Homes
4-step maintenance checklist to get your home winter ready
Make sure your home is warm and ready for a cozy winter by completing these quick maintenance tasks.
There is nothing quite like coming home in winter to a warm, cosy space where you can snuggle up under a blanket by the fire with a cup of hot chocolate or a glass of Merlot.
Enjoy peace of mind, knowing that you’ve ticked off these key maintenance tasks from RE/MAX in and around your home to get it winter-ready:
- Ensure windows and doors are airtight: Check for any gaps or cracks around windows and doors where cold air could seep in, and warm air could escape. If you find any gaps, use weather stripping or caulking to seal them. For those with wooden window & door frames, now might be a good time to sand them down and give them a fresh coat of varnish.
- Check for blockages in gutters and down spouts: It’s easy to forget about your gutters until they become clogged with leaves and debris. Be sure to clean them out before winter sets in and cut back any nearby trees and bushes to prevent future blockings. Now is also a good time to check that all down spouts are directing water away from your home’s foundation to prevent water build up and damage. If necessary, add extra weeping holes to paved areas to make sure any rainwater has space to drain.
- Get your indoor fireplace ready: If you have an indoor fireplace or wood stove that hasn’t been used for a while, now is the time to make sure it’s clean and in good working order. Have your chimney swept to remove a build-up of creosote and any other debris. Light a test fire to make sure it is still in good working order and stock up on firewood so you’re ready for cozy nights by the fire.
- Prepare your swimming pool for hibernation: Before putting on the pool cover and forgetting about it until summer, make sure all debris is swept from the pool and that you have checked the pH balance to make sure everything is aligned. Ensure that the pool pump is properly protected against the elements and is in perfect working order. It is also a good idea to speak to your local pool experts for more tips on how to keep your pool in good condition during the winter months.
For more on homes, visit Get It Magazine.
