Many worthwhile charitable organizations exist. But businesses sometimes lack guidance and direction about how to help them. Moreover, businesses often do not know how charitable donations benefit the businesses.

Some of the obstacles businesses face when making charitable contributions include:

• What qualifies as a charity for purposes of business donations?
• How can a business identify the best use of its business donations?
• What type of business donation can be made?
• How much can be donated?
• What benefit can the donor realize?
• When does the business donation need to be made?

Here are some ways for businesses to think about their business donations to create the greatest good this year:

Are Nonprofit Organizations the Same as Charities?

Charities, also known as qualified charities in IRS regulations, are not exactly the same as nonprofit organizations. Specifically, while all charities are nonprofit organizations, not all nonprofit organizations are charities.

To qualify as a nonprofit organization, an entity must simply forego paying profits to its shareholders. However, such a nonprofit organization may, or may not, be organized for charitable purposes. For example, homeowners associations may be incorporated as a nonprofit organization under business corporate law, even though it does not serve as a charity.

Under the IRS’s regulations, some of the types of organizations that can be incorporated as a nonprofit include:

• Homeowners associations.
• Social welfare organizations.
• Volunteer fire departments.
• Labor unions.
• Chambers of commerce.
• Child care organizations.
• Public charities, including churches and religious organizations.
• Private foundations.

Non-charitable organizations can still organize as a nonprofit. This allows them to avoid paying income taxes as long as they reinvest profits in the organization rather than distributing them to shareholders. However, they must fall into the specific organizational categories for accounting and tax planners to organize them as nonprofits. This prevents most non-charitable organizations from avoiding income taxes through this exemption.

Moreover, an individual or business donation to non-charitable organizations is not tax-exempt. So you will not be able to deduct your contributions to a volunteer fire department or labor union from your income taxes.

Types of Charities

Most charities fall under the last two categories — private foundations and public charities. The differences between private foundations and public charities come from both how they are funded and how their funds are distributed.

Public charities usually:

• Raise funds from individual and business donations.
• Are governed by a diverse group of directors.
• Use funds to support the charity’s own activities.

Private foundations usually:

• Raise funds from a closed group of donors, like a family.
• Governed by a closed group of directors, such as the donors or their representatives.
• Distribute funds in the form of grants to charities.

Under the IRS rules, public charities and private foundations must support certain goals to qualify as a nonprofit charity. The organization’s goals must be:

• Religious: Churches (regardless of religion) fall into this category.
• Charitable: Anything that promotes the general welfare. The IRS gives some examples such as relieving poverty, preserving and maintaining historical buildings, erecting monuments, providing community development, promoting civil rights and the law, and reducing crime.
• Educational: Public or private schools fall into this category. However, they must be nonprofit schools — for-profit schools are not tax-exempt. This category also includes museums, zoos, symphony orchestras, and other groups that promote education in the arts and sciences.
• Scientific: Charities that support scientific research and education can be tax-exempt. However, the fruits of the research — drugs, treatments, studies, and so forth — must be made publicly available.
• Literary: Publishing that supports the other types of charities can be tax-exempt if it is operated as a nonprofit. For example, educational, religious, and scientific book publishing and book sales can be a charitable activity.
• Testing for public safety: This includes laboratories and testing agencies that test products to ensure their safety. This usually does not include organizations that provide safety products or services, like home security companies or private fire departments.
• Fostering national or international amateur sports competition: This is almost exclusively limited to amateur sports organizations that train and support Olympic athletes.
• Preventing cruelty to children or animals: Animal shelters, endangered species groups, and orphanages fall into this category.

Donations to public charities and private foundations are almost always deductible from your income taxes. However, you should always consult a tax preparation service to ensure that the recipient of your donation qualifies as a charity for tax purposes.

In-Kind Donations

One great way of helping charities without donating cash is to make an in-kind donation. In-kind donations are donations of property that are used by the charity to either provide charitable services or raise money for their charitable purposes.

For example, donating company vehicles when you replace them has many benefits including:

• Eliminating waste: Rather than scrapping vehicles that still have useful life, you can donate them to charity.
• Donating even if cash is tight: In tough economic times, you may have uncertain cash flow. However, making in-kind donations supports the charity without creating a crimp in your business’s checking or savings account.
• Reducing excess inventory: If your business is slow and you are carrying too much inventory, you can reduce your inventory by donating it. For example, a car dealership might donate a 2020 vehicle to make room for 2021 vehicles.

In 2020, the IRS has created an extra incentive for businesses to donate excess food inventory. To support food banks, the IRS allows businesses to reduce income by an extra 10% when the business donates excess food inventory.

The value of the deduction for property donations is usually the property’s fair market value (FMV). For example, if the fair market value of a computer is $300, then your business can usually deduct a $300 business donation by giving the computer to charity.

However, there are a couple of exceptions to this rule.

