Winter Home Checklist for Arlington Homeowners
winter home checklist, home maintenance, Arlington homeowners, get your home ready, fall tips, Arlington VA, RE/MAX Allegiance
Winter Is Coming. What Should I Check on My Home Now?
Clean the gutters, change the furnace filter, drain outdoor hoses, seal drafts, and test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. A weekend of small jobs can save you a cold surprise.
What should I do to get my house ready for winter?
Clean the gutters, change the furnace filter, drain outdoor hoses, seal drafts, and test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. A weekend of small jobs can save you a cold surprise.
These checks matter if you are staying, and they matter if you plan to list in the spring. A home that has been cared for shows well.
The Mike Webb Team (Mike and Claudia Webb, RE/MAX Allegiance) helps homeowners in Arlington, Northern Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, DC get their homes ready to sell and sold.
The ten checks
Clean the gutters and downspouts. Leaves block water, and water can freeze and back up.
Look at the roof from the ground. Missing or lifted shingles are a sign to call a roofer.
Change the furnace filter. A clean filter helps the system run well.
Have the heating system looked at. A service visit before the first cold snap is easier than an emergency in January.
Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses. Shut off outdoor faucets from inside if your home has that valve.
Seal drafts. Check around doors, windows, and where pipes enter the house. The Department of Energy (https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/weatherize&source=gmail&ust=1792686933852000&sa=E) has guides on sealing air leaks.
Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Replace the batteries if needed.
Know where your main water shutoff is. If a pipe bursts, you want to find it fast.
Trim branches near the house. Heavy snow or ice can bring them down.
Check the fireplace and chimney, if you have one, before you light the first fire.
What if I am planning to sell?
Do these checks before you list. A buyer's inspector will look at the same things. Items you have already handled are one less thing to negotiate. We include repairs and many of these jobs in the White Glove Home Sale Method at no additional cost.
What if I am planning to buy?
Ask the seller about the age of the heating system and the roof, and look for signs of past leaks. Your inspector can tell you more.
FAQ
How often should I clean gutters?
Many homeowners do it in late fall, after most leaves are down. Do it again if your trees drop leaves late.
Do I need to winterize a condo?
Your association may handle some of it. Ask the building manager, and check the parts inside your unit.
What if I find a problem?
Call a licensed pro for anything you are not sure about.
Call or text The Mike Webb Team at 703-350-3884 or visit claudiawebb.com.
The Mike Webb Team, RE/MAX Allegiance. Arlington, Virginia. Equal Housing Opportunity.
