When we think of home renovations, we often contemplate a full kitchen remodel, gutting the master bathroom, or replacing old flooring. Forget simple—we’re performing open heart surgery on the entire house!

Ah, human nature. We love to complicate things.

As a realtor here in Festus, I’ve seen my clients dive head-first into these sorts of projects, sometimes in the heat of summer. It’s all fun and games until temperatures rise into the 90s. By then, recaulking your shower looks a lot less glamorous (or is that just the sweat running into your eyes?).

Personally, I think home upgrades should be one thing: simple. Whether you plan to DIY or call in the pros, making your house more comfortable for your family shouldn’t cost you an arm, a leg, or your sanity.

The good news is that if you’ve been considering updating your home, this gorgeous autumn weather is perfect for it. It’s neither blisteringly hot nor freezing cold, making this the ideal season for some (straightforward) outdoor renovations.

Did you know that fall is the best time of year to plant grass seed? Well, now you do. To improve your home’s curb appeal before winter settles in, get that grass seed planted, prune your gardens, and make sure your edging is in good shape. You can even add some fun Halloween or Thanksgiving decorations if that’s your style.

If you’re willing to hire one of our phenomenal local contractors, now is also a great time to get an estimate for exterior paint and siding. Like landscaping, a fresh coat of paint makes a huge difference in overall curb appeal. It also shields your house from the elements, including damaging weather, insects, and dust. If it’s been more than ten years since your home’s last paint job, I highly suggest getting one on your calendar (especially if you’re planning to sell soon).

Finally, to upgrade both the outside and the inside of your house simultaneously, consider replacing your old windows. Newer windows will improve your energy efficiency, provide a better sound barrier, and again, increase curb appeal. All excellent perks to claim before winter!

It’s so easy to overcomplicate home renovations, but at the end of the day, these types of projects should be adding to your life, not taking years off it. A focus on the little things—especially during harvest season—is often enough.