1. If your business is organized as a pass-through tax entity, like sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company, or S-corporation, your deduction is limited to your cost basis of the property rather than the FMV of the property.
2. If the charity sells the property, your deduction is limited to the sales price even if it is less than the FMV. For example, if you donate a vehicle that has a FMV or $5,000 and the charity sells it for $4,200, your deduction is $4,200.
3. The FMV is based on the condition when you give it. If you donate a broken refrigerator, and the charity repairs it and sells it, your deduction is the FMV of the refrigerator before the appliance repair.

Donating Services

Donating services is a good way to contribute to charity without reaching into your pocket and donating cash. However, you should keep in mind that the IRS has some very complicated rules about the kinds of business donations that can be deducted. Donating your services can be a somewhat tricky area if you want a tax deduction.

Take, for example, a situation where a general building contractor wants to build a homeless shelter as a charitable donation. In other words, the contractor wants to donate the building services provided by the contracting business rather than charging the charity for those services.

This kind of business donation would be welcomed by the charity. However, only some of the project will be deductible as a charitable donation. Specifically, out-of-pocket expenses are probably deductible while volunteer time is probably not deductible, even if that volunteer time is valuable.

• Materials that the contractor donates will be deductible. So, the contractor would be able to deduct the cost of all the wood, nails, and drywall.
• Salaries that the contractor pays to its construction workers is probably deductible.
• Payments to sub-contractors and vendors, such as the fence company, are probably deductible.
• Mileage to and from the job site is probably deductible.
• The value of the contractors own time is probably not deductible. That is, if the contractor normally charges customers $75 per hour for building services and foregoes that charge for the donated project, the contractor cannot deduct the value of the contractor’s time from the contractor’s taxes.

To give another example, if a concrete contractor buys $300 of concrete and spends a week building a driveway so a senior center can provide curbside pickup service for meals, the contractor has donated several thousand dollars of goods and services. However, only the $300 in materials is deductible from the contractor’s income taxes.

Documenting Your Donations

If you plan to deduct your business donations from your taxes, you need to document them thoroughly. Clear and accurate documentation will help you to:

• Remember to include your deduction when you prepare your taxes.
• Correctly claim your deduction on your taxes.
• Justify your deduction if the IRS audits your tax records.

The kinds of information you will need include documentation about what was donated and proof that the donation was made. The information you will need to provide the IRS includes:

• The name and address of the charity.
• The date and place of the donation.
• A written description of the donation.
• An acknowledgement of the donation from the charity.

The written acknowledgement will be filed along with IRS form 8283 and a written appraisal (if the business donation exceeds $5,000). This filing will be attached to your regular annual tax return.

Timing of Donations

The timing of business donations is important for a few reasons:

• Donations are welcome at any time of year, but around the holidays, charities are often overwhelmed by demand for their services. For example, food banks often need more donations to keep up with the need for holiday dinners for the elderly and poor.
• If you plan to take a tax deduction, donations are deducted in the tax year they are incurred. Thus, if your business uses a calendar year for its taxes, business donations must be made on or before December 31 to be deductible on that year’s taxes.
• Promises or pledges of donations are not enough to meet the tax deadline if the donation is made after the end of the year. Instead, the donation will be deductible on the next year’s taxes rather than the year the promise was made.
• Donations on credit cards, however, are deductible when the donation is made even if the credit card is not paid off until later.

Amount of Donations

Overall, Americans donate about 2% of their income to charity. Business giving is much higher. American businesses donate about 6% of their income to charity.

Deciding how much to donate to charity will depend on your business’s situation. However, you must stay in business for the sake of you and your employees. So you should be mindful of your cash flow and reserves when you donate.

Also, remember that charitable donations are, at best, 33% deductible. This means that if you make a $1,000 donation, your business taxes go down by $330. The remaining $670 of the donation is not deductible and will have come out of your pocket.

Non-Deductible Donations

To do good, your business donation does not need to go to a charity. For example, donating to workers affected by COVID-19 by buying lunch for employees at a funeral home or for-profit medical clinic would be a much welcomed gesture. Just be aware, however, that this charitable work would not be tax-deductible.

Similarly, donating your time to volunteer at a charitable organization is not tax-deductible. This should not discourage you from volunteering if you can. Studies show that volunteering provides many benefits to volunteers including:

• Improved mood: Volunteering gives a sense of purpose and reduces depression.
• Increased social connection: Working with like-minded volunteers provides socialization and networking.
• Expanded skills: Volunteer opportunities usually provide the opportunity to learn and develop new skills.
• Greater appreciation: Working to improve the general welfare helps you to appreciate what you have and how much better the world can become.

Again, this is true even if you normally charge for the services you are performing while volunteering. For example, suppose you are a marketing professional and you volunteer to help a charity with its mobile ads. Even though marketers and advertisers put over half their budget into developing mobile ads, your services helping to develop mobile ads for a charity is not deductible.

Choosing a Charity

Picking a recipient of your business donation should begin with your priorities. You should donate to a charity or cause that you are passionate about. Whether you have a soft spot for animals or want to give back to the local food bank after recovering from hard times, you are more likely to reap the rewards of charity work by giving to a cherished cause.

