Preparing Your Home for Winter in 5 Steps
As a homeowner, you are responsible for the care and maintenance of your property 365 days a year. Whether you’re preparing for a change in weather or decorating for the season, there are a number of things that should be accounted for once fall has arrived.
Let’s take a closer look at why you should prepare your home for colder weather, what to do and tips for selling your home at this time of year!
Why Prepare Your Home for Colder Weather?
As we transition from one season to another, there are a number of home care tasks that should be completed. Not only can this help to provide your home with added protection, but it can also help to make your home more enjoyable.
Some benefits of preparing your home for colder weather include:
Keeping the heat in and cold outside
Lowering your energy usage and costs
Protecting your home from the elements
Creating a safer outdoor space for everyone
Maintaining and/or improving the value of your home
Now that you have a better understanding of why it’s so important to prepare your home for fall and winter, let’s take a look at some things you need to know!
Preparing Your Home for Winter in 5 Steps
Once you have taken some time to enjoy the beautiful colours and traditions that are synonymous with fall, it’s time to place your focus back on home improvement and seasonal preparation - especially as we gear up for another Canadian winter!
1. Seal Cracks
Keep heat on the inside and cool weather on the outside with a proper approach to sealing and insulation. We suggest walking around the exterior of your property first to perform a visual inspection and seal any cracks. Not only can this help with the internal temperature regulation of your home, but it can also help to keep pests out as well.
Once you have sealed cracks on the exterior, head inside and perform a similar inspection. This time, be sure to also keep a close eye on the entry points within your home. This can include doors, windows, wiring, plumbing, and vents.
You may also want to install weather stripping along your doors and garage. Not only can weather stripping help to prevent air from escaping, but it can also help to reduce sound travel.
2. Fix Exterior Damage
During your exterior inspection, we highly recommend keeping an eye out for exterior damage. Not only can addressing damage help to increase the value of your home, but it can also help to create a safer environment for your family, friends, neighbours, and anyone who may visit your property.
Common places for exterior damage can include your steps, driveway, walkway, lighting, porch, or deck.
3. Gather Equipment and Supplies
Don’t wait until the first snowstorm is about to arrive! Instead, prepare your family and home for the arrival of winter weather before it hits.
This includes ensuring that you have:
At least two snow shovels
Rock salt and de-icers
Winter gear, such as a coat, boots and gloves
Snow tires on your vehicle
Snow removal brush for your vehicle
Do you own a snow blower? This is a great opportunity to ensure that it is in proper working order and that you have fuel on hand.
4. Turn Off Outdoor Water Access
Don’t forget to turn off the water access for your hose! While it is important to keep your grass and plants hydrated throughout the summer, failing to do this step can result in costly damage.
Once water access has been turned off, be sure to store your garden hose away safely until the spring.
5. Decorate for Winter
Now that the functional tasks to prepare your home for winter have been completed, it’s time for the fun part. Decorating!
How you decorate your home for winter is completely up to you and the traditions that your family enjoys. Some homeowners choose to take the colourful route with exterior lighting, while others prefer a more traditional approach with cedar planters and a front door mat.
If you celebrate Christmas, why not plan to place your tree in front of a window? While illuminated at night, this can provide warmth to your curb appeal, all from within the inside of your home!
Tips When Selling Your Home in Fall and Winter
Are you planning to list your home between the months of September and April? To create a memorable experience for potential buyers and give your property an edge, here are some tips to help you create a safe environment and increase the appeal!
Keep your home heated at a comfortable temperature
Have a designated place for potential buyers to place their coats
Lay an indoor mat at the front door for visitors to wipe or place their shoes
Tastefully decorate the interior of your home with minimal and neutral decor
Open blinds and curtains for a picturesque view of the fall colours or winter landscape
Listing your home this winter? Get in touch with our team of professionals at Lisa Cox Real Estate! With many years of combined experience in Hamilton and the Halton Region, we can help you find the home of your dreams.
