Summer isn’t over yet, but fall will be here before you know it. Late summer is a great time to take care of those home and yard projects you’ve been putting off before cooler weather arrives.
Whether you’re tackling a weekend DIY project, getting the yard back in shape, or simply trying to get more organized, your local Ace Hardware has the tools and supplies to help.
Here are five home projects to tackle before fall.
1. Give Your Exterior a Fresh Look
The end of summer is a great time to inspect your home’s exterior for areas that need attention.
Look for peeling or faded paint, cracked caulk, loose trim, damaged fencing and other signs of wear. Taking care of these projects now can help protect your home from the elements later in the year.
Consider:
- Touching up exterior paint
- Replacing worn weather stripping
- Re-caulking windows and doors
- Repairing fences and gates
- Staining or sealing outdoor wood
A few small repairs now can make a big difference in how your home looks and performs.
2. Get the Yard Ready for Fall
Your lawn and garden have spent the summer dealing with heat, sun and plenty of activity. Give them some attention before the seasons change.
Late summer is a good time to:
- Remove dead or overgrown plants
- Prune shrubs and trees as appropriate
- Pull weeds
- Check irrigation systems and sprinklers
- Refresh garden beds with soil or mulch
- Clean and sharpen garden tools
Stop by your local Ace Hardware for everything from garden gloves and pruners to hoses, sprinklers, soil and lawn-care supplies.
3. Clean and Organize the Garage
If your garage has become a catch-all over the summer, now is the perfect time to reclaim the space.
Start by sorting items into three categories: keep, donate and discard. Then think about how you can make better use of the space you’ve freed up.
Shelving, storage bins, hooks, pegboards and tool organizers can help keep everything accessible while getting items off the floor.
An organized garage also makes it much easier to find the tools you’ll need for fall and winter projects.
4. Check Your Outdoor Equipment
Before putting away summer equipment, give it a little attention.
Clean your lawn mower, trimmer, pressure washer and other outdoor equipment. Check hoses, cords and connections for signs of damage, and replace worn parts or accessories as needed.
It’s also a good time to organize your outdoor tools so they’re ready when you need them again.
Taking care of equipment at the end of the season can help extend its useful life and prevent unpleasant surprises next time you need it.
5. Prepare Your Home for Cooler Weather
Fall may still feel a long way off when temperatures are warm, but preparing now means one less thing to worry about later.
Inspect doors and windows for drafts and check areas where air can enter around the home. Replace damaged screens, weather stripping and door sweeps.
You can also take a look at your home’s lighting, replace burned-out bulbs and make sure flashlights and batteries are ready for shorter days and unexpected power outages.
Shop Local for Your Next Home Project
Whatever you’re working on, your neighborhood Ace Hardware can help you find the right tools, hardware and supplies to get the job done.
Visit your local store:
- Freedom Ace Hardware — 1820 Freedom Blvd., Freedom (Watsonville)
- Main Street Ace Hardware — 451 Main St., Watsonville
- Ace Hardware of Watsonville — 1056 E. Lake Ave., Watsonville
- Ace Hardware of Marina — 265 Reservation Rd., Marina
- Gilroy Ace Hardware — 1260 First St., Gilroy
- Ace Hardware of Salinas — 1561 N. Sanborn Rd., Salinas
Get a Head Start on Fall
You don’t have to wait for the first cool morning to start preparing for fall. A few weekends of home maintenance and organization now can leave you with a cleaner, better-prepared home when the seasons change.
Stop by your local Ace Hardware and start checking those home projects before fall off your list.
