Completing Those Fall Home Improvement Projects

Easy Fall Fix-Ups From NARI

(HIT) - Halloween is approaching, which means the unofficial beginning of the winter holiday season. Before goblins come calling and the wintry winds hit, now is the time for many northern homeowners to deal with any outstanding household maintenance projects.

This fall is a great time to get those projects complete because many area contractors have less lead-time during this time of year. Not only is the scheduling time shorter, if your contractor is experiencing a slowdown, he or she will have more time to devote to your project.

"When we slow down a little, we have more time to spend with our customers and help make design recommendations," says Everett Collier, CR, president of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), "and now that the kids are back in school, a remodeling job is less intrusive on family life." He adds, "Some contractors are experiencing a slower season, and some are not, so it’s helpful to call around and ask about those lead times."

NARI can help homeowners prioritize their project lists and offers assistance with finding a qualified remodeler on their website at www.RemodelToday.com.

Some of the projects homeowners typically want to complete before winter sets in include:

1. Kitchen & bath remodeling—Since the kids are back in school, a major remodel at this time of the year is less disruptive to the family. A one-room project can easily be finished before the holidays arrive.
2. Roof repair/replacement—Be proactive and prevent emergency—and expensive—repairs. Find out about common trouble spots and ask your contractor how you can locate a leak from inside.
3. Install a fireplace—Many homeowners dreaming of chestnuts roasting on an open fire will make that dream a reality this season. Ask your contractor about all the options available in fireplaces.
4. Have interior rooms painted—Painting instantly freshens up a room and can even change its look and feel. It’s best to start interior paint jobs while it’s still warm enough to leave windows open.
5. Replace carpets—If you’ve ever smelled carpet glue you’d agree that a replacement is also a great project to complete while it’s still warm enough to leave windows open.
6. Install indoor & outdoor lighting—Indoor lighting adds an aspect of style to a home, and outdoors it can add an element of safety by lighting up a dark walkway or entry door.
7. Insulate the attic—Insualting the attic is an excellent way to keep a home’s heating and cooling where it is meant to be—inside the home.
8. Replace windows—Poor quality or older windows are often a leading cause of high heating and cooling bills, so replacing them is another way to keep a home’s heating and cooling inside.
9. Mount closet/garage organization systems—A great idea for the homeowner who wants to get the home organized before the holiday hoopla sets in.
10. Replace gutters—Leaking gutters cause interior structural damage and the constant moisture promotes mold and mildew growth, so gutter replacement can save a homeowner from costly repairs in the future.

To help homeowners through the process, NARI’s website at www.RemodelToday.com offers many tips under the "Home Owners" section and also offers a search engine to help locate a contractor or chapter in your area. NARI also offers a free brochure, "How to Select A Remodeling Professional," to consumers who call their toll-free hotline at 800-611-NARI.