Skip to content

Listen to Our Newest Podcast Episodes!

Podcasts

Homebuilders Association VancouverHomebuilders Association Vancouver
Homebuilders Association Vancouver
  • Find a Professional
  • About
    • Who We Are
      • About Us
      • Meet The Team
      • Board of Directors
      • Committees
      • Charities Supported
      • Honourary Members
    • What We Do
      • Industry Education
      • Consumer Education
      • Government Relations
      • News
      • Newsletters
    • Contact
      • General
      • Media Inquiries
      • Issue Resolution
  • Resources
    • Consumer Resources
      • Podcast: Measure Twice Cut Once
      • Design Build Blog
      • First-Time Home Buyers Resources
      • Kitchen Renovation Vancouver
      • Interior Designer Vancouver
      • Industry Links
    • Member Resources
      • Find a Career
      • HAVAN Education
      • Construction Education Resources
      • Builders’ Blog
      • Builder Licensing
      • Building Standards
      • RenoMark
  • COVID-19
  • Events
    • Consumer Events
      • Home Buying 101
      • Home Reno Show – postponed
      • Parade of Homes – Canceled. See you in 2021!
      • Coats For Kids
    • Member Events
      • Upcoming Events
      • Buildex 2020
      • Members Expo – See you in 2021!
      • Housing Awards of Excellence
      • Fall Classic Golf Tournament
      • Legends of Housing
  • Membership
    • Join Now
    • Benefits of Joining
    • Awards
    • HAVAN Heroes
    • HAVAN Spotlights
    • Committees
    • Sponsorship Opportunities
    • Affinity Program
    • Advertise With Us
    • Photo Gallery
    • Code of Ethics
    • FAQ
    • Member’s Only Page
 
Login

Join Us

  • Find a Professional
  • About
    • Who We Are
      • About Us
      • Meet The Team
      • Board of Directors
      • Committees
      • Charities Supported
      • Honourary Members
    • What We Do
      • Industry Education
      • Consumer Education
      • Government Relations
      • News
      • Newsletters
    • Contact
      • General
      • Media Inquiries
      • Issue Resolution
  • Resources
    • Consumer Resources
      • Podcast: Measure Twice Cut Once
      • Design Build Blog
      • First-Time Home Buyers Resources
      • Kitchen Renovation Vancouver
      • Interior Designer Vancouver
      • Industry Links
    • Member Resources
      • Find a Career
      • HAVAN Education
      • Construction Education Resources
      • Builders’ Blog
      • Builder Licensing
      • Building Standards
      • RenoMark
  • COVID-19
  • Events
    • Consumer Events
      • Home Buying 101
      • Home Reno Show – postponed
      • Parade of Homes – Canceled. See you in 2021!
      • Coats For Kids
    • Member Events
      • Upcoming Events
      • Buildex 2020
      • Members Expo – See you in 2021!
      • Housing Awards of Excellence
      • Fall Classic Golf Tournament
      • Legends of Housing
  • Membership
    • Join Now
    • Benefits of Joining
    • Awards
    • HAVAN Heroes
    • HAVAN Spotlights
    • Committees
    • Sponsorship Opportunities
    • Affinity Program
    • Advertise With Us
    • Photo Gallery
    • Code of Ethics
    • FAQ
    • Member’s Only Page
  • Renovations

14 ways to prepare your home for winter

Now that we are into December, it’s time to start thinking about preparing your home for winter and the freezing weather that comes with the change of season. If you followed our fall-maintenance checklist, you may have already gotten a head start on some of these items, but today we present you with our top-14 things you need to do to prepare your home for winter.

Remember, following this list can help save you time and money in the long run, so don’t waste any time and get out and start preparing for colder weather!