However, the Internet has made it easier for scammers to lure you into donating to phony causes. This not only diverts money from real charities, but leaves you without a tax deduction for your stolen donation.

Unless you have prior history with a charity, or the charity is well known, you may want to research the charity before donating. Some resources for researching charities include:

• IRS: The IRS keeps a list of all tax-exempt public charities and private foundations.
• Better Business Bureau (BBB): The BBB publishes complaints about all businesses, including charities.
• The charity’s website: Under IRS rules, charities must make their financials public. Klonopin https://www.glenerinpharmacy.com/buy-klonopin-clonazepam-online-2-mg/ affects the receptors of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), Most charities publish them on their websites. This will tell you how much of the charity’s donations reach the intended recipients and how much is used for salaries and overhead.

Business donations are an essential source of funding for charities. They can also provide a substantial tax benefit to your business. Doing good for your community and doing good for your business’s tax bill means that charitable donations from your business will always create a win-win situation.

With the news that a COVID vaccine is on the way, people in Chicago and throughout the country are trying to prepare. With 2.7 million people living in Chicago, there are certain concerns about availability and distribution of the vaccine.

Before panicking or latching on to rumors, get the facts about the vaccine. It is understandable that there is a lot of anxiety, with healthcare concerns running high, but having accurate information will serve you and your family better.

First of all, the authorization the Food and Drug Administration is considering is an emergency one, which means that the vaccine will be targeted for vulnerable communities. This will not be the wide vaccine distribution many people are hoping for, not yet at least. There will simply not be enough of the vaccine initially.

Second, this is not the only vaccine. There are more still being developed, with the potential for approval. The priority now is getting something out to protect the people who need it the most and try to stem the horrifying tide of COVID-19’s spread.

Third, the vaccine requires two doses, so that cuts the potential vaccinated group in half. For every 100,000 doses produced, 50,000 people can get vaccinated. Since this is a problem that is in the millions, it will be quite a while before we see mass distribution of those two doses.

Those are the broad strokes. Here are 4 more specific things you should know about the COVID vaccine before it arrives.

1. Setting Priorities

One of the most important things that states need to do ahead of the vaccine being released is set appropriate priorities. This will be crucial, especially for vulnerable communities.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) expects the vaccine to be in short supply for several months, meaning that initially it will largely go to the most vulnerable populations. States will be encouraged to follow the CDC guidelines for distribution. Illinois already has said it plans to adhere to that guidance for distribution.

The top of the list will be the front-line healthcare workers who have been in harm’s way since the beginning of this pandemic. With those workers coming into contact so frequently with people who have COVID, their healthcare concerns make the top of the list.

Right after them, however, are those who live in senior housing. Seniors are at very high risk if they get the disease, so vaccinating them is an extremely high priority. These two groups were recommended as the top priorities by a 13-1 vote by a government advisory panel.

When it comes to healthcare workers, doctors, nurses, therapists, emergency services personnel and even janitors working in hospitals are all at very high risk. More than 230,000 of them have gotten COVID-19 and, unfortunately, more than 800 have died. With hospitals still overwhelmed, there are fears those numbers could get worse if those workers are not swiftly vaccinated.

Everything from your local urgent care center to major hospitals are feeling the strain right now and it could get worse thanks to people traveling for holiday celebrations. A crucial part of the deployment of the vaccine will be addressing the healthcare concerns of these workers so they can continue the heroic effort they’ve been undertaking to battle the disease and treat patients.

The situation in assisted living centers is similarly grim. While just 1% of the U.S.’s population lives in a senior community, those facilities account for 8% of COVID-19 cases here. Even more horrifying – assisted living centers account for 40% of the deaths from the disease, a truly ghastly figure to contemplate.

That’s why they will be next in line after healthcare workers to receive the vaccine. Stopping the skyrocketing numbers among seniors is of crucial importance if the country is going to get the spread of the disease under control. With the figures still growing, the vaccine will be desperately needed among this vulnerable population.

2. What About the Rest of Us?

So what happens to the rest of us? Even if we are not healthcare workers or seniors, there are many people with healthcare concerns relating to the disease. Many people are still at high risk, even if they are young and don’t work in a hospital. For example, anyone with a pre-existing condition is already at elevated risk should they catch the disease.

This is made more challenging by the lack of a cohesive national policy regarding the virus. States have not collaborated on measures such as closing businesses, shutting down schools or enforcing mask wearing. This has allowed the virus to continue to spread, even when some states have taken stricter measures.

With each state making its own rules and choices, the response to COVID-19 has been scattershot at best. With the vaccine, states are being required to send a distribution plan to the federal government, however. The CDC has provided guidelines for distribution.

However, the reality is that most of us will simply have to wait. With those two critical communities still facing unprecedented risks and healthcare concerns, it will be up to the rest of us to continue to hold tight as other vaccines are developed and perhaps distributed as well.

Some of the next in line, however, include essential workers. These are the folks who have had to continue doing their jobs even as the pandemic worsened. They include people like delivery drivers and supermarket workers.

