If you buy a home in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Newport News or anywhere in Hampton Roads, you want to take care of it – of course. It may be the biggest investment of your life! This list of fall projects is designed to help you winterize your Hampton Roads home.
Fall is the perfect time to take a walk around your home, note problem areas and set in motion a plan to correct potential problems before they begin, small problems before they grow, and large problems before they become uncontrollable! Below are simple things that you can do to make springtime more enjoyable, regardless of where you live.
- In case of freezing temperatures, drain and turn off outside spigots
- Drain, dry and store garden hoses that you would like to use next season
- Clean and store your patio furniture, gas grills and lawn equipment
- Check to make sure that no critters are living in your foundation or attic
Trim Limbs. Fall is the best time of year for trimming back unruly trees. During the winter, ice can form on trees and make the limbs significantly heavier. Therefore, cut back any limbs that touch your home, or they might pose a danger to siding or windows if they become loaded with snow or ice later in the season.
Look Through Your Windows. If your windows are foggy and cleaning them makes no difference, it is probably because a seal has been broken on multi-paned glass. The purpose of that seal is to insulate your home. With winter approaching and heating prices at an all time high, replace or repair window panes that have broken seals.
Patch Cracks. Walk around your home’s exterior and look for cracks in the foundation and missing caulk around windows and other openings. Leaky windows and doors cause homes to lose heat, and they can grow as a result of ice formation in the coldest months. Fill cracks now before the weather gets colder.
Clean Gutter Clutter. This is perhaps one of homeowners’ least favorite chores, but unless you want to install new gutters in the spring, you need to pull out the leaves and other debris in the fall. Many manufacturers offer solutions to cover your gutters and reduce the buildup of debris. They are not foolproof, but if you hate to clean out your gutters they may be worth the investment. Don’t forget the downspouts, where ice can combine with debris to cause bursting and leaking. Gutters and downspouts were developed to keep water away from your home. If you skip this chore, you probably will spend a lot more time mopping the basement floors later in the winter, because all of that water and ice needs has to go somewhere.
Real estate agents know how to spot the difference between well-maintained and neglected homes. Some of the most common areas of neglect are those listed above. Homes that are well-maintained and properly winterized are a hot commodity! Don’t risk your investment by being lax in your upkeep. In just one or two weekends, you can complete all of the items described above. Your home deserves it.
Know additional ways to winterize your home? Share them here! Thanks!
