New England boasts a rich history, beautiful four-season weather, and champion-winning sports teams. Living in New England can be wonderful, but committing to homeownership in the Northeast can require a few tricks in order to enjoy the treats of all four seasons. While the weather can be glorious, your home needs to be prepared to handle the summer heat, falling leaves and branches, and of course, the snow and ice of winter. This blog outlines how to set your home up for success, for every season in New England.

Fall

One of the best parts of living in New England is getting to experience the foliage. You can drive down the Kancamagus highway in New Hampshire or enjoy a pumpkin spiced latte at your local coffee shop! While there will be plenty of opportunities to leaf peep, you’ll also want to schedule some routine maintenance, or even improvements for your home.

Fall checklist for a successful winter:

• If you have a pool, follow its specific winterizing instructions. By taking the right steps and precautions, you can save yourself unnecessary time and effort when summer eventually returns and it’s time to open your pool again.
• Check your heating system. Be sure to check that your heating system is serviced annually, is up to code, and is ready to power on when the first cold day rolls in.
• Check your windows and attic for any potential leaks and gaps. Take the time to seal any leaks to prevent heat from escaping from your home.
• Disconnect and drain any outdoor faucets, including your sprinklers, to prevent frozen pipes.
• Take care of your landscaping by raking leaves and mowing your lawn one last time.
• Don’t forget to clean your gutters to prevent any blockages. This will help reduce the likelihood of ice dams from snow buildup.
• Be sure to purchase your ice melt and a snow brush so you are prepared for the first snow of the season.
• Make shovels and snow blowers accessible to you, so that when snow comes they aren’t buried in your shed or garage.

Winter

Whether you’re an avid skier or snowboarding enthusiast, New England has you covered. Did you know that there are over 70+ resorts in New England and several are located right outside of Boston? But before you book your trip to the slopes, it’s important to make sure your home is ready to tackle the powder and you’re ready to shovel your parking space.

Winter is coming, be sure to take care of your checklist before the temperatures drop:

• Trim any dead or rotting tree branches. Now that the leaves have fallen, you’ll have a better view of your tree health and can make the judgment call on what needs to be addressed. If a tree branch is touching a power line, make sure to call your utility because they have the expertise to safely remove the branch.
• Set a date to prune your outdoor plants. The best time to plan this is for mid-November to mid-March to avoid pests and pathogens entering the plant.
• If you have ceiling fans, reverse the direction clockwise to help heat your home.
• Winterize your sump pump by keeping it on throughout the winter, installing an ice guard, or disconnecting the extension hose.
• Consider purchasing a generator to help you and your family stay warm during any power outages in the winter. In addition to the heat, you’ll be happy knowing your family is comfortable and able to stay connected even if the power goes down.

Spring

“Right on Hereford, left on Boylston.” You’ve made it to spring in New England. Maybe you’ve signed up for the Boston Marathon or are heading to Opening Day at Fenway Park. From marathons, spring buds, and even duckling crossings, New England in spring has something for everyone.

While you’re recovering from heartbreak hill (or just thinking about it), be sure to go over this spring cleaning checklist for your home:

• Check your gutters again! You already did this in the fall but you’ll want to be sure you have clean gutters in the spring for a proper flow of water. Clean gutters protect your roof, foundation, yard and driveway, and even prevent mold and pests.
• Inspect your roof because harsh winters can cause exterior damage. Look for any missing, loose, or damaged shingles. Be sure to check your attic and ceilings for any signs of leaks.
• Check your outdoor woodwork. Inspect and, if necessary, reseal your deck and fences. Any outdoor structure will need to be resealed every year or every other year, depending on the weather. By staying on top of maintenance you can support the longevity of your outdoor structures.
• Inspect your windows by looking for any damage to the frames. If your wooden window frame feels soft, it’s a clear sign the frame is rotting and you will need repairs.
• Turn your outdoor faucets and irrigation systems back on and make sure they are functioning properly.
• Service your HVAC unit. Regardless of how much spring cleaning you do, there’s always additional dust and pollen that creeps into your home. Be sure to replace your air filters and have your HVAC system serviced before you need to turn on your air conditioning.

Summer

Many Massachusetts residents will argue whether the North Shore or the South Shore has better beaches, but regardless of where you choose to lay out in the sun, you’re finally ready for summer and your first lobster roll.

Before you pack your beach bag and head out for any family vacations, make sure to go over your summer checklist:

• If you have a pool, prepare your pool for opening, do a thorough cleaning, and stock up on any cleaning supplies you need to have a successful summer.
• Inspect your driveway and sidewalk for any damage this winter might have caused and schedule it to be fixed.
• Clean out your garage and be sure to look for any materials that should not be stored in excessive heat.
• Clean your exterior dryer vent and remove any excess lint as this is a fire hazard.
• Schedule a visit from your local pest control service.
• Coordinate with a landscaping company or be sure you have the right supplies to successfully maintain your own lawn.

New England has something for everyone but the harsh winters and hot summers can take a toll on your property. Be sure to set monthly and annual reminders so you can stay on top of your home’s maintenance. If you are interested in learning more about how to prepare for all four seasons, contact Co-Managing Partner Christos Viores, at Ligris + Associates PC today.

Posted In: Articles, Real Estate