Fall Maintenance Tips

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Summer is wrapping up, and we've begun ordering PSLs (pumpkin spice lattes) and taking our cinnamon flavored candles out from storage. But, while some of us may be a little excited to slip into the cozy clothes, watch football, and eat chili, we can't forget about taking care of business - your home.

It's important to prepare your home for the upcoming season - inside & out. Here is a list of items you should be taking care of during Fall to help your home get through our (sometimes) frigid Minnesota winters. 

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- Inspect and clean gutters & downspouts
- Seal gaps & cracks around windows & doors
- Inspect your roof for damaged or curled shingles, corroded flashing, or leaky vents
- Repair driveways, sidewalks, and steps
- Drain and winterize outdoor faucets and irrigation systems
- Store any lawnmowers, weed-whips, etc. and prepare your snowblower (test to make sure it works), shovels, etc. for the coming winter.

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- Clean or replace your dirty furnace filters (you should be doing this monthly)
- Inspect your furnace or have your HVAC contractor do a maintenance check to prepare for heating your home this winter
- Test smoke alarms & CO detectors (change batteries if needed)
- Check dryer venting - make sure it's clear of lint
- Get our your rake & garbage bags
- General Cleaning: now is the time to deep clean every room. Get rid of old newspapers and magazines, leftover household chemicals, clear spaces around heaters, furnaces, and other heat producing appliances. 
- Store spring/summer outerwear & get coats, boots, and gloves ready. 

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- General Cleaning: now is the time to deep clean every room. Get rid of old newspapers and magazines, leftover household chemicals, clear spaces around heaters, furnaces, and other heat producing appliances. 
- Store spring/summer outerwear & get coats, boots, and gloves ready. 

Once you've prepared your home for the coming winter, sit back with a warm cup of apple cider (or PSL) under a cozy blanket, and RELAX.

Enjoy this magical season with your loved ones!

Screen Porch Decorating Tips

A screened in porch is a hot commodity in Minnesota! Where are Winters are long, our Summers are short, and our Spring & Fall are a melting pot of weather. Our summers in Minnesota are immensely enjoyed, and well deserved. Exterior entertaining spaces are a great way to add value to your home & make for a cozy additional living area. Here are some helpful tips on decorating these unique spaces!

Add Accessories - Planters, throw pillows, lamps, end tables, rugs, and flowers are all easy ways to add color and make your space more at home.

Weather Friendly Finishes - Make sure the furniture you put on your patio can hold up against the elements.

Make it Cozy - Using an area rug and throw pillows can really warm up your screen porch.

Add Lighting - Lamps or out door string lights will let you be able to enjoy your screen porch well into the evening hours. 

Mix & Match Planters - Using different planters for your flowers and plants will give it a complete look. 

What is your favorite thing about your screen porch?