fresh coat of sealant or stain to minimise wear, fading andmould.

9.Landscaping prep

Autumn comes with plenty of gardening tasks to tackle,which will ensure a lush outdoor spacegreets you once spring rolls around. Startby keeping lawns raked of leaves and debris tomaximise airflow, and give yourtrees and shrubs a healthy trim(particularly around windows) toreduce the potential for any storm damage and maximise light indoors. It’s not all prep, though;inject some colour into your garden with autumn-loving flowers like stock, viola, poppies, andpansies. Don’t forget to adjust your irrigation systems if you have them.

10.Welcome potential buyers

An autumnal backdrop can provide the perfect scene for selling your home, and witha little extraattention in all the right places, boosting your curb appeal might be easier than you think. Studieshave shown that you have aboutseven seconds to nail your first impressions, so make sure everysecond counts. Start by creating neat garden edgesand tidying up garden beds with a fresh layer of mulch. Move on to any areas needinga fresh lick of paint–pay particular attention to things like road-facing fences, entry gates, front doors and letterboxes. It’s also a good time to pressure washwindows, exterior walls, and concrete paths so that they’re fresh and appealing. Finally,welcomeyour buyers with a splash of seasonal potted colour at the front door.

The chilly autumn days are coming-is your home ready?

Prepping your home now for the cooler months ahead will keep you cosy, healthy, and happy for the seasonal shift. It will also ensure your home is protected, maintained, and in top condition for when the warmer weather returns

If the crisp air and changing leaves of autumn have you dreaming of a fresh beginning or a cosyretreat, connect with your localFirst National Real Estate team. They’ll help you find happiness in ahome that suits every season of your life.