The Ultimate Winter-Ready Checklist

The weather is cooling off and as Ned Stark says, “Winter is coming!” A little prep now will save you headaches (and potentially big bucks) in the spring. So, roll up your sleeves and let's make sure your home is ready for winter!

🍁Gutter Check: No More Leafy Excuses

Clogged gutters aren't just an eyesore; they can lead to water damage. So grab a ladder (and maybe a kid if they're old enough to help) and clean 'em out. It's a dirty job, but someone's got to do it. While you're at it, inspect for leaks or any other issues.

🏠 Roof: Don't Overlook What's Overhead

Next up is the roof. Scan for missing or loose shingles. If you spot any, it's better to fix them now rather than trying to deal with leaks with a serious amount of snow on the roof. If you're not comfortable climbing on the roof, a pair of binoculars from ground level can also do the trick.

🚪Seal the Deal: Windows and Doors

We all love the coziness of winter Inspect your windows and doors for gaps, and use weatherstripping or caulk to seal 'em up. With the price of heating these days, your wallet will thank you.

🔥Fireplace and Chimney: Keep it Cozy, Keep it Safe

If you have a fireplace, make sure to get your chimney cleaned and inspected. Soot buildup can be a fire hazard. If you have a gas fireplace, now is a great time to take the glass off and clean any debris out before starting it up during the winter.

🚿 Plumbing: Avoid the Big Freeze

Nothing screams "winter emergency" like frozen pipes. Insulate any pipes that are exposed to cold air and make sure to detach garden hoses and blow out your sprinkler system if you’ve got one. A little pro-tip, teach the kids where the water main shut-off is, just in case…

🎛 Thermostat: Get Smart and Freshen the Filter

If you don't have a programmable thermostat, consider getting one. You can set it to lower the heat when you're not home and warm things up before you return. There are several smart options that are easy to install on your own as well!

Don’t forget to change the filter in your furnace as well before your kick it on.

🍂 Yard Work: One Last Hurrah

Wrap up any lingering yard work. Drain your lawn mower's fuel, store your summer garden tools, and prep your snowblower. Fall is also a great time to over-seed that lawn to help you outshine your neighbours in the spring. 😉

🚨 Safety Check: Smoke and CO Detectors

With people spending more time indoors, winter sees an uptick in home fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. So test your smoke and CO detectors, and replace batteries if needed.

Hope this list helps you get your home in order so you can rest a little easier throughout the winter months!