Home Style Decorating

There is are two sayings that goes, “An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure” and “Better be ready than be sorry”. During fall and winter, these two sayings will really apply. So to prepare for the cold months, here is a checklist for fall and winter maintenance.

For the Outdoors

• Scrape peeling paint and apply a fresh coat specially to siding, trims and fences.
• Check your deck condition and apply waterproofing product as necessary.
• Repair weatherstipping on your doors.
• Apply new cauling on your windows
• Patio furniture should be cleaned and stored properly.
• Bicycles, tricycles and outdoor toys should be cleaned and stored.
• Wash windows, in and out.
• Remove, clean and store summertime screens and replace it with storm windows and doors.
• Damaged and missing roof shingles should be replaced and repaired.
• Clean gutters and check downspouts.
• Cracks in the driveways and sidewalks should be repaired.
• Clean your winter tools like snow shovels, plows and snow blowers. make sure that they are ready for use.
• Insulate exterior faucets and water lines.
• Drain and store garden hoses.
• Fertilize and reseed your lawn. Prune trees and shrubs.

For the Indoors

• Inspect, clean and repair heating system as well as the hot water heater.
• Check the fireplace and chimney. Call a professional if necessary.
• Thoroughly clean your carpet. Call a professional if necessary.
• Change furnace filter and change it monthly during the winter season to help reduce energy cost.
• Switch to winter beddings. Bring out the winter sheets to be ready for use.
• Prepare the winter outdoor apparels, gears and equipments like gloves, hats, bonnets, boots, snowpants, coats and lots or socks.
• Inspect the carbon monoxide and smoke detectors and the fire extinguishers. Replace the batteries.
• Check for condensation in the attic.
• Check your stock of batteries, flashlights, emergency lamps, candles and matches. Restock your pantry with nonperishable foods. Make sure that there is a manual can opener available and an extra phone.

For the Car

• Check/ replace car battery.
• Check antifreeze levels.
• Stock your car with windshield wiper fluid, ice scraper, blankets, jumper cables, first aid kit and nonperishable food. For areas were extreme winter conditions are expected, always keep a tow rope, shovel and a bag of sand or kitty litter to help your tires gain traction on icy roads.
• Make sure that your car tires are appropriate for winter.

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