As another summer ends, the season of sweater weather and preparing for winter is almost here. As the winter cold approaches, here are some home maintenance tips and ideas to consider.
Inspect Your Exterior
With the weather about to get wet and cold, check your exterior walls, doors, and windows for cracks that might need to be sealed (to avoid winter freezing causing them to get worse). This can be as simple as a quick walk around the exterior of your property.
Clean and Clear the Yard
If you have any outdoor furniture or decorations that you don’t intend to leave out over the winter, now is the time to pack those away. If you have a grill, take the opportunity to give it a good scrubbing and to disconnect the propane tank before storing it somewhere dry.
Paint and Sealer Touch-Ups
If you’ve got the time, consider touching up any wooden fixtures (decks, floors) with a fresh coat of paint or sealer, particularly if they’re prone to getting covered in snow.
Check your Walkways
Similar to the previous tip, look for damage and cracks to your driveways, walkways, and steps, as well as any other potential hazards that might be made worse by icy weather, like broken handrails or loose steps.
Turn Off Exterior Water Sources
When you turn off the water to exterior taps, open the tap fully to drain out any water that may remain in the pipes. Disconnect and store any garden hoses, ideally away from the cold.
Late-Season Lawn Care
Whether you do it yourself or enlist the help of a lawn care professional, make sure your lawn is relatively trimmed and ensure any leaves that wind up in your yard are raked and discarded before the snow starts.
Seal Drafty Doors and Windows
Inspect your windows and doors to ensure your home is well insulated, and seal any drafty cracks with caulking or weather stripping.
Test your Home Heating
If you’re using electric heat, make sure your heaters are in good working order now, before the cold makes it an emergency. You might consider investing in a smart thermostat to cut down on costs, as well.
If you’re using gas heat, make sure your system is working correctly and safely (hire a professional if you’re not sure).
If you use a wood-burning stove, clean and inspect it (including the stovepipe), watching for corrosion or cracking.
Fire Safety Check
Regardless of your home heating method, it’s absolutely worth doing a safety check of your home before the winter. Check the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and ensure your fire extinguishers are in good working order, and not too old (any older than six years should be replaced). Go through any fire escape plans with all in your household.
Rain or shine, the Vetere Team is there for you
Remember, no matter whether you’re buying or selling, whether you’re a first-time buyer or well-versed in the process, the Vetere Team is always there to help you with your real estate needs. Get in touch today!
