The one thing I do that has saved me thousands of dollars...

Written by Amy Wienands Real Estate

The one thing I do that has saved me thousands of dollars... header image.

…every year at this time

One night I was laying in my daughter’s room with her, and we started to hear lots of scratching on the ceiling

I told her I thought it was just birds outside but…I knew…we had a bigger issue.

We had just had our roof replaced and we had disturbed some things. I also noticed that the access panel to the garage attic door was not properly closed…

We found out it was bats…I always suggest looking for open gaps in your siding because, in this area, we have lots of brown house bats that love to make their way into our attics. They do so through ridge vents and any small gap they can find.

I had no idea how insidious these little critters could be until this, and have the potential to cost you so much… since they are protected species and the bat removal process has time restraints to it.

I immediately called my go-to bat guy, Corey Meier (Meier’s Wildlife & Bat Control). I found that they had just started to occupy our attic so the cost to remedy and batproof was approximately $1200-1500 dollars versus the tens of thousands that I have seen through many Real Estate transactions.

This is just one example of how early detection of issues is much more cost-effective than deferred maintenance…

I always take time to do a walk around the perimeter of my home before winter

Little things can become big things if they are left unattended over the winter months

NOW is a good time to make sure roof shingles are laid down, that you don’t have open gaps around the siding, or that your chimney is starting to deteriorate, etc…

To heighten awareness of problem areas to look for, I have attached a list below.

I hope you enjoy your weekend - and your favorite football team comes out with the WIN!

As always, it’s an honor for myself and team to be trusted by you for all of your Real Estate needs.

Obsessively Working for YOU,

Amy

Here’s a checklist of essential exterior maintenance tasks that homeowners should consider during the fall:

1. **Roof Inspection**: Check for damaged or missing shingles, leaks, and debris such as leaves and branches that could lead to water buildup.

2. **Gutter Cleaning**: Clear out leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts to ensure proper drainage and prevent ice dams in winter.

3. **Siding Maintenance**: Inspect the siding for any cracks, warps, or mold. Clean the surface if necessary and make repairs to protect against winter weather.

4. **Window and Door Sealing**: Check for drafts around windows and doors. Reapply caulk or weather stripping to improve insulation and energy efficiency.

5. **Lawn Care**: Rake leaves, aerate the lawn, and apply fall fertilizer to promote healthy growth in the spring.

6. **Deck and Patio Care**: Inspect wood surfaces for rot, splinters, or loose boards. Clean and seal if necessary to protect them through the winter.

7. **Outdoor Plumbing**: Prepare outdoor faucets and irrigation systems for winter by draining and insulating pipes to prevent freezing.

8. **Fireplace and Chimney Maintenance**: Have your chimney inspected and cleaned to prevent creosote buildup and ensure safe operation during colder months.

9. **Landscape Preparation**: Trim shrubs and trees, and plant perennials or bulbs before the ground freezes.

10. **Lighting Check**: Test outdoor lights and replace bulbs to ensure safety and visibility as the days get shorter.

By staying proactive with these maintenance tasks, homeowners can protect their property and enhance its longevity through the colder months.