How to prepare your property for winter

News at Waterfords | 17/11/2020

How to prepare your property for winter

Waterfords Estate Agents with branches in Camberley, Chobham, Fleet and Yateley share their top tips on how to winterproof your home.

2020 has been the strangest year! But you can rely on the seasons to come and go and soon it will be winter. Some people don’t like the cold, the snow and the rain, while some people believe it is a magical time of year.

Looking around outside, some people have even started their Christmas celebrations early to bring joy to their neighbourhood during the second national lockdown. You might believe it is already December in some areas, with glistening Christmas lights and animated reindeer lawn ornaments in mid-November!

Whatever your thoughts on winter and the early festivities, it is the time when you will need to winterproof your home and garden.

Winterproofing your home is important, but not everyone thinks of doing it. It can save you money, and it can ensure that your house is ready for the harshest of weathers. Here are our top five tips when it comes to winterproofing your home in the Camberley, Chobham, Fleet and Yateley area.

In the Garden

We all know that winter can play havoc with your garden. All those plants you have been tending to over the spring and summer months are in for a shock when the cold weather kicks in.

Make a list of all the tasks that need completing before the frost sets in.

Do any of your plants need to come indoors, or be placed in a garage or a shed?

Do you need to get protective covers for plants that have to stay outside but are not necessarily hardy enough for a UK winter?

Perhaps you have been tending to ornamental bay leaf trees that need plastic hoods for winter?

Maybe you need to get a few pots so that plants can be transferred to a little nook in the garden that is secluded from the winds?

Tip: If you cannot store garden furniture in a garage or shed, make sure you buy a protective cover for it. You don’t want your items to be damaged over winter and it will cost you money to replace them once the warmth of spring returns. Thankfully, garden centres remain open during the second lockdown, so you can access the items you need.

Maintain your property

However well-built, houses can suffer when the poor weather kicks in. But there are things you can do to ensure that your property is ready for the harsh onset of winter.

Do the gutters need clearing out?
Do any drains need to be cleared of leaves?
Is there a little crack in a windowpane that you have been meaning to get sorted?

Tip: Treat your home like a project. Make a list of everything that you think needs doing and go through it methodically. It will save you time and money in the long run. When the time comes to sell your house, you will be grateful you kept on top of those small housekeeping tasks over the years!

Boiler Blues

Commercial properties and buy-to-rent homes must have their boilers regularly serviced, but homeowners don’t always think of doing the same. When it comes to winter, you definitely want a working boiler! If you are braver than us and haven’t turned on your heating yet (impressive!), now is the time to see that the boiler actually works before it really gets cold.

Have a look for a reliable plumber to come and service your boiler. After all, a broken boiler will mean you get cold and miserable, and it could also cost you more money. Prevention is always better than the cure!

Tip: The Waterfords Property Management Team in Fleet know some excellent, trusted tradesmen, so get in touch with us and we will steer you in the right direction.

Insure your Future

Winter does not care whether your home is your castle or not! Freezing water can cause pipe issues, wind can rip tiles from roofs, and storms can whip up trouble from falling branches.

Check your insurance is up to date and that it covers everything you need it to do. There will always be some things you cannot claim for, but if your home is well-maintained and the insurance is right, you are more likely to be able to make a claim if needed.

Tip: Do a paperwork audit. If you are checking your insurance, have a look to see that everything else you need is in order too.

Insulate to Accumulate

Older houses in particular often have a problem with insulation. You’re heating your house but that heat is seeping out, perhaps through the roof or small gaps in door and window frames. Make sure there is loft insulation and that there is enough of it. Good insulation is not just about keeping warm, it’s about keeping your bills down too.

Tip: Don’t forget to lag your pipes. Hardware stores will have all you need and you don’t need to use a qualified plumber to install it. This will help keep those heating bills lower and your home warmer for longer.

As your local and trusted estate agent in Camberley, Chobham, Fleet and Yateley for over 25 years, we have bags of experience with all different kinds of properties. Get in touch if you’d like some advice about preparing your home for winter. Perhaps you would like an up to date valuation of your property to sell or to let? House prices continue to increase in the South East so your home could be worth more than you think.

Give us a call on 01252 235348 for advice. You never know, we might even have a house for sale that is a perfect winter hideaway for you!