Is it time for end-of-summer maintenance already?
The other day as I was driving to an inspection, I noticed something in the corner of my eye. The first leaves are starting to turn a pale yellow. In the Upper Peninsula, the initial signs of fall jumpstart a ticking clock to the first snow. It’s not uncommon to see snow in late September or early October, and the golden leaves remind me that summer is, unfortunately, coming to an end.
So, with all that being said, you know what time it is, Yoopers: end-of-summer maintenance season!
This blog will share my top tips as a Marquette MI home inspector to make sure your property is all buttoned up come fall. Don’t worry – it won’t take tons of time. There’s still plenty of summer left to get out and do some fishing while also preparing your home for the colder months ahead.
End-of-Summer: The Ideal Time to Complete Maintenance Projects
Don’t let the end-of-summer maintenance season stress you out during these last glorious days of summer. I know many Yoopers regard the summer months as sacred. But I’m here to let you in on a little secret: a little maintenance now can save you a ton of grief down the line.
Why is now the ideal time for home maintenance?
- Getting it off your plate will free up your remaining summer weekends
- You won’t have to worry about it as fall approaches
- It’s still warm enough to caulk, paint, and power wash your home without worrying about freezing
- You can see what’s going on with your roof and gutters before the leaves fall
The Yooper’s End-of-Summer Maintenance Checklist
Now you know how important it is to get some maintenance completed on your home before fall arrives. If you’re wondering what your priorities should be, take a look at the checklist below, it’s a great jumping-off point!
The Yooper’s end-of-summer checklist:
- Survey your property for any branches or foliage that may need to be trimmed back, so they don’t cause water intrusion or ice problems.
- Look for crumbling caulk, peeling paint, and signs of rot in your siding.
- Examine the condition of your gutters. If you don’t have gutter guards installed, now’s a great time to consider doing so. Many people don’t understand how vital gutter guards can be in halting significant problems like water intrusion and ice damming.
- Check your roof for any signs of mildew, lichens, or missing shingles. Pay special attention to north-facing areas. You can buy a sprayable treatment at most hardware stores if you find mildew, moss, or lichens. I’ve witnessed excellent results with products like these.
- Hire a local HVAC company to evaluate and service your heating system.
- Hire a Marquette, MI home inspector to conduct a maintenance inspection on your property.
- BONUS STEP: Jump into Lake Superior before it turns back into an ice bath, pick some thimbleberries, and watch a sunset on the beach.
Your Marquette, MI home inspector: A Great Place to Start
So, you may be wondering why I suggested hiring an InterNACHI® certified home inspector (like myself) for your U.P. property before starting your end-of-summer maintenance. The biggest benefit of having a maintenance inspection before fall is that your home inspector will typically spot things you could easily miss. I actually wrote a whole blog on this topic (regarding roofs). If you’d like to read it, please click here.
Additionally, I will provide you with an itemized list of priorities in your home inspection report to know which projects are pressing and which ones can wait until next year. Another massive advantage of conducting a home maintenance inspection right now is getting some of the priority items fixed up. An inspection in the winter can be helpful, but not if you have to wait until spring to do anything about it.
Ready, or not…here fall comes!
Make sure you’re prepared for the white stuff by scheduling your maintenance home inspection with Rich Beasley, certified Marquette, MI home inspector, today by calling (906) 360-3879.
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