1. Inspect and Clean Gutters & Downspouts

Ohio’s fall storms can clog gutters quickly, causing roof leaks, ice dams, and foundation issues. Clean fallen leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts. Use downspout extensions to direct water away from the home. If you already have gutter guards, check the tops to ensure they are not covered with tree material, moss or other blockages.

2. Check Your Roof Before Snow Arrives

Look for missing, cracked, or curling shingles and damaged flashing. When in doubt, ask a contractor to take a look. Do any needed repairs before winter to prevent leaks and ice dam formation.

3. Seal Windows, Doors & Draft Points

Replace worn weatherstripping around doors, caulk any gaps, and use transparent insulation sheets to cover drafty windows. Check the lower siding on your home exterior, too. Mice can squeeze through openings the size of a dime!

4. Service Your Heating System

Schedule a professional HVAC tune up, replace filters, and test your thermostat. This improves energy efficiency and reduces the risk of winter breakdowns. Stock up on furnace filters as well, allowing for at least one filter for each winter month.

5. Prepare Plumbing for Freezing Temps

Insulate exposed pipes in basements, crawl spaces, garages and attics. Drain outdoor faucets and lawn irrigation lines. Cover outdoor faucets.

6. Inspect Fireplaces & Chimneys

Have chimneys cleaned by a pro! They should check for creosote buildup, blockages, or damaged caps. Check the damper before lighting your fireplace.

7. Test Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Heating season increases fire and CO risks. Replace batteries and test alarms in each unit. Check the charge level on home fire extinguishers, too. If the pressure indicator isn’t in the “green,” it may not have enough force to work properly. Replace old extinguishers that cannot be recharged.

Ohio winters can throw a curveball (made of snow or ice!) once in awhile. Be ready for anything by having emergency supplies like flashlights, battery-operated lamps, fresh batteries, extra blankets, bottled water, shelf-stable ready-to-eat food, and so on. A battery-operated radio could be your connection to the world if the Internet service is disrupted.

As Exclusive Buyer’s Brokers, we serve your best interests at all times! Unlike real estate agents and brokerages who represent sellers, as an Exclusive Buyer’s Broker, we only represent you, the buyer, getting you the best price and terms with no conflict of interest, at all times.

Understanding this distinction could literally save you thousands of dollars not only on the purchase price and terms, but also on seller concessions and home inspection issues, whether you are a first-time homebuyer or an experienced homeowner!

Contact us with your home buying questions! Remember, we are with you every step of the way…all the way home!

Andrew Show
Exclusive Buyer’s Broker, CEBA-M, MCNE, CSP, PSA,e-PRO, CREM, ABRM, AHWD
Buyer’s Resource Realty Services www.BuyersHome.com
Serving Metro Columbus, Ohio with Exclusive Buyer’s Agents
7100 North High Street, Suite 204, Worthington, Ohio 43085
614-888-4110 | 888-888-4110 Toll Free | 614-839-4110 Fax

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