Preparing Your Home For Winter

Winter has barely begun, yet it already feels like the long haul of the season is upon us. With remnants of fall still lingering, now is a good time to take advantage of suitable weather conditions to winterize your home.

“Preparing your home for winter will make your surroundings more comfortable during these months, but you’ll also lighten your load come spring,” says Phil Dorner, president of the Ontario Real Estate Association. “Winter can wreak havoc on backyards, roofs and pipes, all of which can be pretty annoying, especially if you plan on selling your house in the spring.”

By investing some time and effort now, your home will be in much better shape come spring, advises Dorner. “Then, if you do list your home, all that you’ll need to worry about is some general maintenance and staging.”

Here are some tips to prepare your home for winter:

Indoor Spaces:

•     Check smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors

•     Have the furnace inspected to ensure it is operational, safe and as energy-efficient as possible

•     Plug hidden leaks most commonly found around holes where pipes, vents, or electrical conduits run through the walls, ceiling, and floors

•     Protect pipes from freezing and bursting by wrapping them in foam tubes

•     Add insulation in rooms that need it, like the attic

Outdoor Spaces:

•     Check windows and doors for cracks around the framing; fix the caulking if you notice any cracks or separations

•     Clean gutters to prevent clogging and potential roof and wall/basement leaks

•     Cover air conditioning unit with a piece of plywood to protect it from falling ice and leaves

•     Drain hoses and outdoor pipes; turn off outside water supply

•     Cover plants and shrubs with tarps or burlap to protect them from wind damage and prevent the roots from freezing

Dorner adds, “If your home is considered a ‘new home,’ remember that many issues may be covered by your warranty; things like defects in the electrical, plumbing and heating systems, and major structural damage. Be sure to take care of all regular seasonal maintenance so that your warranty (if applicable) will cover any major issues.”

For more information, visit www.wedothehomework.ca.

This article is provided by local REALTORS® and the Ontario Real Estate Association for the benefit of consumers in the real estate market.