Essential Winter Home Maintenance Checklist

Categories: Essentials Homes Maintenance Care Planning Property Management Residents Safety

Published 10/22/2019

As the brisk winds of winter approach us, Advent Properties is here to keep you updated on how you can prepare to keep your home warm, cozy, clean and sturdy!

For your safety, and to avoid damage to your property inside and out; it is best to routinely clean your microwave and oven, range hood filters, unclog sink and drain holes, replace heater filter, and check smoke alarms and fire extinguishers on a monthly basis.

Cleaning your heater system, windows, and running water to flush toilets in unused spaces should be done on a quarterly basis. However, the following home maintenance tasks done to prepare your home for the Winter season will help you stay ahead of any property damage inside and out of your home.

5 Important Checkpoints when Inspecting your exterior:

1. Check your roof: Examine to see if there is moss on sloped areas, verify that your gutters and downspouts are clear any debris and dirt buildup.

2. Look out for critters: Rodents and other animals might be looking for warm places to hide out, and they can cause big problems if one of those places happens to be in your home, basement, crawlspace or garage. Cover any access points, or contact the Advent team for help with this. Watch for termites, roaches and other insects as well. Do not hesitate to call Advent if you need assistance.

3. Inspect your vents and ducts: Attic vents, dryer vents, and exhaust ducts should be clear (check inside and out). Vents and ducts are the primary locations of dust and debris year-round!

4. Watch those windows: See if your windows open and close properly. Winter weather and excess moisture can give wood windows a serious beating.

5. Walk around: Check your foundation for mold, cracks and water damage.

5 Important Checkpoints when Inspecting your interior:

When Inspecting your home for Winter preparation, walk through your house and study it as if you’re seeing it for the first time. Perform a room-by-room sweep and write down the condition of major elements such as windows, doors, trim and molding. Take note of potential problem areas, especially things that have fallen victim to wear and tear that you might overlook every day. A few important focus points are as followed:

1. Keep things dry in the crawlspace, basement, and attic: If you have a sump pump, make sure it is in good working condition, and check for wet spots or puddles in the crawlspace.

2. Look for leaks: Inspect your water heater and boiler, drain your water heater and reset if you notice any leaks. Don’t forget about your water main/meter or well pump too!

3. Do some Winter cleaning: Clean and tune your furnace, boiler and/or water heater, along with your oven and range.

4. Seal things up: If you feel any drafts around windows or doors, now is the time to address them. You could be experiencing some caulk decay that is failing to protect you from the cold wind.

5. Check your smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors: Even ones that are powered through your home’s electrical system typically have a backup battery that might need replacing.

If you have any questions or concerns about how to handle your home preparation for Winter please call or email Advent Properties, Inc. for further assistance. You may also find our "How to Take Care of Common Maintenance Problems" blog post helpful.