As the holidays quickly approach and the temperatures continue to drop, now is the time to begin winterizing your home. Focusing on seasonal maintenance now helps to protect your home and prevent any small imperfections from turning into costly repairs. Additionally, this season can be the perfect opportunity to begin various home renovation projects that you were putting off during the warmer months.
Know that upgrades need to be made to your home, but not sure where to start? Here, the team at Lynch Design | Build has compiled a comprehensive list of important winter maintenance tasks you’ll want to knock out this season!
Inside the Home
Inefficient homes can lead to unwanted drafts, costly heating bills and unexpected repairs. Consider the following checklist when preparing the inside of your home for winter to avoid preventable heat loss or safety hazards.
- Prep your heating system
- If you have a high-efficiency system, clear PVC pipes
- If you have a boiler system, schedule your annual system cleaning
- If you have a gas system, you should schedule a cleaning every 3 years
- Check batteries and test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
- Perform monthly testing on securities systems
- Change your HVAC air filter
- Check for frozen pipes and plumbing
- Consider insulating pipes near windows, doors, and unheated areas of the home
- Inspect insulation and add more where necessary
- Install storm windows and doors to reduce heat loss
- For those with smart thermostats, adjust heating and cooling schedules to improve efficiency
- Hire a professional to clean out fireplaces and chimneys
- Consider adding rugs over bare floors to prevent heat from escaping through the floors
Outside the Home
Your home’s exterior can become susceptible to the Mid-Atlantic winter’s harsh weather. Start winterizing the outside of your home to ensure it’s properly protected from any potential threats.
- Get your roof inspected for loose or missing shingles, and clear any leaves or buildup that might hold moisture.
- Our roofing company, Lynch Legacy Roofing, offers free roof inspections and replacements so you can have peace of mind this winter! Visit our site here to learn more.
- Disconnect any garden hoses from faucets to prevent frozen pipes
- Prevent ice dams with proper insulation and venting, or consider installing heat cables
- Clear gutters of debris, including sticks, leaves, or pine cones
- Trim tree limbs or hire professionals to remove larger limbs and trees that could damage your home in a winter storm
- Repair and remove any tripping hazards on steps
- Check that your handrails are sturdy and anchored properly to avoid slip-and-falls
- Cover outdoor furniture or store it inside to protect it from damage
- Prepare your lawn for spring
- Fertilize Bermuda or bluegrass before the first freeze to promote growth in the warmer months
- Mow the lawn before the first freeze to prevent overgrowth
- Remove any stray items that might create dead spots in the grass
Storm Preparations
Don’t wait until the first major snowfall to begin preparing your home and home equipment. It’s best to be proactive to ensure your home is capable of weathering the storm. Check off these following tasks in advance!
- Take inventory of your winter supplies
- Stock up on rock salt, ice melt, or sand
- Buy new shovels if necessary
- Prepare your equipment
- Position snow shovels in an accessible location
- If you own a snowblower, change the oil and replace the spark plug as needed
- Build a cold-weather survival kit
- Cell phone charger and/or portable charger
- Batteries
- Items to stay warm, including hats, gloves, and blankets
- Flashlights
- Water
- Non-perishable food items
- First aid kit
- Multi-tool that includes a knife and can-opener
- Fire-starting materials, such as a lighter or matches
- Review the CDC guide to storm preparation to take all necessary steps
Winter Home Improvement Projects
Many homeowners think that warmer months are the only time to start home improvement projects. In actuality, sometimes winter is actually the ideal climate for indoor projects, depending on your situation. Take a look at the following home improvement ideas that are suitable for winter to brainstorm which projects you should prioritize this season.
- Take advantage of low humidity for various indoor projects
- Repair drywall or plaster damage
- Paint walls, paneling, or cabinets (The low humidity also makes the paint dry faster and bond to surfaces more strongly)
- Get a jump-start on your interior remodel. You’re spending most of your time indoors, after all!
- Kitchen remodels
- Bathroom remodels
- Living room/dining room remodels
- Bedroom remodels
- Specialty projects
- Garage remodels
Reach Out to Our Team For Winter Home Maintenance Assistance
Whether you need a roof inspection or a brand-new kitchen, call our team at Lynch Design | Build and we’ll help you hit the ground running on your winter home improvement projects. We have over 60 years of experience transforming homes in Maryland and building trust with our clients. Contact us today by calling 410-879-5510.