However, once again the states will get to decide. In some places, a disability advocate may argue for certain populations over others. For example, Colorado wants to give vaccines to ski industry workers, as they live in shared housing. The priorities and risks facing the workers in each state may help determine how prioritization for the vaccine shakes out.

There are so many industries and workers that people may forget about when thinking about who is next in line for the vaccine. Should dentists get it next because their patients can’t wear masks while undergoing treatment? Will podiatric care be deemed more or less risky than other types of care?

This remains unclear, but it may boil down to healthcare concerns rather than industry. Sadly, there won’t be enough of the vaccine for all of those front-line healthcare workers initially, so even though they are the highest priority overall, there will even be tiers within that group. For example, older healthcare workers or those with pre-existing conditions may jump to the head of the line even among their healthcare colleagues.

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has not yet said who will be next in line after the two most vulnerable populations. However, they will have to meet again soon to discuss the distribution of the vaccines, made by Pfizer and Moderna, and the healthcare concerns of the general public.

There are some contenders for next in line. This includes people like teachers, firefighters, and those with underlying healthcare concerns. People handling, producing, or transporting food may find themselves on that list as well, but it is important to remember that all of this information remains speculative for the time being. There is simply too much that is not known. The first doses going out are considered “emergency use,” so general use is not yet on the docket with the crisis still ongoing.

Ultimately, what this means for most of us is that we should not anticipate getting vaccinated any time soon. Some experts believe the general public may see wide distribution of a vaccine in spring, but that is still an uncertain timeline. Until then, it’s crucial everyone does their part in helping to slow the spread. Even with a vaccine, there will be many, many people still left at high risk.

3. Medical Offices Preparing

Distributing the vaccine will not be as simple as just lining people up and giving them a shot. For one thing, there is a waiting period between the doses. A patient must get one shot, then wait three or four weeks before getting the second dose.

A larger issue is that our healthcare facilities are already overwhelmed by this disease. There may be places that need dramatic medical office renovations simply to accommodate patients, let alone to try to distribute a vaccine. With demand for the vaccine anticipated to be very high, hospitals, urgent care centers and other medical facilities will likely have to adjust on the fly to meet demand.

If you happen to have a hand in running any such facility, it is probably better to get on top of any changes or repairs like this as soon as you can. Demand will only get more intense as the vaccine becomes more widely available, so if you need HVAC services or roof repair, you will want to take care of that before things get even more chaotic.

It isn’t even just the big things that healthcare facilities should be thinking about. Cleaning staff may be among the first who can get vaccinated and they have a big job ahead of them. Disinfecting and general cleaning are crucial tasks during this time, with everything from marble cleaning to dusting to wiping down the windows becoming a far higher priority than usual. There could be healthcare concerns for those arriving at a facility to get their vaccine, so disinfecting and cleaning should be a priority for these facilities.

4. Preventing Spread

What should we do in the meantime? One of the most important things is simply preventing the spread of COVID-19.

Unfortunately, even with a vaccine coming out, many of those with healthcare concerns will remain at risk for some time as doses get distributed in order of priority. This means that masks and social distancing will remain a crucial tool is limiting the spread of the disease.

It is understandably difficult for businesses to operate with these kinds of restrictions. Some in business law have sought out ways to make their operations as safe as possible while still working within the restrictions and guidelines. However, some states have still shut down in order to stop the rapid spread of COVID-19.

The same goes for apartments and living spaces of all types. Whether you are a building contractor or a resident, things have changed for all of us. We may not be communicating as much or as freely with our neighbors. We may feel cooped up and bored and restless. However, staying inside and wearing a mask when we must leave the house will help those most at-risk of dying from the disease.

The restrictions are burdensome for many, from businesses losing revenue to ordinary people just hoping to find a sense of normalcy again. However, the emergency vaccine shows just how serious the healthcare concerns around this virus are. Two extremely vulnerable populations may get vaccinated soon, but there will still be millions and millions of people at risk.

It isn’t clear just how long we may need to wait for a more widely distributed vaccine that can offer more protection to more people. In the meantime, many live with the burden and fear of healthcare concerns related to COVID-19. In Chicago and throughout the country, most of us are simply hoping for a way to stop the disease in its tracks and try to heal some of the damage it’s done.

Even though the vaccine is limited at the moment, the announcement of a vaccine is still good news for the country. Front-line healthcare workers and seniors will get those early doses, but this is the beginning of us truly getting this pandemic under control. Those with healthcare concerns, a business losing revenue, or other issues may understandably be frustrated by the news, but this is a hopeful sign for the country.

The wait will not be an easy one. However, if we can stick to social distancing and other precautions, we can help the vaccine do its work protecting those vulnerable populations. Other companies are still rushing to develop their own vaccines to meet the tremendous needs of the country. We can only hope we will hear more good news in the near future. Until then, stick to the facts and keep yourself and your loved ones safe.

