Rural and countryside households have massive benefits, and yes, they do have some disadvantages too. You may be reminded of that latter part when you need to pay for septic tank emptying because your house isn’t connected to the town sewage network. But of course, the beautiful fresh air, privacy, sense of community and comfort is really hard to beat.
Another downside is that because your home is more exposed and close to nature, maintenance can sometimes take a little more investment and upkeep. You likely know all the obvious examples like wind causing damage to the roof, the need to install shutters, or perhaps even putting in a generator just in case there’s a power cut.
But there are also other autumn maintenance issues to keep in mind while the weather changes. In this post, we’ll discuss the most unexpected and how to deal with it.
Uninvited Furry Tenants
You want to live in your home, so it’s no wonder why little critters are pretty keen on it as well. This time of year is when all sorts of wildlife start looking for somewhere warm to settle in before winter arrives properly. Countryside homes are great for that, because there are usually more gaps and entry points than in newer builds, and the animals know it.
If they’ve made themselves at home, rodents can cause real damage such as through chewing electrical cables and getting into stored food. A few times at this time of year, doing a walk around the outside of the house before the weather turns properly cold, looking for any obvious ways in around doors, foundations, or where pipes enter the building, is more than worthwhile.
However, if there are already signs like droppings or scratching noises in the walls at night, getting professional pest control in sooner makes sense. They’ll sort it out and put prevention measures in place, which is a lot easier than trying to deal with an infestation yourself.
Fallen Trees
Storms in autumn can bring down branches or whole trees if they’ve been weakened over the years, and living in the countryside usually means there’s woodland closer to the house than you’d get in town. A tree coming down can do serious damage to a roof or block the driveway completely, leaving you stuck.
Before the worst of the weather hits, it’s wise to have a look at any trees near buildings or power lines to see if they’re looking unstable or dead. Report any power issues or lines to the council. Sometimes, getting a tree surgeon out to assess anything worrying could help you avoid damage, too.
Local & Property Flooding
Heavy rain in autumn can be quite intensive for drainage in rural areas because there’s usually less infrastructure than in towns, and properties near streams or at the bottom of slopes get hit hardest, and water usually finds its way towards foundations if it’s not directed somewhere else. Clearing gutters of leaves before the rainy season starts properly will help with the overflow, and making sure water runs away from the house is good too.
With this advice, you’re sure to manage any maintenance issues you may experience in the country, before they bite.