Preparing your Home for the Winter Season

Although it may feel like summer was just yesterday, that unfortunately is not the reality. Fall has to come to a close and winter is finally here. This can be a dreadful time for homeowners, as many homes are prone to damage during the winter season. However, there are a number of things that a homeowner can do to minimize the chances of any winter-related damage to their homes and themselves.

Do not Forget to Salt

It doesn’t take a genius to know that falling on slippery ice can be painful. It is even more painful when someone else falls, potentially leaving you responsible. This can lead to expensive legal fees. Luckily, there is a simple way to combat pesky patches of ice: bags of salt. Salt eats away at the ice and gradually forces it to melt, even in cold temperatures. By consistently salting your driveway, walkways, and sidewalks, you are doing your due diligence and minimizing the chances for injury during a long winter season.

Prepare the Pipes

Before the snow hits, it is always wise to prep your plumbing. Be sure to drain any water from outdoor hoses or faucets. If you have a sprinkler system, it is also important to remember to schedule them to be blown out.

As for the interior, it can be difficult to prep the plumbing without industry knowledge. Anyone without prior plumbing experience would be recommended to contact a professional and set up an inspection. However, if the homeowner is aware of any problem areas, they can apply heat tape. This will ensure that they will stay warm during the cold winter season.

Tend to the Garden

One of the worst parts about a winter is potential damage to your garden. However, there are a number of ways you can prepare your garden for the winter season. This will make it easier for your plants to bounce back in the spring. Be sure to give all of your plants a good pruning but also remember not to go overboard with it. Homeowners with a green thumb can also begin planting bulbs over the winter. Be sure to cover them in chicken wire or evergreen branches as this will stop animals from digging them up. It will also stop them from surfacing too early. It is important to remember to remove the chicken wire in the spring though.

Have the Right Tools

Although snow can be beautiful, it can also be a hassle to deal with. With this in mind, it is important to have the right tools for the job. Many homeowners can get away with just having a few strong shovels. However, any homeowner who has a lengthy driveway may want to invest in a snowblower. Having the right tools ensures the job gets done while saving time.

Taking these considerations into account can help to minimize any unwanted problems this winter and give you a head start when preparing your home for sale a competitive spring real estate market.