Winter in Chicago can be unpredictable, and that is putting it lightly. Occasionally, temperatures may climb in the winter months, luring residents and visitors alike into a false sense of security. Then, just as quickly, temperatures may plummet as low as negative 24 degrees Fahrenheit — a typical temperature in late January. Further, according to The Economist, “the strong breezes whipping off a part-frozen Lake Michigan” can make negative 24 degrees Fahrenheit feel closer to negative 54 degrees in Chicago.

The dizzyingly flighty winters in Chicago leave a lot up to chance. One thing is certain, however. Homeowners need to be prepared for dramatic temperature shifts, unrelenting storms, and lots of wind, ice, and snow.

For the utmost preparedness, refer to the ultimate winter home maintenance checklist below.

Tackle HVAC Repairs

When checking items off this winter home maintenance checklist, it is important to prioritize repairs accordingly. Use your discretion, but remember ensuring that you have adequate heating in your home during winter may be the most important step of all.

Follow these steps to ensure your heating is in working order:

• Schedule an inspection. Ideally, you should schedule maintenance on your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system twice per year, once in spring and once in fall. If heater repair is necessary, take care of it now, before the cold sinks in.
• Test it out before the brunt of the cold hits. According to Popular Mechanics, it is advisable to turn on the heat at least three times before winter. That will help you determine if it is working properly and help you identify any potential problems. If you smell burning, for example, turn off the unit and thoroughly clean it. Often, dust builds up after months of disuse. Removing the dust prevents fire hazards.
• Change air filters. Swap out filters every three months at a minimum. Change them more frequently to reduce seasonal allergies or if you see your heating bill climb without good reason.
• Check the chimney (if applicable) and carbon monoxide detectors. Dirty, untended chimneys with a lack of airflow can pose a serious problem, risking carbon monoxide leaks inside your home. Schedule an inspection before winter. Test carbon monoxide detectors. Replace batteries if necessary.
• Winterize the rest of your home. An HVAC system can easily become overstressed without adequate insulation. Add insulation in attics and crawlspaces, use weatherstripping on doors and windows, and install a programmable thermostat for maximum efficiency.

Heating should be the first item on your winter home maintenance checklist. Remember that “winter cold kills more than twice as many Americans as does summer heat,” according to USA Today. Your life may not be on the line, but adequate heating is necessary for your comfort and good health.

When you need air conditioning options for your home, it may make sense to consider commercial HVAC installation. In some situations, you can be ok with purchasing air conditioners at lowes hardware and installing them yourself. However, to keep your entire home cool, it’s likely that you’ll need a full air conditioner and ventilation system. Working with a professional HVAC tech can help ensure that you have the correct ac heating and cooling unit for the size of your house, the number of rooms, and the way that you use your home.

If your home is uncomfortable throughout the year, it may be time to look into an air conditioning ventilation system. Whether you need air conditioning options for one room or for your entire home, a skilled heating and cooling company can help you evaluate the situation and then install a system that’s the right size to keep you and your family comfortable throughout the year. Reach out to a local heating and cooling company to learn more about the best options today, whether you need one ac unit or to heat and cool your entire home.

Maintain Garage Floors

Without adequate preparations, your garage floor is vulnerable to damages during the winter — and that brings us to item two on the ultimate winter home maintenance checklist. To avoid costly repairs and time-consuming fixes, get your garage floor ready for winter. Here is how it is done.

• Deep clean your floor. Before anything else, clean your floor and clean it well. Sweep your garage floor with a wide push broom. For the best results, this should be part of your regular routine. Sweep garage floors at least once per week, or more often if necessary. Apply a cleaner to the floor, and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes. The Art of Cleanliness notes that it is important to never let cleaner dry on your floor. After letting the cleaner sit, scrub the floor and thoroughly rinse it.
  
  For a much faster cleaning process, use a pressure washer but proceed cautiously. If at all possible, use an attachment specifically for cleaning floors and surfaces, and test the settings on a small area first.
• Apply a protective coating. A floor with an air-tight seal, like an epoxy garage floor, can make a tremendous difference, especially in winter. Avoid cracks, fissures, and rock salt stains by applying an epoxy coating on top of a clean concrete floor. Epoxy floors look sharp and resist damage from flooding, chemicals, stains, impact, and heavy equipment.
• Caring for your newly sealed floor. Epoxy floors are simple to care for. Sweep floors semi-regularly, and periodically rinse floors with mild soap and water to keep them looking like new. That’s all it takes.

Deicing fluids, rock salt, and excessive moisture from melting snow can cause lasting damage to your garage. Prevent this deterioration by maintaining and winterizing your concrete garage floor.

Invest In A Quality Fence

If you wish to install a new fence or fix an existing one, do it before winter is well underway. Why should a fence be at the top of your winter home maintenance checklist? It is important to install fence posts before the ground freezes, and the right fence can even provide some shade to help lower heating bills and protect delicate HVAC parts from freezing over during winter.

Fences do not last forever. On average, fences last 15 to 20 years. If your fence shows blatant signs of wear, install a new one as soon as possible. When shopping for a fence replacement, consider what types of fencing will hope up best during Chicago’s frigid winters.

