With cooler weather on the horizon, is your home in order? Perhaps you have some niggling issues from the summer that have yet to be put right. Or maybe the thought of a few upgrades before the holidays has been on your mind.
There is no better time for home improvement in Southeast Texas than fall. The humidity and heat are a thing of the past and you have a nice window to get through your list of projects before winter makes an appearance.
We at Gulf Express Construction have been of service to homeowners in Beaumont, Groves, Port Arthur, Nederland and environs for over 20 years. To see how we can help you put your home in shape for the season and safeguard your investment, read on for some of our top fall tips. Should any questions come up, do not hesitate to call (409) 449-6007.
Your Roof First
In this part of Texas a roof will have had its share of abuse after hurricane season and a protracted hot summer. Make it a point to find any trouble spots with the roof in the fall ahead of the winter rains.
A couple of items to put on your checklist this season:
- Shingles that are missing, cracked or curling
- Gutters and downspouts in disrepair or clogged
- Flashing about the chimneys and vents that is loose
- Any water stains in the attic or on the ceiling
- Debris from the storms of summer
- Sagging which may be indicative of something more serious
You would be hard pressed to find a small problem on the roof that does not become a big one. An unheeded leak is only asking for trouble with your walls, insulation and floors. When in doubt have a professional come out and have a look.
Insulation Needs to Be Checked Before the Cold Sets In
Proper insulation is what keeps the home comfortable and the energy bills in check all year. We put our HVAC systems to work in Southeast Texas, so it is something more important than most homeowners give it credit for.
Inspect the insulation in the attic and put in some more if it has settled or is thin; it is a good use of your time in the fall. If there are rooms you find drafty or difficult to make comfortable, the insulation is often to blame. Put in the effort to seal up gaps and upgrade now and you will have a warmer, more efficient home once the temperature falls.
Interior Remodeling
When the heat is off you will find indoor work much more agreeable. It is why so many put off their remodeling until fall and winter, when they can be at work inside and let the weather be.
Consider any of these for the time being:
- A bathroom remodel to put in new tile, fixtures and a better layout
- More room and function in the kitchen
- Flooring to take the place of the old and worn
- An addition for the family
- A whole home remodel for a change of pace
By planning an interior project in the fall you need not rush your decisions and the home will be in shape for holiday visitors.
Make Your Outdoor Areas Ready for the Change in Weather
The kind of mild fall we have in Southeast Texas is made for being outside. Is your deck or patio in need of some attention? This is as good a time as any to put it back in order.
It is an extension of your living space and a fine place to be in the evenings. For concrete that has seen better days, with cracks or settling, the fall is the season to do the foundation and concrete work. You do not want to leave it to the moisture of winter to make a small matter worse.
Foundation and Concrete Issues Are Not Something to Delay
They are not going to resolve themselves and will only worsen. Keep an eye out for an uneven floor, a door that sticks or wall cracks. You will be saving yourself some headaches and expense by getting on top of them.
Same goes for the concrete of your driveway, walkways and slabs. A little crack can admit water and when the temperatures shift the damage can be considerable.
Put Some Planning Into It and Let the Professionals Handle It
Any worthwhile home improvement project is predicated on a plan. Fall affords you the weather and the time to decide what is needed and put things in motion.
Gulf Express Construction is your residential and commercial contractor here in Southeast Texas and Southwest Louisiana. We pride ourselves on being straightforward and on time and on budget. Stop by or give us a ring for a free estimate or consultation; we are here Monday to Friday between 8:00am and 5:00pm.
To discuss your project with Gulf Express Construction, pick up the phone today at (409) 449-6007.
