As the weather cools and the leaves start to turn, it’s time to begin preparing your home for the fall. With these simple tips, you can welcome the new season with ease. And it’s actually easier than you might think! Let our team at The House Designers show you how.
There are so many magical things about the fall season, from jumping in leaves with the kids to preparing for holidays with the whole family. Don’t wait to start getting ready! By getting ahead on your home’s to-do list, you’ll be able to relax when all the fun times roll around.
We’re showcasing our exclusive collection of America’s Choice House Plans as we help you visualize many of these home maintenance tasks. They all include recommended finishes to complete the look to the high standards of our architects. We wouldn’t blame you if you fall in love with one or even all of these designs, or any of the quality products that go into them!
With thousands of unique plans to choose from, we are your one-stop shop for all things related to your dream home. Whether you’re looking for product inspiration or the perfect plan, we have the resources to help make every house feel like a home. Let us know how we can assist you!
Check Your Windows and Doors
A very common way to save money going into the colder seasons is by performing a check of your windows and doors. These are the areas where most energy is lost in your house. Cracks, crevices, and broken seals allow heat to escape, and your energy bill will inevitably go up. Don’t let that happen to you! Check the frame around each window and outward-facing door in your home. If you see small cracks, a little bit of caulk or sealant should do the trick. If your house seams particularly drafty, hire a pro with a thermal camera to actually see where heat is leaking so you can identify and address any problems outright.
You may need to consider a window or door replacement depending on their performance, which can be affected by age and the quality of the product itself. If your windows or doors need an upgrade, then we have you covered!
THD-8775 shows how choosing the proper windows for your home design can make all the difference. The ornate framing and casings around each pane match perfectly with that farmhouse style! Plus, we imagined this home with VELUX® skylights to help add extra natural light inside. This amazing plan also features efficient, full-lite Therma-Tru® Doors. If you want to upgrade style while also preparing your home for the fall, then check out all the beautiful possibilities afforded by windows and doors!
Bonus Tip!
Don’t forget your garage door. This often-overlooked feature can have a huge impact on your home’s curb appeal as well as its efficiency. Especially if you have an attached garage, insulating it can help keep the adjacent interior more comfortable. Ditch the bland stock door and opt for something more complimentary for your plan. Our friends at Clopay® have the very best in garage door designs, and they come in a range of R-values!
Maintain Your Foundation and Siding
As the weather cools down, natural reactions are likely to occur within your home. Cooler temperatures generally cause concrete and other materials like wood to contract, both due to the cold and lower humidity. An unavoidable reality, this might lead to small cracks or gaps opening up in your home’s exterior. Make sure your home’s envelope is able to withstand changing conditions, and be prepared to address anything that crops up before it can turn into a bigger problem.
If you want to upgrade your siding, then be sure to take a look at Ply Gem. This industry leader durable and proven vinyl, steel, and aluminum products that are available in all sorts of styles. Ply Gem has everything from shutters and accents to fencing and gutters. Just look at how beautifully we outfitted THD-1074 (above) with these products!
A Fresh Coat of Paint Goes a Long Way
Preparing your home for the fall doesn’t necessarily mean undertaking huge projects. If you maintain a yearly checklist and maintenance schedule, odds are you’re already on top of these things! But there are still ways to prepare for changing seasons that don’t require a lot of time or money!
One of our favorite ways to welcome in a new season is with a fresh coat of paint (if you need it!) or some revamped accents. Whether it’s a holiday-specific color, a pop of bold accent hues, or even just a touch-up that refreshes your space, you’d be amazed at much it can affect ambiance. We recommend choosing a color that opens the room up and also pairs with your favorite accents. If you’re painting the kitchen, be sure it complements your cabinetry. And for the living room, we suggest finding pillows or other decorative highlights of your favorite color.
No matter what you choose, The House Designers is here. We can’t wait to welcome in a new season and new time of year with you!
- Preparing Your Home for the Fall - September 10, 2021
- New England Inspired Homes - March 3, 2020
- Wrap up the Holiday with the Perfect House Plan - December 15, 2016