Dear David,
We rented an apartment for a decade after we got married, and this spring we bought our first house. The property is about 20 years old. As first-time homeowners, what should we do to get our home ready for winter? – FIRST TIMERS
DEAR FIRST TIMERS: Just as you put winter tires on your car, you’ll need to prepare your home for the season. Fortunately, most tasks are straightforward once you know what to look for. Start with your home inspection report if you have one, as it may help identify items that deserve attention before the snow flies. Even at 20 years old, a house can have worn caulking, loose weatherstripping or drainage problems.
Once the leaves have fallen, clear the eavestroughs and check that the downspouts are connected and aimed away from the foundation. Look for gaps in the caulking around windows and doors, and replace damaged door sweeps or weatherstripping. On a cold day, feel around the doors and windows for drafts you may have missed.
Disconnect and drain the garden hoses. If your outdoor taps have indoor shut-off valves, close them and drain the taps. Find the main water shut-off valve, as both of you should know where it’s located in case a pipe ever leaks. If your home has a sump pump, check that it runs and that its discharge can carry water away from the house during a thaw.
Book a furnace tune-up if you haven’t done one recently. Check the furnace filter and keep a spare on hand. Test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, replace batteries where needed, and check the replacement dates on the units themselves. When the snow arrives, keep your outdoor furnace and dryer vents clear. If you have central air conditioning, check the manufacturer’s instructions before preparing the outdoor unit for winter. There are different schools of thought about air conditioner covers. For my cooling-only unit, I shut off the outdoor disconnect and cover the top only, while leaving the sides open. If you also have a heat pump that heats your home, ask your HVAC technician about winterizing.
Make a snow plan before the first storm. Will you shovel, use a snowblower or hire a service? Put your shovels, car brushes and ice melt where you can reach them, and while you’re at it, move your winter tires to the front of the garage. If you use a water softener, consider having salt delivered now so you aren’t carrying heavy bags across an icy driveway. Keep a few good flashlights handy, along with batteries, a phone charger, drinking water, food that doesn’t need cooking, and warm blankets in case a storm knocks out the power.
PRO TIP: Put recurring reminders in your phone calendar to keep tasks top of mind. Set them up monthly, quarterly or yearly for jobs such as checking the furnace filter, replacing water filters, topping up softener salt and testing safety alarms. Set each reminder once, and you’ll have added peace of mind as you settle into your new home. #Advice #AskDavid #TheNegotiator
David is a top-selling Broker in Kitchener-Waterloo Region. He works personally with you when selling or buying your home. Moving? Get it right. Ask David today! Call or text 519-577-1212.