When it comes to having a home that you’re considering renting (or already renting) ready for wintertime, maintenance is key and can keep you from having to make costly repairs during the winter or during the spring. In this post, we’ll share with you the key things to look out for, and hacks to make sure repairs and stopgap measures are done quickly and cost-effectively.
1. Lawn Care, Trees, and Landscaping
While it may not be the most pleasant thing to hear, hiring an arborist to evaluate the trees on the property is usually a good idea, especially if they’re near the house or power lines. A fallen branch or bit of debris that could have been easily or cheaply removed in the Fall becomes an enormous problem if it damages something in the winter.
While we’re on the subject of trees, clearing out gutters and scraping up as many fallen leaves as possible will improve the longevity of your roof while also keeping the lawn healthy. Spring growth is much easier when they lawn is clear before snow, heavy rain and other weather hits. While you’re at it, give the yard a good mow and edge trimming.
2. Exterior Repairs Are Winter Repairs
Checking your property for roof, siding, and foundation damage is of monumental importance before colder weather hits. You don’t want to be alerted to this sort of damage when there’s flooding, a leak, or siding falling off the home.
If you’re not exactly sure what you’re looking for, hire an expert, and if you’re looking to do-it-yourself, here’s a handy guide to inspecting your home for leaks and damage.
3. Winter Safety Saves Big Bucks
If you’re renting or considering renting your home, liability is a big one to watch out for. Inspect all of your exterior handrails, stairways, and overhangs for any potential hazards or damage. If you haven’t included it in your lease agreement, it might be worth adding a section about keeping walkways and driveways salted or start doing it yourself to protect your tenants from injury and yourself from liability.
4. Keep Water Under Control
One of the most common mistakes many people make when fall and winter roll around is to turn off all the various faucets and fixtures outside. If you have a sprinkler or irrigation system built into your yard, you’re going to want to empty the water out of it, especially if there are freezing temperatures during your winter. You don’t want to have to spend money repairing cracked lines come springtime.
Double-checking to fill any gaps or leaks in the exterior or the interior of the house is important as well, as those are freeze-damage risks too. Plus, there’s the added effect of protecting the home from any invasive critters.
5. Save More with Weatherizing and Cleaning
Finally, knock down that winter heating bill by weatherizing the home. Here’s where there’s a lot of money can be saved, and many people neglect the potential money-saving opportunities here, including:
- Weatherstripping doorways
- Resealing windows
- Door sweeps on the base of drafty doors
- Removing A/C units
Additionally, this is a great opportunity to check all the safety devices in the home, from smoke detectors to carbon monoxide detectors. Unplugging and cleaning dryer vents can help keep appliances running smoothly for years, and while you’re at it, doing a check of other appliances too wouldn’t hurt.
It’s a lot of things to check, but hopefully, this guide will help keep you on top of your fall maintenance and save you money. If you’re considering selling your home, get in touch with Intempus. We help you every step of the way and can give you the best advice on how to keep your home in tip top shape this Winter if you do decide to sell. Make sure to ask us any questions on Twitter or Facebook.
