By Holly Amaya at Realtor.com

Ah, October. Temperatures are dropping, the days are growing shorter, and the pumpkin spice latte is, in a word, inescapable. But before you go hog wild with the Halloween decorations and settle in for that horror movie binge session, take some time to prep your home for winter's onslaught (buzzkill, we know!).

Luckily, we're here to make it a breeze with our handy checklist of home maintenance chores to tackle this month. Some of these are so quick and easy that you won't even miss a beat of that "Friday the 13th" marathon (although we'd recommend skipping "Jason X." He's in space—do we need to say more?) Read on for details about where to start.

This one's a lot more serious than it sounds. Excess lint can dramatically increase the risk of fire.

"A key indicator of a dryer vent needing to be cleaned is if clothes aren’t drying as fast as they usually do, or if it takes multiple cycles to get them completely dry," says Maria Vizzi of Indoor Environmental Solutions.

Prevent buildup from the get-go by emptying your lint trap every single time you use your dryer. If possible, move your dryer closer to an exterior wall; if your vent pipe is particularly long or has to snake around corners, you're at a greater risk of a clog.

Cold temperatures and snow can cause your paint to peel, leading to moisture intrusion and wood rot, says Brian Osterried, a product manager at paint company PPG. Protect your exterior surfaces by applying a stain and sealant.

Clean the surface first—taking care to remove any built-up ickiness between planks or in crevices—using a screwdriver or putty knife.

Wait at least 48 hours before sanding the surface using 80-grit sandpaper, then sweep or vacuum, and apply your sealant.

If you are fortunate enough to have a detached home with a roof, you better get it ready for the colder months ahead. Fall is the season when gutters are needed to be cleaned out in preparation for the rainy or snowy season that’s about to come. If the rainwater doesn’t flow properly through the gutter and downspout system, costly repairs can add up from rainwater damage or freezing.

Here are some tips and things to watch for when cleaning your Roof and gutters:

Be sure your downspouts expel water well away from your house. If necessary, add downspout extenders to carry the water away. Considering Vancouver heavy rain, you may want to have your downspouts run into a dry well. Also check downspouts for rust, flaking, or peeling paint, plus leaks, and make sure they are affixed tightly against the fascia boards.

After checking all the things above, you also have the option to hire a professional. They ranges in price but definitely not too expensive for peace of mind.

Hope you enjoy these tips, if you are looking to renovate your home or build a new home, get in touch with us.

It finally looks like the cold months are leaving us, which means it is time to prepare your home for the sunny days ahead!

Marcraft Homes is one of Vancouver’s most nominated and awarded Custom Home Designers and Builders.

Marcraft Homes has won and been nominated 9 times for the Georgie Awards, including Best Custom Home Builder of the Year!

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