It’s hard to believe it’s almost Fall here in Los Angeles.  Now it the perfect time to prepare your home for the upcoming autumn season, which eventually leads into winter.  Here are 10 crucial steps and the Ultimate Fall Home Maintenance Guide to make sure your home is well protected throughout the end of the year.

Ultimate Fall Home Maintenance Guide

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DEEP CLEAN INDOORS

Fall is the best time for a thorough indoor cleaning. Improve indoor air quality – dust, vacuum, and mop to remove any allergens that have built up over the summer while the windows were open.

Our homes tend to get musty with the windows closed during the fall and winter months.  Take the time now to have your rugs professionally cleaned, and assure that they last.

Lori Dennis Interior Design

CLEAN THE FIREPLACE

Before you cozy up to a crackling fire, make sure your fireplace and chimney are clean and free of any buildup. Hiring a professional chimney sweep to ensure safe and efficient fireplace operation.  If you have an electric fireplace, you have no worries!

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INSPECT ROOF

Check your roof for signs of wear and tear, including missing or damaged shingles or cracked tiles.

Before you’re in a panic and in a long line for roof repairs, address any potential leak points to prevent water damage during fall rains.

REPAIR CRACKS

Address any cracks or uneven surfaces in your driveway and walkways.

Cooler temperatures can make these issues worse by expanding the the cracks.  Repairing them now will prevent further damage.

CHECK ALL BATTERIES

Ensure the safety of your home by checking and replacing batteries in smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and security cameras. Regular maintenance of these devices can save lives.

Ultimate Fall Home Maintenance Guide

Looking to keep your cool this summer without breaking a sweat? We’ve got you covered with 7 Home Improvement Tips to Beat, Keep the House Cool and Lower Your Energy Bills. Let’s dive right in!

2. SEAL ANY GAPS

Seal up any gaps in windows and doors with weatherstripping or caulking.  You’ll need to look closely for cracks and gaps that let warm air creep in, but it’s worth the investigating. You’ll instantly feel the difference – no more drafts, just pure coolness.

4. ATTIC INSULATION

A well-insulated attic is a game-changer. Good insulation keeps your home cooler during summer by blocking the transfer of heat from the roof to your living spaces. Plus, it helps you save some serious bucks on energy bills!

6. REPLACE HVAC SYSTEM

If you got the news that your air conditioner needs an upgrade, bite the bullet and invest in a new, energy-efficient HVAC system. It will not only cool your home more effectively but also ensure you’re not paying an arm and a leg for cooling costs. 

PROS and CONS of a TANKLESS WATER HEATER

PROS – TANKLESS HOT WATER HEATER

A tankless water heater can be extremely space saving, especially if you’re limited in garage space, the basement or a closet.

With a tankless water heater, you’ll have durability and a longer lasting unit compared to traditional water heaters.  They can last up to 20 years with proper care, as compared to 6-12 years with a traditional hot water heater.

PROS – TANKLESS HOT WATER HEATER

A tankless water heater requires a professional installation, and may also require either a gas line or electrical upgrade.  This can add to the overall cost of the installation.

If you have a large family and need to run multiple hot water appliances (like the dishwasher, washing maching and shower) all at once, a tankless water heater may not be your best bet.

It’s pretty safe to say that most Southern California homeowners are looking forward to the end of this unusual rainy season.  As much as we needed it, we’re more than ready for Spring!  To get yourself and your house ready, here are our Professional Contractor Top 5 Home Maintenance Spring Cleaning Tips.

Your house may have been neglected during the fall holidays and cold winter, and those annual or bi-annual chores have piled up.  It’s time to dust yourself off and freshen up the house maintenance inside and outside your home.  Nothing a little weekend warrior can’t tackle!  Keep this list handy each year as it should be a part of your regular home maintenance projects.

1.  CLEAN WINDOWS & GLASS DOORS

Cleaning the glass on windows, skylights and doors will dramatically improve your indoor light quality, along with your personal health at home.  (Think: less stress and eye strain).  DIY windows, or hire someone on an overcast day because the glass will dry better without streaking.

Make sure to not only clean the glass inside and out, but also hose down the screens.  To keep the windows and sliding doors opening and closing with ease, wipe down the tracks to remove dirty and debris.  Don’t forget to clean and remove soap scum or calcium deposits on glass shower doors.  This can easily be done with a vinegar spray.

