Northern Colorado real estate requires maintenance
We live in climate that is both beautiful and somewhat harsh. Enjoying four distinct seasons in northern Colorado means we need to prepare for each… And commit to the repairs and maintenance that each season inflicts on our homes.
Right now – straddling summer and winter, our Colorado fall is stunning. Leaves are changing, summer plants are going into hibernation mode, furnaces might be kicking in for the first time since May and sprinkler systems are more “on again, off again” than normal! Like last year we are experiencing quite a few rainy September days – thankfully no flooding like 2013! But like every year, our daytime temperatures can fluctuate 50 degrees in 24 hours.
As a northern Colorado real estate owner, it’s time to take a look at seasonal specific requirements around your property. If you have investment properties, double check them… And be clear about your responsibilities to your tenants. Don’t plan to do everything in one weekend or you will miss leaves changing, the chance to hike and enjoy warm blue-sky days and all the reasons you chose to live in Colorado in the first place.
Staying on top of your northern Colorado real estate maintenance will save you time, money and brain damage in the future.
Inside the your northern Colorado real estate:
Change the furnace filter.
Light the pilot light for the gas fireplace.
Dust off your winter jackets and wardrobe. Does anything need to be dry-cleaned?
How about your winter shoes? Time for replacement soles or laces?
Take your unwanted summer and winter clothes to Goodwill.
Perhaps add a couple of meals to the freezer… You never know when a snow day will force you to stay inside a day or two! Chili, soup and bread can all be found in mine. 🙂
Outside your northern Colorado real estate:
Blow out/drain the sprinkler system.
Winterize the evaporative cooler.
Are there gaps around windows or doors that might benefit from caulk or weather-stripping?
Is the roof in tact?
Gutters cleaned out and do they drain away from the foundation of your house?
It’s time to dead-head some plants and mulch around them. It’s almost time to feed the grass so that it over-winters nicely too.
It may not be long before the leaves fall… Have you got bags for collecting them in? A plan to compost them? (Check and see if you have neighbors that might like your leaves before filling the compost bin for collection.)
Now look up. What are the chances of a heavy snow or high wind bringing down tree branches? When was the last time your tree care expert trimmed and gave you tree advice?
Your car:
Snow tires! Or at least check that the all-year tires have adequate tread and will keep you as safe as possible.
Put your snow brush in your car. Do you have an ice scraper too?
Top up the windscreen washing fluid – with the low temperature stuff!
Is is time to change the oil and have the rest of the car checked out/maintained? Being stranded in winter is less pleasant than summer, I think we can all agree.
You:
Check in with neighbors to see if you can exchange labor with them or offer assistance to those that need it. Chores are always faster and more fun with friends!
Whether you plan to hit the slopes and ski your heart out, or begrudgingly shovel your own snow, you’ll probably benefit from some upfront “training”. Those particular muscles may not have had similar demands since last year and nobody needs an injury. Use the fall to prepare yourself for the winter. There is no need to hit the ground running at the first blizzard and “test” your body. It might fail!
Double check your home, car and health, are insured adequately. 🙂