#1 Prepare your yard equipment for storage. This includes draining fuel from all gas-operated equipment such as lawn mowers, leaf blowers, and chain saws. Clean porch and deck furniture, and look for any needed repairs. Cover and store outdoor furniture and barbecues in a protected area.
#2 Trim and prune trees. This prevents home damage from loose limbs during storms, but it is also great for the overall health of the tree!
#3 Clean gutters. After leaves have fallen, clean out the gutters and downspouts, flush them with water, inspect joints, and tighten brackets if necessary. Clogged gutters are one of the major causes of ice dams.
#4 Clear leaves from lawn, reseed patchy areas, and plant spring flowering bulbs before the first front. If deer are a problem, start deer-proofing by covering plants with netting and chicken wire.
#5 Check for interior drafts. This will save your home’s efficiency, and it’ll save you money. While you’re at it, check for interior holes where critters can try to hide in your home during cool months!
#6 Winterize Your Sprinkler System and Drain garden hoses and store them inside. Also shut off outdoor water valves in cold weather. Any water left in exterior pipes and faucets can freeze and expand breaking the pipes.
#7 Chimney Check. To make sure your fireplace is safe, grab a flashlight and look up inside your fireplace flue to make sure the damper opens and closes properly. Open the damper and look up into the flue to make sure it’s free of birds’ nests, branches and leaves, etc. Check the firebox for cracked or missing bricks and mortar. If you spot any damage, order a professional chimney sweep.
#8 Have your heating system checked by a licensed heating contractor. Heating systems will use fuel more efficiently, last longer and have fewer problems if properly serviced. Test all other interior winter systems while you’re at it: smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, etc. Change filters on your interior systems as well.
#9 Install storm windows and doors and remove screens. Before storing, clean and repair screens, spray with a protective coating and place in a dry area of the basement or garage.
#10 Weather-strip your garage door. Make sure the seal between your garage door and the ground is tight to prevent drafts and keep out small animals.
#11 Test snow blower to make sure it’s working. Stock up on salt, snow shovels, and firewood.
For up-to-date information on YOUR Indiana area neighborhood or a FREE Seller Consultation – call The Romanski Group at (765) 293.9300. Using an experienced team is the way to get your home SOLD! You deserve the BEST Realtor in the Lafayette Indiana area!