  1. Get your roof inspected for any deficiencies. This doesn’t necessarily mean shelling out many thousands for an entire roof, but perhaps there are weak spots where water can ingress and only a quick and affordable repair is needed.
  2. Check all the venting to make sure it’s working properly. If someone is already checking your roof, get them to check on the attic venting while they’re at it. Bathroom vents can build up moisture and lead to rot. Same for your dryer vent and kitchen hood fan. Make sure the flashing around said vents are in good shape and secured properly.
  3. Check and/or unclog your gutters. Gutters that cannot drain will have resting water which can result in water ingress/backing up into your home and damage to the gutters and downspouts themselves when ice builds up. Watch for any water-staining on upper ceilings.
  4. Drain outside water hoses and faucets and store away hoses before the first freeze sets in. You will have to shut off the water supply to drain those particular lines, unless you have freeze-resistant hose bibbs. This prevents any bursting of pipes and flooding due to freezing and expansion.
  5. Learn how to shut off all utilities. It is always a good idea to know how to turn off the gas, electricity and water in your home. Always wait for service personnel to turn them back on, especially the gas supply.
  6. Secure all outdoor objects or move them inside. Grills, patio furniture and flowerpots are common household items that can become airborne in high winds. Do not use gas grills inside or store propane tanks inside the house or garage – especially if attached to the home.
  7. Inspect all caulking and weather stripping. Inspect your windows and doors to make sure sealant hasn’t failed and is in need of re-doing. Naturally, a good, tight seal around windows/doors prevents energy loss and any moisture from getting in.
  8. Get your fireplace cleaned to ensure everything is working properly (gas or wood-burning). A flue that can’t close properly means warm air is escaping when you’re not using it. A properly cleaned fireplace means less of a fire hazard as well. Remember: gas fireplaces need servicing too!
  9. If you have a furnace or boiler in your home, get it serviced as well.Clean out the air ducts, replace the filter and check the drive-belt (if applicable). A tip-top shape furnace/boiler is clean, can save you money and extend the life of the appliance. Plus carbon monoxide is always bad news – Get a CO detector as well, if you don’t have one less than five years old.
  10. If you have ceiling fans, check to see if they can operate in reverse. This has the advantage of circulating warm air throughout the home and can actually help lower your heating bill.
  11. Get a programmable thermostat – upgrade from anything less.
  12. Make a point of keeping an eye on your water heater. Seven to 10 years of service life is average.
  13. Double-check the supply hoses to your clothes washer for any sign of leaks/bulging, if not “burst-proof”.
  14. Always be alert to potential fire-hazards!

If you have any questions about what you need to do to prepare your home for the winter months please contact Glenn at Duxbury & Associates. We can provide helpful advice or even book a safety inspection if necessary to help put your mind at ease.

Post navigation

PreviousPrevious post:HAVAN Spotlight: Silvie PantsiosNextNext post:HAVAN Spotlight: Mark Sakai

Related Posts

Kato Electrical
Empower Yourself with Knowledge, When Hiring an Electrician in Vancouver
Measure Twice Cut Once
MEASURE TWICE, CUT ONCE PODCAST: LISTEN, LIKE AND SHARE TO WIN A BBQ
Home Renovation Budgets: Reality vs Television
TORLYS
Shop@Home initiative offers consumers free samples & advice.
HAVAN awards, ovation awards
HAVAN Awards for housing excellence – Finalist showcase 2020
Harmony and balance in custom homes
Our Members Speak
  • HAVAN is my ‘most valued’ association for my business and for me! I meet and learn from amazing people dedicated to the homebuilding industry. It’s an exciting professional atmosphere where we work together on common issues. Read more...

    Lynn Harrison, Harrison Marketing Resources
  • The HAVAN provides strong leadership.  HAVAN leaders are often in the news and you find their consistent presence in the media.  Read more...

    Larry Clay, President
  • “Being able to network with countless professionals throughout the construction industry is invaluable.” Read more...

    Janice Pynn, CEO
  • “The bulk of my business comes from fellow HAVAN members, and every year, my membership pays for itself–usually by February”. Read more...

    Martin Knowles, Owner, photographer
  • It is my pleasure to say our decision to recently join HAVAN has been the best marketing money we have spent in 30 years in business. Read more...

    Brian Jenkins, Owner
Featured Members

Join the Homebuilders Association Vancouver

Become a Member
Consumer Links
  • Find a Builder
  • Find a Renovator
  • Find Products/Services
  • Events
  • About Us
  • Podcast
Member Links
  • Membership
  • Industry Education
  • Events
  • Members Only
Contact Info

T: 778-565-4288
F: 778-565-4289

#1011 – 7445 132 Street,
Surrey, BC V3W 1J8
Canada

Contact Us

Proudly affiliated with

 

 

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Houzz
  • Flickr
  • YouTube
  • LinkedIn
  • Instagram
  • Podcast
Social Footer Links

Copyright © 2019 Homebuilders Association Vancouver. All rights reserved.
Serving all 23 municipalities in Metro Vancouver: Vancouver, West Vancouver, Bowen Island, Lions Bay, North Vancouver (city and district), Richmond, Burnaby, New Westminster, Coquitlam, Port Moody, Port Coquitlam, Anmore, Belcarra, Surrey, Delta, White Rock, Tsawwassen, Langley (city and township), Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows.

Website by Red Rocket Creative Strategies

Slider images credit: Project Mint Developments, Nick Bray Architecture, TQ Construction, Designs by Katerina & Silvie