Winter is just around the corner, and now is the time to start preparing your Kingsway home for the colder months ahead. From sealing drafts to inspecting your heating system, there are several steps you can take to ensure that your home is ready to face the winter weather. In this blog post, we'll go over the top tips for getting your home ready for winter, so you can stay warm, comfortable, and safe all season long. Those who are preparing their house for winter is a wise investment that can help to save you money, increase your comfort, and keep your home safe and in good condition. Keeping your home in good condition in an area like the kingsway is important if you're planning to sell it. Not only will this help to make your home more appealing to potential buyers, but it can also increase the value of your property.

Here are 8 things you can do to get your home ready for winter:

Tip #1: Gutters

Cleaning your gutters and downspouts is an essential part of preparing your home for winter. Clogged gutters can lead to water damage and ice dams on your roof, which can be costly to repair. Make sure to remove any leaves, twigs, or other debris that may have accumulated in your gutters. You should also check to make sure your gutters are securely fastened to your roof to prevent them from falling off during a winter storm. Buyers of Forest Hill houses for sale are looking for homes that are well kept

Tip #2: Garage

If you have a garage, make sure to check your garage door to ensure it's properly sealed and insulated. This will help keep the cold out and the warmth in. You should also check the weatherstripping on your garage door to make sure it's in good condition. If it's damaged, replace it to prevent drafts from coming through.  Buyers of Forest Hill houses for sale are attracted to garages that look spacious and are in great condition

Tip #3: Windows

Inspect your windows for cracks or gaps and repair or caulk as needed to prevent drafts. If your windows are old or poorly insulated, consider adding storm windows or plastic window film to help insulate them. You can also add window treatments, such as heavy curtains or blinds, to help keep the cold out. Some older homes for sale in The Kingsway may need to have their windows inspected and replaced.

Tip #4: Pipes

Frozen pipes can be a major inconvenience, and they can also be costly to repair if they burst. To prevent your pipes from freezing, make sure to insulate them with foam pipe insulation. You should also close any indoor valves that lead to outdoor faucets and drain your outdoor faucets to prevent them from freezing. Some Forest Hill houses for sale have many outdoor faucets so its key to ensure all taps and irrigation systems are closed before it gets cold.

Tip #5: Heating

The larger Forest Hill houses for sale may have multiple heating units so it's important to have your heating system inspected and serviced by a professional before the winter season starts. This will ensure that it's working properly and efficiently, which can help lower your energy bills. If you have an older heating system, consider upgrading to a more energy-efficient model. You can also add a programmable thermostat to help regulate the temperature in your home and save energy.

Tip #6: Fireplace

If you have a fireplace, it's important to have it inspected and cleaned by a professional before using it. This will ensure that it's safe to use and that it's functioning properly. Make sure to stock up on firewood and keep a working fireplace screen on hand to prevent embers from escaping.  Many of the downtown Toronto houses for sale have fireplaces so its key to ensure its in working order.

Tip #7: Lighting

Many of the Forest Hill houses for sale that are newly built or renovated have extra lighting and energy efficient bulbs. Check your light bulbs and replace any that are burned out. It's also a good idea to add extra lighting to areas of your home that may be darker in the winter months, such as hallways and stairways. This will help you see better and make your home feel more welcoming and warm.

Tip #8: Curtains

If you have thin curtains, consider replacing them with thicker ones to help insulate your windows. You can also add draft stoppers to the bottoms of your doors to help keep the cold out. This is especially important if you have old or poorly insulated doors. When Listing your downtown Toronto houses for sale it is beneficial to buyers who are looking for a home with existing curtains.

Ready to buy?

Is this fall or winter the right time for you to sell your downtown Toronto home? If so, Preparing it for the cold is well worth the investment of time and money. Hire a professional or use the above tips to make sure your staging endeavor is a success. When you’re ready to list, reach out to trusted downtown Toronto real estate agent Valerie Gerardi for guidance during the selling process.