Have you noticed any windows that have a fog between the panes of glass?  Or maybe you’re looking to update all your windows so your home is more energy efficient?  Head over to Lion Windows and Doors, where they will help you get the best look for your budget.

2.  REPLACE & CLEAN HVAC FILTERS and WATER FILTERS

Because most people are indoors 90% of the day, indoor air quality is a must for optimal health.  To keep your heating and air conditioning units running properly, it’s important to replace or clean the filters regularly.  HVAC and Air Purifier filters need to be replaced every 6 to 12 months.  If there are pets in your home, it’s recommended to replace filters every 3 months.

Clean drinking water is also important to optimal health for you, your family, pets and plants.  Whether you have a filtered water pitcher, water from the refrigerator, under-sink or whole house water filter, you’ll need to replace the filters consistently.  Most tap water contains nasty ingredients like lead, chlorine, flouride, pesticides and more.  Check your water filter source for the suggested schedule, which can be anywhere from 3 months to a year, or every 5 years.

3.  CLEAR RAIN GUTTERS OF DEBRIS

Rain gutters collect and redirect water away from the house, which protects the siding, roof and foundation from excess water.  Keep your gutters in check because rainwater accumulation can create mold, mildew and structural damage.

Schedule a time to have the gutters on your home looked at to assure they are clear of debris and working property.  Even better, look into rain gutter screens or leaf filters that prevent leaves, tree debris or ice build up.

4.  POWER WASH & PAINT HOME EXTERIOR

One of the fastest ways to improve the look of your home is to give it a nice bath and a little love.

First, look for and repair any damages around the exterior of the home.  With epoxy filler, touch up any cracks and fill in holes using a spackle knife.  When it’s dry, use a medium grit sander to smooth down the surface.

It’s probably been awhile since your home has had a clean shower, so you may be surprised at how much dirt has piled up on the surface.  If you’re power washing yourself, be careful with the strength of the power washer, as it could potentially damage your home if used incorrectly.

Last, select a high quality paint with primer.  Look for 3 main ingredients in your paint: pigment (color), durable binder (sticks to the wall) and solvent (spread).

5.  RESEAL NATURAL STONE COUNTERTOPS & WALLS

Maintaining natural stone countertops or wall slabs like marble, granite, quartzite, concrete, limestone, soapstone or travertine, is important for the look and longevity of your material.  Because stone is porous, it easily absorbs things like spaghetti sauce, coffee or wine stains.

Don’t worry, if you’ve installed engineered quartz or non-natural stone like Caesarstone, Silestone or others.  These are cost effective and don’t require any sealing – the ultimate in low maintenance.

When it comes to lighting your home, there are a variety of light sources to work with.  You may start with recessed can lights and want to add others fixtures to make your home more interesting, and reflective of your personal style.  For example, must have fixtures for any home remodel might include decorative ceiling lights, wall sconces or cabinetry lighting.  Follow along for 8 Ways to Add Light to Your Home, complete with professional contractor tips and interior design inspiration.

TYPES OF LIGHT SOURCES

Our Interior Design partners over at Lori Dennis always tell us “Lighting is the Jewelry of the Home.”  It’s amazing how a few thoughtfully selected light fixtures can completely transform a room.  When working with your designer, select lighting that closely matches the architecture of the home, just as much as your own personal preference.  Add special lighting to any ceiling in the room, like the Living Room, Dining Room, Bedroom or over a Kitchen Island.  Bring attention to art or add more mood lighting to a hallway or small reading nook.

LIGHT BULBS

Light Bulbs come in all shapes, sizes and colors and are specific to the type of fixture being used.  You may be most familiar with standard bulbs and candelabra bulbs.  But there are so many more fun shapes and styles available now, like both small and large globe, tubular and LED Edison filament to give that moody vintage glow.  If you feel your eyes crossing when looking for a light bulb, remember this: warm color bulbs are softer with a slightly cream undertone, while cooler bulbs mimic direct light from the mid-day sun and run a little blue.  Above all else, make sure to install a dimmer switch on all light fixtures.  This will help you transition from day time into evening, and cue your circadian rhythm for sleep.

