Get your home ready for the cold

In just a few months winter will be upon us again, and for homeowners, that means keeping our families comfortable and protecting our homes by keeping the warm air inside and the cold air out in the cold! Unfortunately for many people, especially those with older homes, there are a number of ways that houses can lose heat, which can result in both an electric bill shock and a long, chilly winter indoors. So before the cold weather sets in, give your house a quick once over with my six point checklist.

1. Feel for a draft around your windows. Many single pane, wood sash windows are terrible for keeping in heat. You can either replace them, or at the very least, cover them or use a DIY insulation kit to caulk up any substantial gaps.

2. The same goes for the doors. Older doors tend to warp, creating large pockets between the door and the frame. New vinyl doors are inexpensive and can give your home a more contemporary look while retaining a significant amount of heat.

3. On the topic of doors, take a look at your door sweep. If you have one and it's in poor condition, have it replaced. This will help to keep warm air inside.

4. Check the insulation in your attic. Most of the homes I visit are not properly insulated, which means that heat is escaping right through the roof. Make sure your home has enough insulation by contacting a local contractor for an inspection.

5. Close up your fireplace when you're not using it. By leaving the flue open, you're letting the cold air seep right into the house. Have some glass doors installed so you can easily access the fireplace when you need to.

6. If you have a forced air heating and cooling system, check the ducts for leaks. If you find a crack, don't worry, it can easily be repaired with duct sealant. Your local hardware store will have it in stock.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, sealing air leaks in your home can save you between five and 30 per cent on your heating bill, so do yourself a favor and give your house a quick check up before the winter. Your family and your wallet will thank you.

How to find the best contractor for the job

While many repairs can be done by a handy homeowner, there are some jobs, such as putting on a roof or installing siding, that require a professional contractor. But finding an expert who will get the work done on time, on budget and in a professional and friendly manner can sometimes feel daunting. Here are my tips to help you find the best person for your next job.

1. Get references. You want to find someone who is local to the area and has a good reputation. Ask your contractor for the names and phone numbers of the last several jobs he or she completed so you can contact the homeowners and discuss their experiences. Ask questions about the contractor's professionalism and communication skills as well as the end-to-end process.

2. Make sure they have the right qualifications. A general contractor might be able to do anything, but that doesn't mean they do it all particularly well. Find someone who has extensive experience in the job you want done, not someone who just "does that too". Also make sure that they are both licensed and insured to do the work that you require.

3. Get into the nitty gritty. A good contractor will give you a step-by-step breakdown of the job they are quoting on. Remember that with home remodeling, you're paying for both a product and a service, so ask about the materials they are using and do some research on your own. Extra time may be required for ordering materials, especially if they are more difficult to come by, so ask questions about the timeline and expected completion date.

4. You get what you pay for. You have no idea how many times I get calls to replace a roof with a 30 year warranty after only 10 years because of installation error, or because the homeowner skipped a vital step in order to save some money. Warranties on products are only as good as the installation and surrounding environment, and many manufacturers won't honor a warranty if those factors aren't up to scratch. Make sure your contractor explains this to you.  

Expert contractors love working with people who are well informed, have done their research and aren't afraid to ask questions. Don't be afraid to speak up, because good communication is key to ensuring that your job is done right and to your specifications.

Leaf relief for autumn

In the next few weeks the leaves will begin to fall, which means plenty of yard work for homeowners. But what's even more important than keeping your lawn clean is ensuring your gutters are free from debris coming into the winter.

Gutters are an important part of the home because they allow water to drain off the roof and away from the foundation. When the autumn comes, gutters often get filled with tree leaves, which can be very problematic in the winter when we get a lot of snow. If your gutters are clogged, the water has nowhere to go, which means it might either seep into the roof or pour down into the foundation, causing expensive and preventable damage. Luckily, I have two simple solutions to ensure your gutters are ready for winter, and the best part is that they are both inexpensive and easy to do.

The first is to get gutter shields installed on your property. Shields can be made of metal mesh or plastic and can either work as a filter or a complete gutter cover. The type of guard you choose will depend on your home and needs, and installation can be done by a professional contractor in one day. For those of you who are handy around the house, you can even install them yourself -  provided you have safety equipment and feel comfortable on a roof. It’s important to note that if your gutters are very old or have been not been maintained properly, you may not be able to cover them.

If gutter shields aren’t an option for you, you can also get your gutters cleaned, which should be done at least four times per year.  Many homeowners tackle this job themselves, but it can be both difficult and dangerous. I suggest hiring a professional, who can not only clean the gutters but can also do a quick inspection to ensure your gutters are in good working order and ready for the winter. Whenever I do a gutter cleaning, I always look for leakage warning signs and report them back to the homeowner so they are aware of any potential problems before they happen.

Gutters that are in proper working condition will save your home and your foundation from potentially expensive and preventable repair. The best part is that solutions are quick, easy, and can give your home the protection it needs to ensure you don't have any unnecessary problems this coming winter.