MOUNT VERNON – Homeowners should be preparing their homes for winter now before the weather gets colder, because there are exterior and interior items that need to be checked.
"This time of year, it is a great time to check the exterior of the house, looking for any areas in need of repair," Bill Kramer, owner of G.R. Smith Hardware in Mount Vernon, told the Mount Vernon News. "Exterior projects are much easier in the fall instead of winter."
There are a lot of exterior items of a house that should be inspected before the cold weather arrives, Kramer said. Any holes or cracks in a house that would allow cold air or small animals like mice to enter should be addressed. When it gets colder, mice and insects look for warm areas in which to stay.
Trees are also items that should be inspected before the winter.
"If there are trees located close to the house, they should also be checked for damaged areas which may fall onto the house during winter storms or from ice accumulation in the winter," Kramer said. "Also check around windows and doors on the inside for any areas that would allow cold air to enter."
Homeowners should also make sure the roof is not in disrepair.
"This is a good time of year to paint any areas that need it and seal any cracks or holes. Checking the roof for damage is a good thing to do this time of year so you can get repairs done before winter comes," said Kramer.
As for the interior, homeowners should also check their heating system before winter hits to ensure it's functioning.
"The heating system should be checked to make sure it is operating correctly," Kramer said. "Furnace filters should be changed or checked monthly to keep the furnace working properly. Turn the system on before you need it to make sure it is working properly."
Saving money and energy this winter could also be accomplished if certain things are done now, and Kramer shared some ideas for homeowners to keep their house warmer.
"Homeowners should be proactive in looking for areas that can keep the house warmer," Kramer said. "Replacing or repairing windows, doors, overhead garage doors or adding insulation are all great ways to save some energy and money this winter. Even small repairs to prevent cold air entering the house will help."
Homeowners with larger fall projects to do may need to finance them.
"First Federal will do home improvement loans up to $75,000," Terry Bumpus, president and CEO of First Federal Savings & Loan Association of Centerburg, said. "If they have a first mortgage, we require a second mortgage.”
First Federal will do an appraisal and homeowners can borrow up to 80% of the combined mortgages, Bumpus said. The S&L can turn around a home improvement loan quickly if the amount is $10,000 or $15,000, requiring only a shortened version of the appraisal. Loans in those amounts would generally take approximately two to three weeks to complete. For loans above $25,000, approval would take a little longer— three to four weeks— because a full appraisal would be required.
The housing market has been hot recently, with many selling and others refinancing to take advance of the lower interest rates, Bumpus noted.
"The home-improvement market has picked up a bit," he said, adding that it has probably increased approximately 10% this year.
