Lakeshore Properties August 2022

5 indoor checks to make BEFORE WINTER HITS

The comfort of a warm fireplace on a cold winter’s night is like no other. However, you must complete a few tasks this fall to keep your home safe and secure through those long, cold months. Use this guide to get your house’s interior ready to face Mother Nature’s fury.

1. Heating system

If you’re waiting until the first frost to ensure your heaters are in good working order, you may be in for a nasty surprise.

Before turning on your heat sources, ensure they have at least four inches of clearance. Take this opportunity to inspect and clean the units. Better yet, hire a professional to take care of it for you.

2. Doors and windows

Remove fly screens to prevent condensation and safeguard them against the elements. Check the window and door frames to ensure they’re tightly sealed. If necessary, caulk any vulnerable spots or

replace the weatherstrip.

3. Fire detectors and extinguishers

Check that your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors work by pressing the test button and listening for a beep. Replace the batteries if you haven’t done so recently. Additionally, take a glance at your fire extinguishers and ensure the seal is still intact so they’re ready for action in case of emergency.

4.

Air exchanger and ducts

Give your air exchanger’s filters and screens a good washing to ensure you and your family breathe clean air all winter long. Moreover, vacuum out the air ducts to remove any dust that’s accumulated.

5. Sump pump

Check that your sump pump is functioning correctly. To do so, gradually pour a bucket of water into the tank. The pump should immediately activate to clear out the water.

Autumn checklist:

HOW TO WINTERPROOF YOUR HOUSE’S EXTERIOR

Whether or not you dread winter weather, one thing is certain: your home and garden need some protection. Here’s a list of tasks to get your home’s exterior winter-ready.

• Clear the gutters. Clean out the eavestroughs to enable good water drainage. Ideally, wait until the trees have dropped all their leaves.

• Sweep out the chimney. A thorough chimney cleaning is essential for preventing chimney fires.

• Inspect the roof. Ensure your roof is in perfect condition. If you see any problems, don’t delay getting the necessary repairs.

• Seal up cracks. Sniff out any gaps in your foundations and walls and seal them up to prevent water from seeping in and doing some severe damage.

• Screen up your vents. Install screens on your vents to prevent small animals from taking refuge inside your home.

• Close your pool. Lower the water level, clean the filter and put the ladder and other accessories in storage.

• Clear the coping. Remove any accumulated debris from your pool coping, and check that the drain is working well to prevent flooding.

• Weather-proof your plants. Wrap your shrubs in burlap or landscape cloth. Move potted plants indoors to protect them from the elements.

• Prune your trees. Trim away any tree limbs at risk of falling on your house in a violent gust. Likewise, get rid of any branches that could give pests access to your home.

• Put seasonal items in storage. Put away patio furniture, barbecues, gardening tools and garden hoses. Don’t forget to shut down water outlets.

• Prepare your flower beds. Plant your fall bulbs, separate the perennials, remove weeds and annuals and then aerate and nourish the soil.

• Clean the grounds. Rake and bag your dead leaves and clear out dead wood and any other material that could serve as a hiding place for pests.

If you don’t have time to do everything yourself, hire a professional lawn service in your area to help.

welcome fall into your home

Do you want your home to exude the warmth of the blazing fall leaves? Here are a few tips to welcome nature into your home this autumn.

FOCUS ON TEXTILES

Textured fabrics are a great way to add a touch of fall color to your decor on a budget. Heavy curtains and plush wool throws have a soothing effect. Moreover, table runners, napkins and cushion covers in varying shades of red, brown, orange and yellow instantly create an inviting atmosphere.

INCORPORATE

NATURAL ELEMENTS

Pinecones, gourds,

pumpkins, tree leaves and other natural elements are ideal for creating seasonal centerpieces and wreaths.

MAXIMIZE THE LIGHT

As the days get shorter, create a cozy atmosphere by installing string lights. These twinkling bulbs can brighten up rooms that desperately lack sunlight and can be used to showcase your banister or mantel. Decorative metallic objects are also great for reflecting natural light and making your space feel more inviting.

LASTLY, scatter scented candles around your home and let their soothing scent envelop you.

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weekend reno projects heated driveways 4

F all is an excellent time to make your home more inviting before the cold season. Here are four weekend reno ideas to try.

UPGRADE YOUR FRONT DOOR

Give your entrance a fresh coat of paint. Be bold a try a new color. Fall is also an excellent time to replace dated knobs and ensure your locks are frost ready.

REPLACE A WATER FAUCET OR SHOWERHEAD

Often overlooked in day-to-day living, a new faucet or showerhead can breathe life into your kitchen or bathroom. Explore options like a detachable or rainfall showerhead and look for water-efficient models to reduce consumption.

SPRUCE UP YOUR “DROP ZONE”

Make your foyer space more efficient before hat-and-mitts season is in full swing. Install cubbies with individual baskets and assign each family member a designated catch-all space for their keys, gloves and bags.

CREATE AN ACCENT WALL

Transform a wall with a pop of color or dramatic print. You can also apply beadboard or shiplap for a fun new texture. If you’re painting or wallpapering, add a putty knife and surfacing compound to your shopping list so you can repair any knicks and dents before making cosmetic upgrades.

Not sure where to start? Browse your local home improvement store for inspiration.

THE PROS AND CONS OF

Are you tired of cleaning the snow off your driveway every winter? If so, you may want to consider investing in a heated driveway. Here are a few pros and cons to help you make your decision.

ADVANTAGES

The best thing about heated driveways is you can quickly melt all the snow and ice in front of your home with the push of a button. You don’t have to worry about injuring yourself shoveling or paying someone to plow your driveway.

Additionally, you don’t have to use de-icing salts. These salts contain sodium chloride, which can deteriorate concrete, damage your vehicle’s undercarriage and kill the landscaping near the driveway’s edge.

DISADVANTAGES

One of the only drawbacks of heated driveways is that they can be expensive to install and use. For instance, installation can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000. Moreover, running a heated driveway over the winter can add a couple of hundred dollars to your monthly heating bill.

If you’re interested in taking the plunge and installing a heated driveway on your property, have it professionally installed to ensure years of worry-free operation.

a backup heater

Most winter house fires are caused by people improperly using backup space heaters. Therefore, it’s important to know how to use one safely. Here are some tips for choosing and using a backup heater in your home.

• Fireplaces and wood-burning stoves give your living room a cozy ambiance. However, they require regular maintenance, including cleaning the firebox and chimney.

• Make sure to sweep your chimney at least once a year or immediately if the creosote build-up reaches 1/8 inch on the firebox walls. Place the ashes in a metal container with a raised bottom and store them outside, away from combustible materials.

• Gas-burning stoves are perfect for power outages and can heat up to 2,000 square feet of living space. You also don’t have to worry about cutting and carrying wood or doing any cleaning.

• Ensure your gas-burning appliance

is approved by the American Gas Association (AGA) and that the fittings have been installed by a certified professional. Keep in mind that gasburning stoves are hot to the touch and pose a danger to children and pets.

• Pellet-burning stoves burn specially designed pellets rather than wood. These heating appliances don’t require a chimney but must be vented outdoors and regularly maintained.

• Electric heaters are the safest backup heaters available. They’re portable and efficient. However, they don’t work if the power goes out. Always keep your electric heater at least three feet away from combustibles such as furniture and curtains, and never use a heater with an extension cord.

Lastly, material-burning stoves produce toxic carbon monoxide gas, so installing a CO2 detector is wise. Consult a home heating professional before making your final choice.