The Gentlemen’s Corner w/ Colin Furcht -Gentlemen’s Guide to Preparing for Fall

Happy Post Labor Day, the unofficial end of summer and beginning of colder, shorter days. It’s also a great time to get working on that TO DO list before it turns into a New Years resolution!! Hopefully you’ve taken time over the summer with our friends and family to enjoy and relax. Now we need to get to work. Putting off those tasks that have crept on us all year means it’s time to jump in. Here are some ideas on what to check on around your home, your car and your life. 

I know it’s football season but…

A true Gentleman takes care of his responsibilities. Especially around the house. Sometime those include that not so fun ‘To Do’ list. Prioritizing and making time is so very important in making sure these tasks keep getting pushed. Then, you have a big ole pile of stuff that now seems overwhelming. We talked about this a few months back, its called procrastination. So, let me share a few easy things to do around the house to keep the bigger repairs from happening.

1. Check your windows and doors for proper insulation. I realize it doesn’t get too cold here for very long, however, why pay more to the electric and gas company than you need to? Paint and caulk around trouble areas first. Duke Energy actually does a Free Home Check Up to see where you might have some areas of risk. All you have to do is make an appointment! First task complete!
2. Drain your hot water heater. Most of us NEVER drain the hot water heater and then when it goes, we hear about how simple it is to prolong the life of it. Grab a hose, run it outside and watch the mess flow out. Even if you are a renter, there is nothing worse than not having hot water and it could take days to get a repair person out there.
3. Clean your grill and prepare it for the winter. Unless you are a cold weather griller, there’s nothing worse than opening it up next spring to find all kinds of reminders from last year in there. Spray some PAM or other non-stick spray in there before you cover it up.
4. Check and clean your gutters. If you don’t have some kind of gutter cover, this is a great time to consider them. Prepare them for the onslaught of leaves over the coming months. Most roof and facia issue arise from clogged gutters. Water in the attic can be devastating.
5. Clean the fireplace and buy some wood. If you are fortunate enough to have a wood burning fireplace, take some time to clean it and stock up on wood. It’s going to be cheaper and easier to find now as well.
6. Change your filters. As the temperature changes, your system will change from AC to heat. Give your furnace some fresh air as you start kicking on the heat. This may be the easiest one!
7. Prepare your lawn for fall. Aerating, seeding and fertilizing are so important to a healthy lawn. It also kickstarts things underground for next season. Rent an aerator for the day and see if your neighbors want to chip in and use it as well. It may not end up costing you much and it’s a fantastic workout!

8. Trim nearby branches. When ice storms hit, branches came become the culprit of many problems. Falling on power lines, swinging into windows and possibly falling on you or your family. Get out there now and trim them away from your home while it’s warmer and easier to get to. 
9. Mulch around plants. Just like your lawn, your plants need some love too. Mulch helps keep the heat in as well as holding water. Some plants may still go dormant, but this easy project can be done with just a few bags from Home Depot.
10. Prepare an emergency kit for your car. If you plan to take a road trip anytime this winter, have a kit in your can ready in case you break down. Jumper cables/jump box, water, snacks and an emergency blanket may come in very handy if you get hit with a surprise storm.

Is that it?

Of course not. There’s always more to do. Getting these knocked out BEFORE the game starts means you will have guilt-free Sundays and a safe, warm and well-maintained home. As my Dad always said, “An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure.” Being proactive with your TO DO list can save you time, money and headaches year after year. Teach your sons and daughters these tricks to make them that much smarter and self-sufficient as they grow up. Passing down good habits will have a huge payoff in their future!

Take care of yourselves and your brotherhood!

Colin Furcht- BRO Beard Products CEO

Colin has been a long time Lake Norman resident and has been very active in the community. From Commissioner to founding the Lake Norman Lighted Christmas Boat Parade to now a featured Author and small business owner! His desire is to bring men together and encourage them to reach out. He has always said, ‘look out for yourselves and each other.’ All men need a Brotherhood. www.brobeardproducts.shop