Article Courtesy of: (http://winterizeguys.com)
Every homeowner should invest the resources necessary for home maintenance before the weather gets cold. These important activities keep a house in good shape and lessen the likelihood of surprise repairs from winter wear and tear. As a homeowner, you’ll find maintenance more manageable if done on a schedule, so let’s look at what you should be doing before winter hits.
Check Your Heating System and Fireplace
As you approach the colder months, it’s vital that the systems you’ll use to keep warm are functioning properly. If you have a wood-burning fireplace, this article from the DIY network offers some tips for carrying out the necessary maintenance work. These include cleaning the chimney and removing the ash from the fireplace. To know what kind of maintenance your heating system needs, you’ll first have to identify what kind of system you have (e.g., furnace, radiator, boiler heating systems). Once you know, you can then carry out the specific maintenance tasks needed. For example, a boiler-based heating system needs the oil filter and oil nozzle replaced regularly.
Check the Roof and Clear the Gutters
It’s best to get your roof checked before the onset of winter. You can check for leaks by getting into your attic and looking for signs of mold or pinpricks of light. It’s suggested that you further protect your roof by trimming overhanging trees. Even if you don’t see any signs of leaking, you should have a professional roof inspection done, especially if you haven’t had one in a while. Professional roof inspections will show if there are any signs of wood rot, missing shingles, or cracked caulk. Where your gutters are concerned, this article from Mr. Handyman shows how you can clean them easily. Some options are using a leaf blower or power washer. If you’re hiring a professional for the job, it’ll cost you an average of $75 – $125 nationally.
Get Your Plumbing Winter Ready
Your plumbing is at great risk when it comes to the winter season. At cold temperatures, pipes and hoses are likely to burst when water freezes in them. According to this article by Black Diamond, there are a few ways you can get your plumbing system ready for winter. You’ll need to disconnect and drain your garden hoses as well as shut off the water supply that leads to outdoor pipes. Any exposed pipes should be insulated, and you’ll need to ensure that your water is working properly. If you realize that you’ll need some plumbing work done, schedule it as soon as possible so it can be done before the cold weather comes. You should also prepare your septic system for winter by pumping the septic tank and inspecting the septic system cover.
Declutter Your Yard
You’ll need to remove items like rakes and shovels from your yard before winter. If you have outside furniture, you’ll need to move pieces inside to protect them from the bad weather. If space allows, you can store the furniture in your garage. If that’s not possible, then you should look into finding an appropriate storage unit for your furniture. The average cost of renting a storage unit in and around Roseville is $104 per month, but prices vary based on location and the size of the storage unit you need.
Your home is your most valuable asset, and as such it’s in your best interest to make sure you’re doing what it takes to keep it in good shape. When you’re following these tips, make sure to find the right professionals to help you whenever necessary.
Disclaimer: Nick Sadek Sotheby’s International realty does not endorse or make any guarantees regarding the accuracy of the content above or any related links.
Reporter Mike Luery covered the ever-increasing trend of buyers coming into the Greater Sacramento Area as a result of ever-increasing prices in the bay area. Luery also interviewed a representative from the Greater Sacramento Area Economic Council who confirmed that they are seeing a larger than ever influx of bay area buyers. 
