As we head into winter, there are some fall and winter maintenance items to take into consideration. In the Denver metro area we don’t have many instances of blizzards or extreme winter weather, yet we still regularly see snow, ice, and freezing temperatures. Our property management team recommends that you start to prepare now.
The purpose of this article is to provide you with the required seasonal maintenance tasks your home needs so your property is fully protected for the cold season.
Winter preparedness and required season maintenance tasks
for inside and outside your home.
Outside the property:
- Blowout sprinklers:
It’s recommended that you blow out the sprinkler system before the first hard freeze (temperature below 0 degrees fahrenheit) - Snow and ice removal:
Snow and ice on driveways and walkways can pose as a potential danger. Make sure that your tenants are complying with the HOA regulations regarding removal of snow and ice. - Prepare the front and backyard:
Confirm that there are no dead tree branches that could easily fall onto the house or surrounding fence after a heavy snow. - Driveways and sidewalks:
Damaged, cracked driveways and sidewalks can be a safety issue and should be repaired before Winter. Repairing them during bad weather is difficult if even possible and leaving them alone can expose the owner to more liability. - Gutters:
Having gutters and downspouts cleaned and if necessary, repaired after leaves fall and before heavy rains can reduce damage and avoid other problems. Many landlords think tenants should do this but it can become a safety issue and at Colorado Realty and Property Management,Inc. we don’t recommend it. Having a qualified vendor handle the cleaning can be a safer and more cost effective solution. - Roofs:
It pays to have roofs checked for missing materials, hanging branches, and any other damage. Have repairs completed before winter weather, helps to avoid unnecessary damage and expense inside of the property. You may not be able to avoid winter storms but the roof may hold up better if maintenance is completed. Proper maintenance can also extend the life of the roof. - Porches, patios, decks, retaining walls, fences, and landscaping:
Again, these are items where necessary repairs can extend their life. Major tree roots can cause many problems, such as broken sidewalks, raised driveways, and problems with sewers. When possible, avoid these liabilities.
Inside the property:
- Efficiency:
Double check the home’s efficiency to ensure that heat from inside the home isn’t escaping through windows and doors. - Heating:
Heating is a necessity and a requirement for the health and safety for tenants. You could experience loss of rent if the tenants are without heat for an unreasonable amount of time. Having the heating system checked out yearly before cooler or cold weather can avoid bigger maintenance problems and making necessary repairs can prolong the life of the heating unit. - Walls, foundations, windows, doors, and plumbing:
Checking walls, foundations, windows, doors, and plumbing can reveal problems with moisture, leaking, cracking, drafts, and more. It is truly important to avoid water and moisture problems that could lead to mold – a big liability for investors. - Chimneys, fireplaces, and smoke alarms/detectors:
If your investment has a fireplace and chimney, having a yearly checkup can prevent fires and/or other safety issues. Of course, a working smoke alarm/detector is an absolute must.
By completing these small tasks, you can easily save yourself from potential liabilities when the weather is cold! Start planning for winter now. We’re here to help!
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