Winter is coming. Your house should be at its best during the coldest season of the year. That’s why you should take the necessary measures to prepare your home for this season.
Since it’s the coldest time of the year, these months can be rough on your home. In fact, according to Appraisal Institute President & Acting CEO Jim Amorin, MAI, SRA, AI-GRS, fall is the best time to prepare your home for winter.
In a press release, he said, “Fall is a great time for consumers to make improvements that likely will pay dividends in the winter and throughout the year. Basic renovations can make the colder months more comfortable and possibly increase the value of a home.”
Whether to make sure your home is safe during the cold winter nights or if you’re looking to increase your home’s value, there are easy ways prepare your home for winter.
Check the roof
The heavy snowfall and strong winds can damage your roof. Make sure to keep your roof intact and if it’s not, don’t waste time to make the necessary repairs needed.
Make sure you clean up any debris and other build-ups, like excess leaves from the fall, on your roof to prevent clogging.
A roof inspection can also help you assess your roof’s current condition. You can do it on your own but it’s smart to hire a professional with the skills and expertise to conduct a thorough inspection.
Clear the gutters and the chimney
Fall is about to end and you should begin preparing your home by clearing the gutters from all the leaves that fell during the autumn months.
Your home’s walls, siding, and basement can be damaged if rain has nowhere to go because of clogged gutters.
Therefore, you should save your home from future problems by clearing up any debris that’s building up in the gutters.
You should also pay attention to your chimney if you have one. It’s especially important if you want to use your fireplace during winter.
The best way to keep your chimney in top condition is to have it checked at least once a year. A blocked chimney can have a lot of risks, the biggest being your chimney becoming a potential fire hazard.
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Prepare your indoor pipes
The best thing you can do to prepare your indoor pipes is to have it insulated. It’s one of the extra measures to prepare your home this winter especially if you live in a place where it gets very cold during that season.
Make sure your thermostat stays at the same temperature all day to avoid having your pipes go through big temperature changes and make sure that all your faucets are checked regularly.
Clear your yard
Make it a priority to bring your fragile plants indoors during winter. Remember that changing seasons can affect your garden.
If you have any outdoor furniture, consider putting them away in the meantime unless it can withstand harsh winter storms.
Also, put your gardening tools in storage during the winter season to avoid them from getting damaged.
Make necessary repairs or renovations
If you’re thinking about making necessary renovations that will help prepare your home for winter, set a budget for the anticipated expenses in advance.
If you’re thinking about getting financing to cover renovation costs, you can look for options. One example is the FHA’s 203(k) loan.
Remember to always keep your home safe during this season. In the end, it’s your responsibility to make your home a safe haven at all times.
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