There's a chill in the air this week that reminds us that winter is on its way! Now is a good time to focus on some seasonal maintenance tasks, both inside and out, to get your home ready for the harsh weather. Setting aside some time now could save you from costly repairs later! With these tasks checked off you can relax and enjoy the upcoming holidays.
Clean gutters.
If you are not confident on a ladder, this task is one best left to professionals. Cleaning your gutters is essential at this time of year to get rid of the leaf build up and help prevent ice dams – a nasty side-effect of the snow and ice coming our way. It will also prevent any rainwater from overflowing and running down the outside of your home, potentially damaging your paintwork.
Shut off your exterior water.
To prevent burst pipes or broken outdoor faucets next spring, ensure your exterior water faucets have been fully shut off – turn off the water inside, then open the spigot outside to let any water drain out. If you have a sprinkler or irrigation system, be sure to contact your installer or a local maintenance company to winterize the system, or you could be in for a nasty surprise next spring. Also take a moment to locate your water main shut-off valve and check that it can still be turned – in older properties these can become stiff and hard to move. You don’t want to wait until you have a burst pipe to find you cannot turn the water off.
Take care of drafts.
With the rising cost of living, it makes sense to ensure your house is well insulated. You can save on your energy bills and help the environment by making sure your home is energy efficient. The biggest impact insulation can make is in your roof space – make sure your attic is well insulated to protect against damage from snow and ice and keep your heating bills down. Check your doors and windows for cracks or gaps and fill in what you can. Not only will it keep your home warmer, but you’ll deter any uninvited critters who might be looking for a way to escape the cold.
Check your smoke detectors.
The fire department advise you to test your smoke detectors at least twice a year, and the clock change this coming weekend provides a good calendar reminder. Take 10 mins to check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working correctly and replace the ones that are not.
Whether you are in your forever home or planning a move, it makes sense to keep up with some basic home maintenance. For advice on the most important things to take care of to get your home ready to sell, contact one of our experienced realtors.