Whether you are a landlord, a vendor or you have no intention of selling or letting your home soon, there is something which unites us all. If you own a property, you must make sure it is cared for in the winter period. Challenging weather conditions put homes under greater pressure, and if your home isn’t ready for winter, the inhabitants are in for a miserable few months.
At Williams of Petersfield, we encourage homeowners to be proactive when it comes to caring for their home this winter. If problems arise, you should act quickly, but it is better to act now and ensure problems don’t arise than it is to deal with issues. We are here to provide you with guidance which will minimise the likelihood of problems arising this winter.
Have your boiler serviced
Repairing or replacing a boiler is expensive, and it is obvious why many people would rather not worry about their boiler until an issue arises. However, this is the wrong attitude to have because if something does go wrong with your boiler, it can be a disaster.
When a boiler isn’t working, the property is cold and miserable. If you are a landlord, you will have a very unhappy tenant. Also, when a problem arises, the cost of replacing the boiler, and calling out a plumber in an emergency, is often very expensive. It is far more cost-effective to be proactive than reactive.
Protect your pipes
If your pipes burst or freeze, you are again in for a miserable time. It is vital you lag your pipes to protect them from cold snaps, and to maintain a level of consistency in their heat. You can buy commercially available lagging, but you can also use material that you have in the property. Lagging your pipes don’t have to be stylish, but it must be effective.
Review the roof
Quite often the roof is out of sight and out of mind, but if there are problems with your roof, you will suffer in winter. If rain or wind gets in, the house will feel cold and miserable. Energy bills will sky rocket, and there is a strong chance people will suffer ill health.
Therefore, it is imperative you call on expert to review your roof, and if any changes need to be made, you should make these changes.
You should also take the opportunity to clear your drains and gutters. If these are filled with leaves and debris, water is blocked and will be diverted. This may see water flow into your home, and this can cause considerable damage. Clearing your drains isn’t a job most people like, but it is one you must take care of.
When it comes to caring for your home in winter, it is better to act now than wait for a problem to arise. If you need assistance in managing rental property, or you want to learn how to care for your home before selling it, get in touch. At Williams of Petersfield, we are pleased to say we support the local community, and we look forward to helping you.