Quick Tips To Prepare Your Home For The Winter

Quick Tips To Prepare Your Home For The Winter

November 29, 2013 By Greg Gale Leave a Comment

The calendar has turned and with that we receive less sunlight, colder temperatures, and shorter days ahead, it’s an opportune time to cross those last-minute maintenance items off your homeowner to-do list.
Practicing preventive care – both inside and outside your home – can save thousands of dollars in repairs come later this winter. What follows is a brief checklist to get you started.
For Outside The Home:

• Inspect exterior lights and outlets. Be sure that none of the outlets are cracked or broken, or have exposed wires.
• Clean gutters and clear all blockages. If leaves are falling, redo after leaves are off all trees.
• Inspect and test outdoor railings and stairs.
• Have problem trees trimmed, including those that may damage your home in a storm.
• Protect outdoor water faucets from freezing. Consider using foam cups, sold at hardware stores.

For Inside The Home:

• Change batteries in all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms, whether they’re “dead” or not.
• Vacuum refrigerator condenser coils, plus the front bottom grill. Empty and clean the drip pan.
• Inspect wood stoves and fireplace inserts. Hire a certified chimney sweeper to clean the chimney, if needed.
• Insulate bare water pipes running through your home to prevent freezing and to limit condensation on cold-water lines.
• Inspect automatic garage door opener. Lubricate chains according to manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure bolts and screws are properly tightened and secured.

As a constant series of chores, home maintenance is a four-season job and one which should not be taken lightly. The tasks of each season are unique and this month is mostly preparatory in advance of colder weather.
If your routine maintenance uncovers larger issues including a faulty HVAC unit, or a leaking faucet, for example, seek professional help to make the repair.

STOP!

Would you like to know what is happening in your neighborhood?
Would you like to know the value of your home?
Do you need help deciding whether to sell or not or would you like to know if now is the right time to buy?

I would be very happy to get you that information.
Just hit Reply and let me know.

"Opening The Door To Opportunity and Your Future Home..."

Thank you
Joseph D'Ambrosio
Joseph D'Ambrosio Cell: 623-204-2138
Real Estate Consultant / REALTOR 
West USA Realty

Email: ArizonaHomeBuying@gmail.com