Winter is just around the corner. In a few months, snow will be falling and temperatures will be dropping. This also means the hustle and bustle of the holiday season is quickly approaching. Before things get too crazy, you might want to consider some important seasonal renovations for your home.

If you’re planning on selling your home shortly, winter could pose a challenge to getting everything ready before listing. The days are shorter, and inclement weather could make those outdoor renovations you wanted to complete impossible.

Here are a few maintenance and renovation tasks to complete in the fall.

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Maintaining the HVAC System

One of the systems you want to ensure is working correctly is the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC). A smoothly running and efficient system will save overall costs on your heating bills. Additionally, a functional HVAC is one of the top priorities among potential homebuyers. Either hire a professional to look it over or replace it if it is an older model.

Renovating Your Flooring

Now is the perfect time to redo your flooring before selling your home, especially if it’s wood. Replacing wood floors is a significant investment and can increase the value of your home. Installing them in the fall is ideal because you can take advantage of the air’s low moisture content, allowing the wood to settle better over the winter and when it warms in the spring.

Replacing and Sealing Windows

Are there any windows where you notice a draft or chill coming in? Have you seen condensation or frost building up on them? If so, replace the windows and frames with sturdy upgrades before winter comes into full swing. They should be updated if they’re not doing a good job of keeping the warm air in and cool air out. Seal the leaks around newer windows, and don’t forget about your doors, too.

Upgrading the Patio or Deck

Fall is the best time to upgrade your patio. Replace any cracked or rotting boards on your deck and seal it to protect it from the winter weather. The outdoor living space will be ready to go by springtime, meaning you can spend more time getting potential buyers and less time renovating. Plus, scheduling and pricing are a bit more flexible in the off-season, so you’ll save some cash.

Painting a Fresh Exterior

A healthy coat of paint can completely transform your home, and it will make it more pleasing to the eye of potential buyers. Exterior paint keeps your house in good condition, especially in areas that receive a lot of snow, because it helps seal the trim and siding. Before the weather gets colder, find a few days above 50 F so the paint can properly dry.

Replacing Damaged Siding

Use this time before winter to replace any damaged siding. Exterior siding is your home’s first line of defense against all the elements. If it’s not well-maintained and there are some missing or damaged pieces, it could cause further damage to your home’s interior. A homebuyer first sees the outside of your home, so you want to leave a good impression. This simple fix can save you thousands of dollars and increase your house’s value.

Get to Work Before the Cold Weather

By completing these renovations now, you’ll have an easier and less stressful time in the spring when you sell your home. It’s time to roll up your sleeves — or bundle up — and tackle these projects.