MINT HILL, NC – The seasons are changing. Fall is definitely in the air, and there are a few housekeeping items that should be crossed off every homeowner’s list. These include landscaping, interior and exterior cleaning of your house, evaluating your home’s real estate value, and installing additional lighting and other electrical updates around your property. Below, several experts in their fields explain these adjustments for Autumn and how to be better prepared this season.
Phil Carter of Metrolina Mulch recommends that if you are not a fan of the type of grass growing on your property, the first thing to do is kill it with herbicide. If you are transitioning from Bermuda grass to another kind, it’s advised that you need to begin the process now. Phil says, “Although you have up until December to plant new grass seed, deaden the grass early enough to give your ground time to rid itself of the herbicide.” Most yards will need a good, solid layer of top soil so that new seed has a rich bed in which to grow. After planting new seed, spread straw over the ground to allow the new grass to grow. This allows the area to hold moisture upon watering and not dry out as easily. Whether you are aerating or laying down sod, make sure you plant new grass seed by the end of the November at the latest. Luckily, we live in a fairly humid area where it can still be warm in December, but homeowners should be cautious and mindful that, although those December days might feel like autumn, the night frost will be present.
If you are looking for perennials (flowers that return each year and do not require replanting), Limelight Hydrangeas are a good idea. You can find a list of NC perennials to gauge color preference and gather ideas to mix and match according to your property’s outside aesthetic. Should you need professionals to help you upgrade your landscaping, contact Phil at (919) 201-3152 or phil@metrolinamulch.com.
Greg Bartholomy, owner of GB Electric, recommends installing motion flood lights and other security lighting options in the Fall, especially since nights turn dark quicker than summer months. GB Electric offers special Wi-Fi switches for these installations. This doesn’t involve re-wiring. In fact, the homeowner can use a phone app that is programmed to turn the lights on or off when they approach or leave their house. It’s also a good idea to have “low voltage landscape lights along the walkway leading up to your house,” Greg mentioned. In the colder months ahead, “We can place electric heaters in someone’s bathroom. Depending on the size and layout of the bathroom, these heaters can be wall-mounted or installed toe-kick heaters under the vanity.” There are also options for electric radiant heat on back decks should a family want to enjoy outdoor company in the colder months. Mounted on the side of the house, these heaters can be controlled with a handheld remote.
Since the team at GB Electric is Generac-certified, they are also able to install whole-home generators. However, these will need to have regular maintenance such as oil changes. Coined by the National Fire Protection Association, Fire Prevention Week falls on the second week of October, which is a great time to check your smoke detectors. If you do not have them, or if you want to upgrade, EB Electric helps install smoke detectors according to a family’s and house’s size. “The larger the house, the more advanced smoke detector you might need, so that you can get as much of a warning as possible,” Greg said. Call on GB Electric by reaching out to (980) 500-2378 or greg.gbes@gmail.com. Their website is www.getthebestelectric.com.
Anna Granger, the owner of 1st Choice Properties, recommends protecting your home’s pipes. Burst pipes can be costly, and it is a good idea to drain water from any outdoor spigots including sprinkler systems. Also, having a professional chimney sweep inspect your fireplace, cleaning soot or debris before you stoke winter fires, is also recommended. If not, there is a risk for unwanted fire. In order to save on your heating bill, you should reseal windows and/or doors so cold wind doesn’t seep into your house when the time of year matters the most. If you are looking into real estate lately, Anna can be contacted at (704) 650-5707 or annagrangerhomes@gmail.com.
David Houck, the owner of Home Clean Heroes of South Charlotte, knows that fall is the time of the year when fall decor comes out. Because these decorations have been sitting in the closet for most of the year, these rooms tend to be dusty. Home Clean Heroes can help out with that. “Customers also call on us to clean the inside of their windows during the fall,” he said. David can be reached at (980) 500-2378 or dhouck@homecleanheroes.com.
Real estate agent Erin Furgeson says that fall tends to have a slower housing market, especially since school has started. “There are more sellers on the market, and it is a good time for buyers. There are more options and less competition.” However, if you are selling your house, you can utilize the year’s last holidays to decorate your house. This will help in your property appealing to potential buyers, and it will give you a more festive way of presenting your house.” For further real estate advice, feel free to reach out to Erin at (704) 281-5080.
If you are selling your home in the fall months, Land and Lot Broker with Providence Realty, Cheryl Sain, recommends exterior touch-up painting, pressure washing your home, removing any dead or dying plants and replacing them with fall plants and vegetation, and making sure the insides and outsides of your windows are professionally cleaned. “The thinking seems to be: if they take care of the outside, then they must take care of the inside of the home as well,” she pointed out. Cheryl can be reached at (704) 309-5067.
Linda Hill, owner of Move Pack Clean, agrees that cleanings during the fall and winter months are more common. Our services are customized to fit our client’s home and budget,” she said. Some customers might only want touch-ups in certain rooms of the house, while others might opt for a one-time deep clean of the entire house. A unique service that’s more commonly used during the winter months is our party cleaning services,” Linda pointed out. With this, Move Pack Clean will send one or more technicians to “help keep the home clean, collect the dishes, and replenish the food so the hostess can spend more time with her guests.”
During the colder winter months, Linda sees an increase in deliveries to homes, including television mounting, new furniture, toy assemblies, and art installation.
Linda gives the below advice to ensure a safe move and easy transition in the event someone is selling or buying a house.
- Ensure that you have switched over your utilities.
- Clear the walkways of any debris such as snow or ice.
- Your movers should certainly have floor runners.
- Have a plan for your pets.
- Pack a bag with extra clothes and medicines that you may need for your entire family.
Move Pack Clean can be contacted at (704) 907-1777 or movepackclean@gmail.com.
