Although Atlanta temperatures remain in the comfortable 70’s and low 80’s for the foreseeable future, the recent official arrival of Fall on September 22 and the occasional ever-so-slight chill in the air let us know that a change of seasons will soon be upon us. Before we know it, the leaves will be changing from their standard shade of green to fiery hues of gold, red and orange – and before we can blink our eyes, they’ll be crackling underfoot during an afternoon stroll. Fashions will change from flip flops and tank tops to boots and sweaters, and summertime picnic fare will give way to heartier meals such as bowls filled with piping hot chili. While it may not yet FEEL like Fall, Fall is coming and it’s time to prepare – not just our wardrobes, but also our homes. Here are a handful of awesome autumn prep tips from your friends at Highlight Homes:
1) Look Before You Leaf
While Fall can be as visually stunning as a ticker tape parade, it can require a similar aftermath with regard to clean-up. If you’re noticing a lot of leaves on the ground, chances are that some of them have made their way into your home’s gutter systems. Although, it’s never fun to clean out one’s gutters, it is a relatively simple maintenance measure that could add years to the life of your roofline. For more helpful information, check out our blog “Fall Leaves Could Mean Full Gutters.”
2) Meet Yer Heater
Many homeowners’ exposure to their heating systems begins and ends with the thermostat that hangs on the wall. No one relishes the idea of climbing the ladder to their attic to come face-to-face with the behemoth that heats their home, but it’s a necessary evil to regularly change the air filters and check for possible problems. For trouble-shooting tips to decide whether or not a visit from your friendly HVAC tech is in order, read our blog “Don’t Get Left Out in the Cold.”
3) Seal of Approval
One of the easiest ways to lose heat and energy to the cold outside is through poorly sealed doors and windows. In the event that replacements are not in the budget this year, a quick fix could be found in a good roll of weather stripping. Weather stripping is a cost-effective way to save on energy costs, improve the comfort of your home by reducing air leaks around windows and doors, and can be easily installed by the homeowner him/herself. This simple tool is available at any big box home improvement store or mom and pop hardware shop for less than $10 for a 10’ strip of high density rubber foam self stick tape. For more information about weather stripping and window/door replacement, check out our blog “Cozy Up to a Warm Interior.”
4) Set a Date to Insulate
Although most insulation is designed to last for decades, it can have a tendency to settle over time and may get damaged from long-term exposure to moisture. The U.S. Department of Energy states that unless your home was constructed for energy efficiency, you could probably reduce your energy bills by adding MORE insulation. For tips on how and why to add insulation to your existing home, check out this article at Energy.gov.
5) Be the Host With the Most (or Hostess With the Mostest)
With Fall comes the advent of Thanksgiving… and shortly thereafter, the holidays. So, too, come the houseguests. Take a good look around to see if there are simple ways you can make your home more “houseguest-ready” in time for any gatherings. Read up on a few possible inspirations in our blog “Home for the Holidays.”
About Highlight Homes:
Highlight Homes, LLC was established in 2005 by builder, developer and architect, Anthony F. Pourhassan. The Atlanta-based company is founded on the core belief in the significance of what they are creating, firmly based in their lasting dedication to the clients they serve, and continually growing as word spreads of their unswerving commitment to quality. Because Highlight Homes, LLC is family-owned and operated – they truly care about their clients and their families. They listen carefully to their clients’ wants and needs, then design and implement plans to fit both their vision and their budget. Each Highlight Home contractor is fully licensed, registered and insured, and is well prepared to tackle projects of varying size and scope – from a luxury custom estate in one of Atlanta’s trendiest neighborhoods to a cozy, bungalow-inspired home in the sprawling suburbs.
After nearly three decades of experience in architectural design, construction, and development, Anthony Pourhassan and Highlight Homes have the know-how to take any project from concept to completion. They keep a steady pace with other leaders in their field through continued education and certification, as well as via affiliations with top-notch professional organizations such as the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association, Certified Professional Home Builders of Georgia, National Kitchen & Bath Association, and National Association of the Remodeling Industry. Highlight Homes is proud to be a Better Business Bureau accredited business, as well as a certified Earth Craft House Builder, Energy Star Partner, and LEED Certified Home Builder.
Highlight Homes sets itself apart from the fray of other builders in the market through their attention to even the smallest detail, paired with their trademark of infusing unexpected touches and luxury finishes into every project they complete – at surprisingly affordable prices. They stand by every house they build by extending a one-year follow-up maintenance call to their homeowners, as well as a one-year full service warranty and an astounding EIGHT-YEAR structural warranty – all at no additional cost. In response to a growing need in Atlanta, Highlight Homes launched their renovation division in 2009. To learn more about Highlight Homes, please visit www.highlighthomesga.com or call 678-873-9234.
Photo Credit: Stockvault.net/agphotostock.com
