Projects To Complete Before It Gets Cold

The hottest days of summer are behind us and kids are getting ready to head to school.  Gone are the busy days of summer when you try to squeeze in every last drop of fun.  It's time to reclaim your weekends.

Fall is a great time to get some house projects done that you didn't get to all summer.  And the weather is perfect...not hot and muggy with flies and mosquitoes, but not frigidly cold either.

We've put together a list of great projects that are perfect for autumn weather.  So put your working gloves on and cross off some jobs from your to-do list.

Steam Cleaning Carpets

Source:  angieslist.com

Whether you hire someone to do it or go rent a steam cleaner for your carpets, fall is the perfect time for this task.  With windows wide open and humidity at low levels, your carpets will dry in no time and you won't sweat buckets while you're doing it.

Staining/Painting/Sealing Windows

Source:  The Family Handyman

At a minimum, if you have wood framed windows, you should seal them with a coat of polyurethane each year to prevent fading and rotting of your windows from condensation build up.  Being able to have your windows open with the screens off for this task is essential.  Which makes fall the perfect time for this chore.  Its also a perfect time to change up the look of your woodwork by staining or painting your windows.

Clean Out The Garage

Source:  wisebread.com

Pick a nice weekend, throw open the garage doors and get cracking.  Get rid of junk that has accumulated all year.  Install shelving and systems to hold shovels and rakes.  Sweep and then power wash the garage floor.  Won't it be nice to actually park your car in your garage?

Painting/Staining Furniture or Cabinets

Source:  iheartorganizing.blogspot.com

If you've been meaning to repaint that old dresser or are considering taking on a bigger project like changing the look of your kitchen cabinets, then now is the perfect time.  Now that your garage is all clean, set up shop in there so that you're out of the wind and direct sunlight. Leave the garage doors open for good ventilation.  Be sure outdoor temperatures are above 50 degrees F for paint to properly cure.

Clean The Deck

Source:  builddirect.com

Your deck is a workhorse in the summer.  You eat meals out there and entertain guests.  All the traffic along with taking a beating from the rain and weather, can make your deck look dingy and dirty.  Pull out the power washer and give it a good scrub on a nice sunny fall day.  Follow up with a deck sealer and it will be ready to go next spring.

Planting Trees and Shrubs

Source:  homedepot.com

Fall is a perfect time to plant trees and shrubs.  And the bonus is that many of them are on clearance at landscape centers.  Planting in the fall gives the roots a chance to establish and then next spring it's ready to take off and grow.  Now is also a great time to plant bulbs for spring blooming like tulips and daffodils.

Maintain Outdoor Furniture

Source:  livinghomedesigns.com

It would be a shame to have a sparkly clean deck with grungy furniture.  Now is a great time to do a little maintenance on your outdoor furniture.  Clean off dirt and cobwebs and inspect for repairs.  If you have metal furniture check for rust or flaking paint.  If you have wooden furniture, it might need a good sanding and a coat of polyurethane.

Air Out The Rugs

Source:  pinterest.com

So many homes have wood floors and rely on rugs for comfort underfoot.  Even if you vacuum regularly, there will still be some dirt that has accumulated over time.  One great advantage to rugs is that you can pull them up whenever you want.  Grab your rugs, haul them outside on a nice day, lay them over the deck railing or some sawhorses and give them a good old beating.  You'll be amazed at the dust and dirt that comes flying out of them.  The sunlight will also enable you to spot any stains that you may have missed.  Spot clean your rugs or give them a good all over scrub and let them air dry in the sunshine.  You'll have brighter and cleaner rugs when you bring them back in.


If you're able to accomplish some of these tasks early in the fall, you'll be able to enjoy them for some time before the snow flies.  And if not, then you'll be all ready for spring when it arrives next year.

Source:  Michelle Schwake for Stafford Family Realtors