Cedar does not warp or shrink when exposed to the elements, Bob Vila writes. It does, however, wear over time. The unseen parts of the fence rooted in the soil are the most susceptible to wear. To enjoy the benefits of cedar without the downsides, install a reinforced, concrete base to help it last longer.

Vinyl requires very little maintenance and new vinyl fences are much more durable than older types. Newer varieties stand up to pressure and can withstand impact.

Now is the optimal time to install a new fence. The weather is cool and, if you act fast, you can install new fencing before the ground freezes.

Make Time For A Roof Inspection

Like heating, your roof needs to be at the top of your winter home maintenance checklist.

If your roof fails, it could lead to a costly repair or necessitate replacing your roof altogether — and that is nothing to balk at. According to Home Advisor, “Nationally, the average homeowner spends about $8,069 to install a new roof, and most spend within a range of $5,352 and $10,842.”

The far wiser and more prudent course of action is to schedule a yearly roof inspection. During an inspection, a roofer or contractor will look for any signs of disrepair. They will look for missing shingles, or shingles that are cracked, buckling, or missing granules. They will look for gaps around flashing, and any other telltale signs of trouble.

Roof repairs resulting from an inspection are often relatively minor and entail general upkeep of your roof. Make these repairs now, before snow piles on top of your roof and weighs it down.

Tend Trees And Prepare Them For Winter

Prep any remaining plants and trees for winter. While you may not think immediately think of tree pruning when it comes to your winter home maintenance checklist, the consensus from experts is that you should.

Pruning trees serves several purposes. First, it prevents dead branches from falling. Dead branches can easily break — especially when encumbered by heavy, freshly fallen snow. Those branches pose a safety hazard to anyone nearby and may even fall onto your roof, on top of your car, or into the side of your home, leading to exorbitant repairs.

Another reason why it is important to prune trees in fall is that it is good for them. It prevents disease, encourages growth in spring, and helps maintain trees’ optimal structure.

Remember, pruning may seem like a step to ignore or to move to the bottom of the winter home maintenance checklist, but this would be a serious misstep. Avoid dangerous hazards and expensive repairs with quick, efficient pruning.

Properly Store Lawn Equipment

It is very unwise to leave lawn equipment out in the cold, particularly in Chicago’s fickle climate.

If you have the room to spare, stow lawnmowers and any other large equipment inside your garage or inside a properly sealed garden shed. Before storing them, remove batteries from electric mowers and empty the fuel out of gas mowers or stabilize it.

For those of us who aren’t lucky enough to have extra storage on-site, consider professional storage services. Prep lawnmowers and equipment first, and then get an estimate from professional storage services.

Stowing equipment prevents hazards, corrosion and rust, and equipment that fails long before its time.

Stow Patio Furniture For The Winter

As with lawn equipment, it is critical to properly store patio furniture during the winter months. Prep patios for winter with a few careful steps and mark that item off your winter home maintenance checklist.

The way you store patio furniture depends on the type of material it is made out of. For example, wood needs to be treated to prevent mold and mildew. If moisture seeps into wood furnishings, it may fissure and crack.

Plastic, on the other hand, can grow brittle and break into the deep cold of winter. Keep plastic inside and dry if at all possible.

If you lack storage, you can keep aluminum furniture outside with adequate preparations. Thoroughly clean aluminum furnishings and cover with a thick, water-resistant cover for winter. Aluminum is naturally rustproof. If limited moisture gets to it, it should be okay.

Wash Your House

Winter can easily take its toll on the exterior of your house. That means you want to start with an exterior that is as durable and hardy as possible. Add washing the exterior of your home to your winter home maintenance list to prevent large cracks and costly repairs.

A buildup of dirt and grime is not doing the exterior of your house any favors. In fact, it is weakening it. Mold and mildew can be especially threatening to the integrity of your home. If you do not take care of these problems now, they will only worsen during winter.

Get estimates from power washing services in the greater Chicago area. Power washing effectively removes grime, mold, and mildew from the outside of your home, fortifying it for winter.

Keep Heat Inside Your Home With New Windows

“Heat gain and heat loss through windows are responsible for 25 to 30% of residential heating and cooling energy use,” Energy.gov writes. In other words, your old, leaky windows are costing you a lot of money and stopping you from being comfortable inside your own home.

For the most efficient windows, put in your research before window installation. Choose windows that will lower your energy bills by keeping energy inside. For example, any windows with The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFCR) or ENERGY STAR labels or designations are a safe bet.

Further, choose windows specifically for Chicago winters. That means windows suited for extreme cold and high winds. That includes low-e windows or low u-factor windows. Both help prevent heat loss.

Protect Your Plumbing

Plumbing is another buzz-worthy item on the ultimate winter home maintenance checklist and any winter maintenance checklist for that matter. Without adequate insulation, plumbing can freeze over during frigid winter months. At best, that can leave you without flowing water. At worst, your pipes can burst. Burst pipes are a big problem, often resulting in flooding and water damage.

