Top Boston Renovation Projects for Fall

For many homeowners, the idea of a major renovation in the fall is intimidating. The holidays are right around the corner and no one wants to be dealing with a half-finished project during this time of the year. However, there are some renovations that are ideally suited to the fall — especially exterior renovations. The weather is cooler, which makes work easier for both you and the contractors that you hire. Additionally, since contractors are slowing down for the year, you’ll have an easier time finding the right professionals to hire, and materials may cost you a bit less, too. If you’ve decided to take on a renovation for this coming autumn, here are some of the top fall projects to consider.

1. Windows and Doors

Fall is the optimal time to replace or make repairs to windows and doors. Because windows and doors are the most common places for air leaks, start by taking a look at caulking and weather stripping. Fixes to these things will help prevent drafts in the winter. If you have painting to do, particularly on exterior surfaces, then fall’s cooler temperatures will ensure that paint dries properly. Finally, there is replacement to consider. If your windows or doors are severely outdated, then updating the seals around them may not be enough to ramp up your home’s energy efficiency. Think about replacing old windows and doors with modern, energy efficient fixtures.

2. Gutters

Gutter repairs are essential before the snow — and the leaves — start to fly. For starters, check to make sure that gutter guards are in place to prevent leaf clogs as the leaves start to come off the trees. You’ll also want to repair or replace any sections of guttering that are too far from the fascia because these are gutters that could easily be ripped off as snow slides from the roof. Last, make sure that the gutters are pitched properly so that they drain as they should.

3. Exterior Painting

Fall is the best time to get exterior painting done, particularly if you live in a hot or humid climate. To dry, most types of exterior paint require temperatures between 50 and 90 degrees, and humidity needs to be low so that paint dries faster and more evenly. Fall weather is typically cooler and drier, which makes it a great time to get this job done. On top of that, with teenagers and college students quitting their summer jobs and going back to school for the year, it becomes easier to find skilled laborers to get this job done.

4. Roofing

This is a must-do job in the fall, particularly in snowy areas like Boston. Get started by having an experienced roofer take a look at your home’s roof to identify any problem areas or potential leaks. Have them look for issues like loose shingles, missing fasteners and other potential trouble spots. These are all things that will need to be fixed before winter snows have a chance to make the problem worse. And, if you’re thinking about installing a new roof, then fall is one of the best times to do it. Roofers are always in high demand over the summer, but come autumn, work starts to slow down and there will be more available roofers for you to choose from.

5. Insulation

Insulation is another must-have on your weatherproofing to-do list. One of the best things that you can do is schedule an audit for your home’s energy efficiency. A professional will be able to tell you which areas — from insulation in the walls and attic to the windows and doors — need more work. Once the audit is complete, you’ll need to get a contractor in before winter to correct any problem spots in your home’s insulation.

While these are the top projects to get done before winter, there are many more that you could tackle. Choose the renovations that will keep your home weatherproofed over the winter and ready for the holidays.