10 Things Every Homeowner Should Do Before the Snow Starts Flying
The leaves are dropping, the pumpkin spice is in full force, and like it or not… winter is lurking around the corner. Once we hit November, it’s officially “get your house ready before the snow takes over” season.
A little prep now can save you from frozen hoses, surprise leaks, and emergency repair bills nobody wants right before the holidays. Here’s your easy, homeowner-friendly checklist to make sure your place survives winter like a champ.
1. Drain Your Outdoor Hoses
Watering season is done, but don’t forget the hoses. Any water left inside can freeze and crack your hoses or outdoor faucets.
Pro tip: Lay the hose out on a slight hill and let gravity do the work.
2. Clear Your Attic Vents
Blocked vents are a recipe for ice dams — those lovely ice ridges that trap melting snow and force water where it shouldn’t go. Clear vents help air flow and protect your roof.
Pro tip: A leaf blower works wonders here.
3. Clean Your Chimney
Nothing beats a cozy fireplace in the dead of winter. But if you’ve burned through 70 fires and haven’t cleaned the chimney, it might be time. Too much creosote = fire hazard.
Pro tip: Drag a poker along the liner. More than 3 mm of buildup? Call a pro.
4. Bring in Your Pots and Planters
If you leave your clay planters outside with soil still inside, the moisture freezes, expands, and cracks them.
Pro tip: Emptying them now makes spring setup way easier.
5. Clear Out the Gutters
Clogged gutters cause leaks, ice dams, and water pooling around your foundation — none of which come cheap.
Pro tip: Downspouts should extend at least 1.5 metres away from the house.
6. Seal Up Drafts
A tiny line of silicone caulking can stop cold air, water, and unnecessary heating bills.
Pro tip: If you can see daylight through a door frame, grab weatherstripping immediately.
7. Inspect Your Roof
Grab some binoculars and check for missing or damaged shingles. Winter punishes weak spots.
Pro tip: Don’t forget the flashing around chimneys and vent stacks.
8. Prep Your A/C
Do not wrap your outdoor unit in layers of plastic — it traps moisture and invites rodents.
Pro tip: A simple piece of plywood on top protects it from falling snow and ice.
9. Tune Up Your Furnace
Don’t wait for a -10° day to discover your furnace is tired. Get a technician to inspect and clean it now.
Pro tip: Ask for a carbon monoxide reading while they’re there.
10. Reverse Your Ceiling Fans
If your ceiling fan has a reverse setting, turn it on. It pushes warm air down and helps lower heating costs.
Pro tip: If you’ve got tall ceilings, upgrade to a fan with a built-in reverse feature.
Winter will always bring a little chaos, but knocking out this list now helps your home handle the cold like a pro. A bit of elbow grease today saves a lot of frustration tomorrow — literally.
If you need help getting your home winter-ready before listing or you want a customized preparation checklist, I’m always here.