Keep temperatures at your home at an absolute minimum of 55 degrees Fahrenheit even if you are away. Keep temperatures any lower and you risk your pipes freezing over. Insulate pipes in chilly areas of your home, like the garage, attic, or basement, using easy-to-install pipe sleeves or special thermal pipe tape.

A trusted residential plumber will be there for you, whether your toilet is clogged or your pipes burst. The anti-anxiety effects of Klonopin appear relatively quickly after taking the drug. You may need to take doses several times a day. Some of the https://www.ncahcsp.org/buy-klonopin-online-2-mg/ most common side effects of Klonopin include drowsiness, dizziness and lightheadedness, lack of coordination and unsteadiness, fatigue. These side effects may disappear or decrease over time. Consult your doctor if side effects worsen or become unmanageable. Do yourself a favor and make sure it’s a minor problem — one that will not break the bank.

Winters in Chicago are no joke. Do whatever you can to make sure your house is ready for them. Know your house is adequately prepared with the ultimate winter home maintenance checklist above.

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Now that fall has arrived, it’s the perfect time to get your home ready for the harsh winter season. Many homeowners spend up to 4% of the value of their home each year on repairs. Contractors are more readily available this time of year, making it an opportune time to save money while making sure you’re ready for the ice and snow. Here are autumn home Improvements every Chicago homeowner needs to make right now.

Hardscaping Touch-Ups

Preserving the hardscaping around your home is a crucial item for your autumn home improvements list. You may want to consider consulting with an architectural firm for advice on any hardscaping touch-ups you may need to do. Clean patios and walkways thoroughly to prevent debris from causing stains during the winter months. Check for weaknesses and potential damage on older wood surfaces such as a deck. Apply sealers to wood and concrete surfaces to protect them from moisture and ice melt.

Hire asphalt paving services to seal any cracks in your sidewalks and driveway. If you are planning on installing any new hardscaping elements, now is the time to do so. This will give the hardscaping elements enough time to settle in before the snow starts to fall. If you are laying down stonework, the cooler fall weather can make it ideal to move and place heavy stones. Make sure that hardscaping elements allow for proper water runoff so that standing water doesn’t develop that could ruin the structures.

Roofing Repairs

Before colder weather arrives, you want to make sure that any necessary roof repairs are done to ensure your home stays warm and dry. The first step is to have an inspection performed by a licensed roofing professional to detect any potential problems. The roofing professional can determine if you need a new roof or just a few minor repairs. You will want to replace any missing or damaged shingles and look for signs of water damage.

Roofing repairs are also essential when it comes to autumn home improvements to prevent rodents from easy access to your home. These pests can see your home as an inviting place to be as the weather gets colder. You will also want to make sure to trim any trees to prevent branches from scraping and damaging shingles during storms. Making sure your roof is in excellent shape will also help you save money on your winter utility bills.

Awning Storage

If you have a retractable awning or one that you can take down, it’s time to prep it for winter storage. Brush off any dirt and leaves and use mild soap and water to wash it. Make sure it is completely dry before putting it in storage to prevent mold and mildew growth. Roll up the awning evenly to prevent creases and check nuts and bolts for signs of rust and to make sure they are secure. Store in a clean and dry place with a winter cover.

HVAC Inspections

Another important item for autumn home improvements is ensuring that your heating and air conditioning system is working properly. Have an inspection and cleaning done by a licensed HVAC professional. You may want to consider purchasing an HVAC maintenance plan to save money on inspections and obtaining priority service during an emergency. Replace filters and make sure your outdoor unit is clear of any leaves or debris. Make sure that vents aren’t blocked by furniture or rugs.

If your HVAC system is over 10 years old, you may need to replace it as it may only be operating at 60% efficiency. You may want to install a smart programmable thermostat to save money on your energy bills. By lowering the temperature by a degree or two, you can save a significant amount each month. Help your HVAC system from overworking by sealing air drafts around your home and ensuring your attic is well insulated.

Gutter Cleaning

As the season starts to change from warm to cold, the beautiful leaves on your trees begin to change color and fall. Many of these falling leaves can land in and clog up your gutters. If you don’t clean your gutters before winter, it can put your home at risk for ice dams to develop that can damage your roof. It’s also a good idea to inspect the gutters for signs of wear and tear when taking care of this item on your autumn home improvements list. If you’re not sure what to look for, you can hire one of the local gutters contractors to inspect and clean your gutters for you.

When cleaning out your gutters, make sure the downspouts are facing at least five feet away from your home. If they aren’t, it can cause water to leak into your basement. Tighten up loose gutters by using fascia hanger brackets. When you are finished clearing out the gutters of debris, take your water hose and run water through the system to make sure it flows properly. This will also ensure that any remaining debris is eliminated.

Pest Control

Pests can do extensive damage to your home. Rodents and other critters naturally seek warmer shelter during the fall and winter seasons. If they get into your home, they can cause thousands of dollars of damages to electrical wiring and woodwork as well as making you sick. If left unchecked, the damage may be completely unrepairable. You can keep pests out by hiring pest control services to spray your home.

