Fall is not just about cozy sweaters, colorful leaves, and cool breezes. For homeowners, it’s a reminder that winter is just around the corner. Landlords will need to winterize their property for the tenant. Winterizing your property for tenants is your responsibility, especially if your property is in a region that experiences longer, colder winters.
To avoid getting maintenance calls from your tenants during the winter, you’ll need to perform these tasks during the fall. Here’s a fall maintenance checklist to reference while you’re preparing your home for the winter.
It’s better to start your to-do list early in order to avoid any temperature related issues such as leaks, burst pipes, or even injuries.
Gutters on your home are prone to collecting debris and leaves, which can block the water flow. It’s important to clean your gutters at least twice a year, and fall is the best time to do it.
If you have a gutter cleaning company in your area, outsourcing this task to a professional is the best way to save time and energy. If you prefer to do it yourself, you can clean the gutters with the help of a hose, shovel, and sturdy ladder.
Inspect the exterior of your property thoroughly when you’re checking the gutters. If you notice any cracks or holes between the trim, siding, windows, attic, or doors make sure you seal them. Caulk is a low-cost way to seal gaps and protect your property from critters and cold air. It will also prevent moisture from seeping in and mold from developing.
Servicing your heating and cooling system is a must-do if you’re a landlord. You need to change furnace filters about every 12 weeks, depending on the size and usage of the filters. Neglecting to do so can lead to furnace inefficiencies and breakdown if you let it collect debris.
A technician will also check to make sure the furnace is working properly, there’s no issues with the wiring, and the thermostat is working.
No landlord wants to receive a call from their tenants about a burst pipe. From water damage to flooding, this one problem can cause several other issues.
You need to prepare by turning off the outdoor water supply or insulating the pipes with foam insulation. Also, disconnect hoses to let the water drain out completely.
Make sure you carefully check the exterior of the property for cracks. If cold air seeps in it will decrease the indoor temperature, and can cause pipes to burst.
In a nutshell, preparing your home for winter with these fall maintenance tips can save you from costly damages and keep your tenants happy, safe, and comfortable.
Source
https://www.forbes.com/sites/houzz/2015/09/26/your-fall-home-maintenance-checklist/