Fall Vermont 2016 | Page 9

Home improvement projects for your fall to-do list H omeowners know that maintaining a home can be a year-round job. No home is immune to wear and tear, and homeowners who want to protect their real estate investments should try to stay two steps ahead to ensure their homes do not succumb to the elements or become outdated and unappealing to prospective buyers. Fall has become a season that’s synonymous with home improvement, but homeowners need not wait until the leaves begin changing colors to start planning their next projects. The following are a few items homeowners can add to their fall home improvement to-do lists. by hand and dropping leaves and debris into a trash can below. Standing on the Gutter cleaning roof and leaning over gutters greatly inWhile some homeowners prefer to creases your risk of injury. If the gutters delay their gutter cleaning projects until are clear when you first examine them late fall, those whose homes are surin early fall, you can wait until later in rounded by trees may need to schedule the season to give them a complete and two such projects. Gutters clogged thorough cleaning. Once you have finwith leaves and other debris can cause ished clearing the gutters, you can use a hose to run water through them and serious roof damage, and that damage the downspouts to confirm everything is can extend all the way inside a home. In addition, clogged gutters make great functioning properly. nesting areas for insects or critters. Always stand on a ladder when cleaning gutters, wearing gloves to remove items Projects, Continued on Page 11 SPRINGFIELD FENCE Come in and see all the new fall home décor. Largest Full-Size Display! Gates & Automation • Fences Railings • Spiral Stairs Fireplace Doors, Screens & Tools Table Bases • Art • Restorations Custom Designs 802-886-2221 802-886-8585 Chain Link • Wood • PVC • Flagpoles Ornamental Metals & More! CASH & CARRY OR PROFESSIONALLY INSTALLED 50 Route 106, N. Springfield • M-F 7-5, Sat 9-12; Winter M-F 8-5 802.775.2573 29 Center St • Downtown Rutland • www.hawleysflorist.com Fall Vermont Home Garden & Car • 9