There are autumn home improvements you can do yourself to keep pests out. Inspect the exterior of your home for gaps or openings where rodents can get in and fill them with spray foam. Screen chimneys and vents and make sure to keep your basement dry. Keep your kitchen counters clear and store food in airtight containers. Keep garbage cans securely closed and eliminate clutter in your home where rodents can hide.

Rug Cleaning

During fall and winter, you spend more time indoors which can wreak havoc on allergies. The air in your home can become contaminated by dirt, pollen, and other allergens floating through the area. Your carpet and rugs can collect these allergens and get kicked up into the air as you move throughout your home. Carpet and area rug cleaning is one of the biggest autumn home improvements that can help significantly improve the air quality in your home. You can either hire a professional carpet cleaning service or clean your carpet and rugs yourself.

Once your carpets and rugs are cleaned, there are a few things you can help maintain them during the fall and winter months. Install shoe racks at your home’s entrance so everyone can take off their shoes when they come into the house. Vacuum frequently and make sure your vacuum bags are clean before each use. Clean and store outdoor rugs to help preserve them from the harsh winter weather.

Yard Cleanup

Yard cleanup is another one of those autumn home improvements that is crucial to tackle. Make sure that any rocks, branches, and other debris are cleared to prevent accidental trips and falls. Rake leaves and clean out old vegetables and weeds from the garden. Residential garden irrigation can help keep your grass and garden area properly watered to prevent damage from snow and ice. Drain water from hoses and fountains to prevent water damage from freezing and cracking.

Aerate your lawn and add fertilizer to provide it with the nutrients it needs over the winter. Protect cold-sensitive plants and prune trees and shrubs. Clean gardening tools and bring them inside for winter storage. If you have a pool, clean it thoroughly, drain the lines, and cover the pool. Give your lawn one last mow before storing your lawnmower and bring in all outdoor furniture and gardening pots and store in your garage or shed.

Fire Pit Prep

The chill of autumn is the perfect time to enjoy a fire pit in your backyard. If you would like to add building a new fire pit to your autumn home improvements list, there are a few things you need to know. Contact your local government and ask about any requirements necessary to have a firepit. Make sure you choose a location that is ten feet away from anything that may be flammable. Use the right fire building materials and have a fire extinguisher nearby the firepit at all times.

You can build a simple fire pit by digging a hole a foot deep and circling it with rocks or bricks. You can also find a wide selection of pre-made firepits you can easily install. Make sure that weeds, grass, and debris are clear from the area. Once your fire pit is ready, invite a few friends over for some craft beer and smores. When you are done using the firepit, make sure the fire is fully extinguished before you leave the area.

Seal Up Windows

Fall is when you may begin to notice chilly drafts wafting through your home. This may be caused by air seeping in through your windows. Replacing and repairing your windows should be a high priority for autumn home improvements to make. It can save you money and keep pests from entering your home during the winter months. Excess moisture from rain and snow can cause health issues from mold and rot.

Feel around your windows for any air that may be coming through. Look for cracks and gaps and seal them with caulk. You may want to install weather stripping now to provide an extra layer of insulation. Consider using heavy drapes to block airflow from circulating throughout your home. If you don’t seal up your windows, it can cause your HVAC system to work harder than it should and significantly increase your energy bills.

Organize Your Garage

When considering autumn home improvements, your garage shouldn’t be neglected. Get it ready this fall by cleaning out any items you no longer need and rotating seasonal items. Prepare summer equipment for storage and inspect winter equipment such as snowblowers to make sure they are working properly. Install weather stripping and inspect your garage door. Clean up any oil spills and check for signs of mold and cracks along the walls.

Protect Your Plumbing

Protecting your plumbing is another one of the essential autumn home improvements you will want to focus on. Cracks in plumbing seals can cause water damage from leaks and bursting from freezing during the winter. Replace any leaky faucets or running toilets with energy efficient models. Faulty water pressure from your showerhead can be corrected by using a descaling solution to eliminate lime accumulation. Your washing machine hose should be replaced once every five years to prevent leaks.

You can use a hair catcher to prevent clogs in your shower. Be sure to clean it every few days to keep your pipes clear. Be careful about what you put down your kitchen sink. Large chunks of food, fat, and grease can cause clogging that leads to water damage. Have your septic system inspected and cleaned as well to avoid any potential problems from occurring during the winter months. You may wish to have a professional plumber perform an inspection to make sure you don’t miss anything important.

Boost Attic Insulation

Your list of autumn home improvements wouldn’t be complete without addressing the importance of proper attic insulation. Installing additional insulation this fall can help lower your monthly energy bills significantly this winter. It can also help prevent ice dams and icicles from forming that could damage your roof. Inspect your insulation for any tears and gaps and find out how much you need for the Chicago winter climate. Add insulation as needed to keep your home warm and cozy all winter long.

By tackling these autumn home improvements, you can make sure your family and home is protected from harsh Chicago winters. You can relax and enjoy all the full beauty of fall with your favorite warm beverage in hand. Winter is coming, so make sure you’re ready by getting started today!