Winter is a time to enjoy the indoors and time with family and friends. But it can also spell trouble for investment properties that haven’t been properly safeguarded against the elements.
Autumn is a great time to start winterizing your investment property. Here are five ways you can help avoid a rental property disaster during the winter months, courtesy of RealEstate.com:
Hone in on heating. Check up on thermostats to make sure they’re functioning properly and replace furnace filters. An annual furnace and ductwork checkup is always a good idea.
Remove roof and gutter gunk. Clean out gutters and pay attention to places on the roof where excess snow might create stress.
Patrol the perimeter. Check sheds and garages for repairs as needed. Clean out window wells and drain water from garden houses and sprinkler systems.
Wrap up windows. Replace screens with glass on utility windows and doors, and consider whether shrink-wrap or other insulation might serve as a good buffer against the cold, reducing utility costs for your tenants.
Evaluate alert systems. Test your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, changing batteries as needed.
Want to know more? Click here to read the complete checklist!