By Curt Jaeger, Owner, Colorado Vacation Home Services

While Aspen groves turn golden yellow and temperatures dip, it reminds us that fall is near. Sure, it’s more fun to relax with friends or hit a nearby hiking trail, but don’t forget to make some time for your home maintenance chores. At Colorado Vacation Homes Services, we remind homeowners to finish up those exterior maintenance jobs before the cold, wet weather sets in. By planning ahead and budgeting for home maintenance costs, it could help save time and money in future repair costs. Considering your home’s total value, plan to spend about 1 percent annually in maintenance costs, suggests GoBankingRates.com.

Home Maintenance Check List

1.  Caulk Windows
Some jobs are easier for homeowners to handle on their own, like, caulking broken window seals. Caulking windows inside the home prevents air leaks, something that saves money on your heating and cooling bill, according to the Department of Energy. Additionally, caulking the exterior keeps moisture out of window wells.

2.  Clean Gutters
Other jobs, like climbing a ladder to clean gutters may require help from a professional. During heavy rainstorms, water needs to flow through gutters and downspouts. This helps direct water away from your foundation, preserves the integrity of your roof and can prevent ice dams. But when gutters are clogged with leaves, branches, or other debris, gutters can’t do their job. That’s why it’s important to check the gutters in the spring and fall and remove whatever lands inside them.

3.  Turn off Sprinklers
Lush grass and vibrant flower gardens fade as the weather changes. The good news—homeowners can finally turn off the sprinklers and save on the water bill. But don’t forget to properly winterize the sprinkler system. It’s not enough to turn off the main water supply to the sprinkler lines. Also remember to drain all sprinkler lines and remove any standing water in the pump. Too often, homeowners forget to drain the lines and wake up the morning after a freeze—only to discover burst pipes. Avoid this costly and preventable repair by scheduling our irrigation specialist to winterize your sprinkler system today.

4.  Service the Heat System
Waking up to a chilly home means it’s time to pull out the heavy blankets and crank up the thermostat. But what happens when the heat won’t turn on? That’s when customers usually give us a call. But you don’t have to wait and find out the hard way. We recommend homeowners schedule annual heating system checks in the fall. If your home runs on radiant heat, it’s important to have a professional clean the boiler, check the thermostats and zone valves and clean the fire chamber. Schedule your heating system check now—that way your heat works when you need it most.

Curt Jaeger has 30 plus years contracting experience and has been in business since 2006. His wife and business partner Keri, are homeowners in Summit County. Together they understand the challenges that come with owning a second property. Colorado Vacation Home Services wants their customers to enjoy the mountain living experience by saving them the time and worry that goes with home maintenance.

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