Types of Light Sources Include:

• Glass Windows and Doors
• Skylights
• Recessed Can Lights
• Linear Light Strips
• Track Lighting
• Flush Mount Light Fixture
• Semi-Flush Mount Light Fixture
• Chandelier
• Pendant
• Sconce
• Landscape Lighting

NATURAL LIGHT: WINDOWS, DOORS & SKYLIGHTS

The best kind of light is natural light that comes into the room through windows, glass doors or skylights.  Natural sunlight reduces eye strain and removes glare from any work surface making it ideal for any space.  Light from the outdoors is easy on your eyes and creates a more productive yet relaxed environment. Create the ultimate indoor outdoor space by opening up a wall to create a continuous transition to the backyard with the use of glass doors.

If you’re looking for any type of window or door for your home remodel, head over to the best in the home remodel, house renovation and new construction biz, Lion Windows and Doors.

RECESSED CAN LIGHTS

Most homes these days come with at least a few recessed can lights in every room.  Recessed lighting is great for areas like a hallway, corners of a room, and in the Kitchen.  Can lights offer general overhead lighting which allows you to see what you’re doing without having squint.

We recommend to not overdo the overhead lighting so much that your ceiling looks like swiss cheese.  Like anything, variety is the spice of life, so during a home renovation, give yourself an opportunity to add different types of light fixtures.

KITCHEN LIGHTING

When it comes to lighting in the Kitchen, there are 3 areas to focus on when it comes to lighting.  Overhead lighting is a must, as you want to be able to move around with ease and see where you are and what you’re doing. 

Next, add light strips or pucks underneath the upper cabinets and hood because this shines light directly on to the counter where you’re prepping a meal or cooking.  You may also want to add linear light strips to the lower toe kick, which gives a light glow to the Kitchen in the evening. 

Last and probably the most popular, is Kitchen Island Pendants.  This is your opportunity to really let  your style shine!

BATHROOM LIGHTING

Bathroom Lighting is best when you have the light source (or fixture) placed directly in front of you at eye level.  This reduces any shadows that cast beneath the eyes coming from overhead lighting.  Add wall sconces or hanging pendants on either side of the vanity mirror for the best light while getting ready. 

Overhead lighting is best for pumping up the brightness in the bathroom while getting ready or cleaning.  Don’t forget that can lights are also a must in the shower stall for safety purposes.  Install linear light strips below the vanity to offer a dimmable night light for those early morning bathroom breaks.

DECORATIVE LIGHTING: CEILING & WALLS

When most people think of lighting in the home, they may be referring to the most eye catching fixture in the room – A Decorative Light Fixture.  A chandelier, pendant, wall sconce or ceiling mounted light adds the most personality to any room.  With so many lighting styles to choose from, you could be a kid in a candy store!

LINEAR LIGHT STRIPS

Linear Light Strips are the subtle features that bring an extra level of luxury to any room.  Add light strips underneath Kitchen Cabinets and the Bathroom Vanity.  Install LED light strips in Built-in Bookshelves, Ceiling Soffits or Drop Ceilings.  There is no better mood enhancer than the gorgeous glow in the room created by light strips.  Level up.  You’ll thank me later.

TRACK LIGHTS

OK hear me out.  When we say track lights, it’s not like those bulky cheap fixtures from the 80’s. Think retail stores or museums.  What we love about track lights is that you can direct each track head to focus on something in the room.  Which means you can light up some art on the wall, or direct light to an architectural feature in the home.  With so many beautiful exposed ceilings, why mess it up by adding can lights?  There are plenty of options for track lights, and many are so slick and streamlined, they almost just go away.

OUTDOOR LIGHTING

Outdoor Lighting is important for safety around the home. However, it’s also an opportunity to accentuate the architecture or landscaping around the property.  A must have exterior light fixture is an Entry Sconce and / or Pendant at the front door, as well as the garage doors.  Don’t forget path lights, landscape lights, architectural accent lights.

“More Light Does Not Mean More Safe. 

Better Light Means More Safe.”

DARK SKY LIGHTING

Lighting for a Dark Sky almost sounds contradictory, doesn’t it?  Believe it or not, our homes and businesses are often over lit, which can lead to disrupting the physical environment and wasting energy. We are big advocates for minimizing light pollution, so select fixtures that have a shade directing light down rather than up into the sky.  By directing We love seeing so many Dark Sky lighting options available.

If you’re more interested in reducing light pollution to maximize night time vision, check out the Dark Sky Association for plenty of tips on beautiful and safe outdoor lighting.

8 WAYS TO LIGHT YOUR HOME | by Sara Plaisted