September is drawing to an end, taking with it the last of the summer heat. As the summer winds down into Autumn, our homes and gardens will be facing changes in temperature, humidity, and weather conditions. Our uses for our spaces will also change - as summer BBQs make way for hygge-filled cosy nights in.

With this change in seasons comes a different set of needs for our home and garden. It’s great to be ready to enjoy your homes whatever the season, so we’ve put together a list of ways to get your home in tip-top shape as the seasons change.

MyBuilder.com’s expert, Andy Simms tells RSVP that the key is to plan ahead to make sure you are able to make the most of your indoor and outdoor space this Autumn.

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“There are many jobs that are best to do in the Autumn, which will keep your home in the best possible condition for cooler months. Failing to get these tasks completed leaves you with the risk of issues such as leaks, broken boilers, and damaged gardens", he explains.

“Planning ahead is key to make sure you book your perfect tradesperson for the job, and to make the most of the milder weather conditions now. Preparing for colder weather means your winter will be much easier, and you can enjoy those cosy nights in with no worries.”

Preparing your home for Autumn

Improve your lights and security for darker nights

Darker nights can make your home feel less secure. Hire a professional to install CCTV, security lights or fencing and gates to make your property safer. Installing better lighting with sensors will help you light the way to your front door and lock.

Extra insulation

Adding extra insulation to your home can reduce your energy bills and save you money in Autumn. Consider thermal curtains, blinds, loft or wall insulation or draft excluders. Insulation is a good way to both keep heat in over winter, and keep it out in summer, so it’s worth the investment.

Check your boiler/boiler service

Boilers should be serviced annually by a local heating engineer - and not doing so can invalidate both your boiler warranty and your home insurance. A properly functioning boiler will not only keep you warm and safe, but will run more efficiently, lowering your energy bills. Catching any issues earlier also helps prevent snowballing repair costs.

Bleed your rads

Another tip to improve the efficiency of your central heating is to bleed your radiators. Bleeding your radiators ensure no excess air is in the system and your radiators are nice and warm all year round.

Chimney sweep

Getting a chimney sweep post October can be tricky as they get so busy - so book one now before you get your fire going. Chimneys should be swept annually and are best done in the autumn months, to check no birds have nested in there.

Check and maintain your house exteriors

Exterior walls, gates and fences are more susceptible to damage during Autumn as the weather changes. Walk around your property and check for parts of your house that may need a lick of paint or rendering to ensure they are weatherproof to avoid leaks. Another thing to look for are damp patches. Any areas showing signs of damp recently are only likely to get worse in the winter and this is a job you should fix as soon as possible.

Clear your gutters

As the leaves begin to fall, it can clog up gutters, which can cause serious issues. Leaving gutters to get clogs can cause leaks that can damage both the interior and exterior of your homes - and can also invalidate your home insurance. Any job involving climbing ladders can be dangerous - so if you’re unsure, get someone in to help.

Preparing your garden for Autumn

Tidy up for autumn

As plants and grass begin to slow their growth, it’s a good time to have a tidy up in the garden. This can be a big job, so hiring a gardener to complete some simple maintenance such as cutting back plants, tidying borders, cleaning your patio and sweeping up will help prepare your garden for the Autumn, and keep it looking good into winter.

Install outside lighting

As those nights draw in, why miss out on views of your garden? Installing garden lights means you can still enjoy the view of the outside, as well as making your exterior space more accessible once it gets dark.

Unstable fencing or trees

Now is a great time to check your fencing and foliage for any weak spots. If any of your fence panels look wobbly or rotten, get them replaced before the cold weather sets in. Falling leaves can also expose any trees or hedges that might need attention.

Install a shed to store outdoor items

We might not want to admit it, but it’s probably time to put that garden furniture away. If you don’t have any storage space, consider investing in a shed to be built now, before you need it. Storing your garden furniture and other outdoor items makes them last much longer, and stops your grass being damaged.

Mow your lawn

Your lawn will need to be mowed before the cold weather hits. Leaving it too long can cause issues when trying to mow it in winter, but mowing it too short is also a problem. This time of year, it’s sensible to raise your cutting level, allowing the blades to stay several centimetres long, and avoiding damage in the winter months.

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