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FFor many people, winter conjures up images of evenings spent in front of a hot fireplace with a hot drink, an afghan, a good book and a pet. It’s a time of holiday get-togethers with family and friends amid decorations, movies, music, and tons of delicious food. You could even build a snowman, make an ice tree, or go skiing or sledding.
If you are a homeowner or real estate investor, you can of course benefit from all of these things too. But you might want to think about doing a little homework first. This is because winterizing your home could save you thousands of dollars.
Image source: Getty Images
Let’s see what exactly you may need to do, how much it will likely cost, and how much money you can save.
Prepare your home for winter
There is no scene like a beautiful snowy landscape. Seeing the yard you’ve watched all year round turn into a winter wonderland overnight can be spectacular. But a harsh winter can bring more than beauty to your property. Frigid temperatures, powerful gusts, and heavy snow can all threaten your home.
Fortunately, careful preparation can help keep your home safe this winter, and your utility costs don’t get too outrageous. It can also reduce your chances of losing a storm of money to a painful repair bill.
Home service business Angi surveyed over 2,000 homeowners to find out how they manage the rainy season. The results revealed that the average homeowner spends $ 1,316 per year to prepare their home for winter. This result encompasses those who hire each task to DIY enthusiasts, so you could spend considerably less if you are willing and able to tackle some of these tasks yourself.
Here are some things homeowners can take on before Old Man Winter hits town.
Cover it up
According to Angi, insulating your pipes with plastic foam wrap is a step that can save you a lot of money. What size? Well, a burst pipe could leave you with $ 3,500 in damage. That price tag – not to mention that mess – could put a big damper on your festivities. Plumbing insulation costs vary widely, but start at just $ 110, according to HomeAdvisor.
Seal it
Cracks around doors and windows can let in this freezing air and increase heating costs. Caulking them, using foam or rubber weatherstripping, or installing door brooms under exterior doors is an inexpensive solution that can help you save more money or spend it on better things like your party. Christmas gifts and your gifts.
Clean it up
When all that beautiful snow melts, you don’t want to end up with clogged gutters full of water. The result could be water damage or broken gutters, leaving no way to divert all that water from your foundation. That’s why you’ll want to make sure your gutters are cleared before winter.
And don’t forget that cozy fire. The ambiance of a fireplace on a cold winter night is hard to beat, but fireplaces need to be maintained. According to HomeAdvisor, you can expect to pay around $ 252 per year for a chimney sweep. Starting a fire when you’ve accumulated soot and ash in the fireplace is a home fire hazard, so it’s not much to pay for the peace of mind that comes with a clean fireplace.
Another reason not to let it go too long? Hiring a chimney sweep when you have years of accumulation could raise the price up to $ 800.
Winterize your home for peace of mind this season
If you’re not sure where to start or haven’t wintered recently, Angi recommends hiring a local handyman to take a tour. They can indicate what needs to be done and what might need updating, as well as provide estimates. You can then take a detailed look at what each step of wintering your home will involve to get an idea of what tasks, if any, you might be comfortable tackling on your own.
Like so many things in nature, winter can be both awe-inspiring and devastating. Fortunately, a little preparation can go a long way in protecting your investment. Whether you are an owner or an investor, knowing that you have prepared your property for whatever winter may bring, you will feel toasty warm all season long.
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