Tips for protecting your house in the winter
Sometimes the best offense is a good defense. Not surprisingly, this old coaching adage holds true for real estate in Chatham-Kent, and more particularly, your home. Winter is a time of year that puts added stress on your home, and can potentially cause thousands of dollars in damage. Whether you're putting your house on the Chatham-Kent real estate market during the blustery winter months, or you're planning to wait until the spring thaw, protecting your home in the winter is vital for maintaining your house and property value. Take these tips to heart, and watch the snow melt away as you warm the hearts (and wallets) of potential buyers.
Snow is not your friend
When it comes to your house, snow is not your friend. Actually, snow shouldn't even be a casual acquaintance. Excess snow on your roof, porch, driveway or steps can be hazardous, and cause damage. If at all possible, remove as much snow as often as possible from these locations. Your roof can experience permanent damage from a single snow covered winter. Shingles can deteriorate and in extreme cases, your roof can collapse. As for your deck or patio, if there is wood involved, you should already know that excess water can cause rotting. The same goes for your steps and driveway. When the snow melts, large amounts of water can pool around the foundation of your home, porch, or garage causing mould and rotting. One of the first things home buyers in Chatham-Kent look for is Water Damage. Good protection in the winter months will help defend your home against these issues.
Windows and doors make a difference
Windows and doors can be an expensive investment, but when it comes time to put your home on the Chatham-Kent real estate market, you'll realize it was money well spent. In the real estate world, quality windows and doors are huge selling points, and you’ll discover exactly why that is during a snowy and blowy winter. Drafty doors and windows can cost a home owner hundreds or even thousands of dollars in winter heating costs. Worse, if your windows allow condensation and moisture to creep in, you could again be facing water damage. Water from snow can creep behind your sills, down your walls, and into your wallet. Quality double pane windows will help minimize condensation and most home improvement stores sell weather strips for your doors. Any Chatham-Kent realtor will tell you, home buyers appreciate quality windows and doors, and they'll pay to have them.
Don’t let your pipes freeze
All it takes is five minutes to turn your outdoor taps off and drain your pipes to protect your home. Bursting pipes cost homeowners in Chatham-Kent thousands of dollars every winter. If you plan to go away on vacation, you should enlist a friend or family member to come into your home and check up on things every few days. Vacationing home owners are known to return to frozen and broken pipes. Remember, when it comes to your house, a good defense is the best offense.
Winterize your pool properly
Are you one of the many Chatham-Kent home owners who close their own pool each year to save a few bucks? If you are, you could be putting your home at risk. If you’re planning to sell your house, consider having a professional pool company come in and do the job for you. Imagine closing your pool with the plan to put your house on the Chatham-Kent real estate market in the spring, only to find murky water and a cracked pool lining. When it comes to selling your house, shortcuts don’t work.
Keep warm Chatham-Kent, it might be cold outside, but that doesn't mean real estate in Chatham-Kent isn't still a hot topic. If you need help buying or selling a home, feel free to give me a call at 519-360-0141 or Contact Me.