PREPARING YOUR HOME FOR THE WINTER SEASON
You can feel it in the air. Winter is around the corner.
You're now cleaning the leaves and bringing out the shovels and collecting salt (I am...) ...
You've already disconnected the garden hose and put it away for the Winter.
Did you remember to turn the water off to the exterior?
I forgot a couple of years ago, and had a pipe freeze/explode inside the wall ... so now I have one of those faucets that even if I forget, will not freeze (drains itself).
If you don't have one of those, however, you MUST drain that tap and turn off the water for the Season.
Here is a short list of some things you should look after every Winter:
- Replace batteries in smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors (if they run on batteries)
- Check and clean or replace furnace air filters each month during the heating season
- Clean humidifier two or three times during the Winter Season
- Vacuum bathroom fan grille
- Vacuum smoke detectors
- Check all your fire extinguishers and replace if necessary
- Check fire escape routes and ensure family has good security habits (everyone should be aware of outside lighting, escape route, and where to meet in case of emergency)
- Check basement floor drain to ensure trap contains water (refill if necessary)
- Check your home for excessive moisture (condensation can cause damage over time and affect your health)
- Check all faucets. Fix drips... replace washers if necessary
- Run some water in laundry tub, if never used, to ensure water is kept in the trap
- Clean drains (dishwasher, washer, sinks, bathtubs, shower stalls, etc.)
- Check windows and doors for ice and cold air leaks. Clean and repair if necessary; or make note to fix in the Spring
- Check roof for ice or icicles. Hire someone to clean it up/fix, if necessary
- Keep snow off gas meters, vents and exhaust vents and basement windows
- If putting up Christmas lights, or any other outdoor lights, ensure they are safe. If anything is worn, replace it. If it feels warm to the touch, don't use it. Replace it.
Avoid costly fixes, by staying on top of this. Make up a checklist for every season.
Pick one or two items to check/do every week.
Hire a qualified handyman for those tasks that are beyond your ability, or those that aren't safe.
Protect your investment.
Look after your home, and it will keep you safe and warm for many years to come.
If you need additional information, or a complete, comprehensive list, contact your local REALTOR; or you can email me directly, and I'll send you a copy.
Sylvie Conde, Broker - Your Toronto Realtor!
Sutton Group-Associates Realty Inc, Brokerage 416-966-0300
Independently Owned & Operated
sconde@sutton.com
www.sylvieconde.com
www.torontorealestatelife.com
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Anyone who is not a member and has a question or wishes to comment,
please email your questions or comments to me at: sconde@sutton.com
Sylvie, Where were you seven years ago?
I burst an outside tap by not shutting off my water when we moved to a new home...
thanx for the useful reminders
Chris, I wasn't anywhere either, when I forgot to turn off my own water. :) I had never been told nor shown, and well ...
But it will never happen again. :)
All I can say is Brrrr! When do beach badges go on sale?
LOL Laura.... that photo is of my backyard, just after I shovelled the snow out of the way, so the cat could get back in ... and I can tell you, I'm not looking forward to it.
Beach badges should go on sale any day now LOL
Syvie, Great ideas you have listed. And I'm sorry to say I don't have a cap for my outside drain (yet) but you can bet I'll be getting one. I'm almost done except for cleaning out those gutters :( I always have it done but didn't do that either yet (and it's COLD here!).
Thanks for the info it is good to have a check list . I need to do this.
Liz
Hey Sylvie, Good post. I love lists. Don't mind if I take this one I hope.
Carole, I hired someone to do that. The neighbour and I had him clean both, and split the cost. Some things I just won't do myself (like get on the roof).
Liz, thanks for passing by.
Greg, please, take it and distribute it. :)
Hi Sylie...I'm sure many will print this list for a Winter things to do list.
Great idea.
Cheers
Thanks, Fred. Hopefully it's helpful.
Lots of excellent and timely advice, Sylvie! Thank you for the reminders.
Debi
Thanks for visiting, Debi. :)
Sylvie,
This is a good and well-thought out list. I'll make a note.
Brian
Sylvie - some folks do not realize the potential danger of dry traps ... they are meant to be full of water for a reason..... that is a very cute picture of your cat ... fluffy white on fluffy white
Brian, thank you.
Kathy, even I wasn't aware, until I had an issue myself. The smell ain't pretty either.
As far as my cat, I miss her terribly. She passed away last year, after being with me for 20 years.
She loved to go outside, but hated sinking in the snow, so I had to clear a path for her every time. :)
Sylvie congrats on your 500th Posts - boy girl - and to think you said you could write posts! lol......Awesome! The Localism Queen!
Oh and can you tell me where I can find me a qualified handyman? one that works for free and can fix my dishwasher?:-)
Liz, I never said I could write. I can't. It's torture ... but I do try (I heard somewhere that practice makes perfect, so in about another 100,000 blogs, I may start 'writing'). :)
Thanks ... I had no idea I was at 500.
As far as the handyman ... go over to your local hardware store and ask. Then when he comes over, ask him if he barters. ;-)
Sylvie - congrats on the 500
Liz - he's generally found in the husband isle
Kathy - where is that aisle? I don't think we have them in b.c.! lol
Sylvie - too funny - barter hmmm
LOL Kathy ... I should check that out later today when I go shopping. :)
Liz, you know ... you have something he wants ... he has something you want .... you trade. :) LOL