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Frosty mornings and crisp, cold weather can sometimes cause problems in the home, which can be even more inconvenient when it’s your holiday let which suffers. Often issues are unforeseen, but other times simple winter maintenance checks can help avoid preventable problems.
In over 30 years of holiday letting, we’ve helped owners deal with all manner of issues, most of which have been able to be resolved quickly and to the guests’ complete satisfaction. We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of checks to do this winter to safeguard your property. Let us help you prepare your getting ready for winter checklist below.
Outside
Exterior
Check every so often that the exterior of your property is looking presentable, and paintwork, windows, damp proof courses, etc are all keeping out the damp.
Frozen pipes
Even when there are no guests in your property, it’s advisable to keep your heating on low to stop pipes freezing.
You may also want to open your loft hatch during empty periods, as this can help warmer air to circulate and keep the pipes thawed.
Lighting
Check outside lights, as if they aren’t functioning properly your guests could be at risk of tripping in the darkness.
Make sure that there are no lightbulbs which need replacing in the property. Take extra care to check lights around mirrors, under kitchen units, bedside lamps and anywhere which may get forgotten.
Boiler service
Annual boiler services are recommended and you should perform a quick check every changeover day to make sure settings are correct and it’s functioning well.
Roof
Check that none of the tiles on your roof are broken, particularly after high winds and storms. Dislodged or cracked tiles can let in water, or fall off and cause damage.
Paths
Keep entrance-ways and garden pathways free of leaves, and keep a supply of grit or salt by the door or in the porch for guests to use in freezing temperatures.
Gutters
Keep gutters clear of debris and in good order. Not only does this help the water flow freely and avoid flooding and damp, but also prevents freezing which could crack the pipes.
Trees
In wet and stormy weather, overhanging or weak branches could snap and cause damage or injury. You may need to get a tree surgeon to remove any which could cause a problem.
Chimney
If your property has an open fire, now is the time it’ll experience the most use. For safety and cleanliness, have your chimney swept annually.
Fencing
Check that fences are strong and haven’t broken in high winds. This is particularly important if you advertise your property as having an enclosed garden to save pets and children from wandering off.
Inside
Insulation
To further reduce the risk of pipes freezing, and to help lower your heating bills, you may want to check your loft insulation. Lag pipes and hot water cylinders for best insulation and read our article on energy-saving tips to help keep costs to a minimum.
Take the opportunity to check around windows and make sure that they are still sealed properly and keeping out the drafts.
Alarms
Check that all alarms in the property are functioning and have batteries. This includes fire alarms, carbon monoxide detectors and burglar alarms.
Log fires
For those of you who have a wood burner installed, you will no doubt appreciate how popular they are, but are you up to date on the latest regulations and aware of the best way to look after them and keeping them well maintained during the winter - read our introduction to wood burners here?
Boiler service
Annual boiler services are recommended and you should perform a quick check every changeover day to make sure settings are correct and it’s functioning well.
Compliance
Make sure that you are up to date with all holiday home regulations (including gas and fire safety regulations, insurance and regulations for extra features such as hot tubs and swimming pools) – consult an expert if you are in any doubt. A lived-in property is at less risk of frost-related problems such as burst pipes.
Let with us
We’re always on the search for new owners to let their properties, whatever the style and appeal.
With an exceptional team who are dedicated to showcasing your property to help maximise its true potential, you get a simple, stress-free and successful letting experience that delivers you a healthy return.
If you are considering letting your holiday home, then we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch and let us help you on your journey. Call 01237 459991 or send us a message.
You can also download a free letting guide.
Let with us