The temperate fall weather across the northern parts of the United States has caused a small delay in travelers headed back to their Albuquerque home for winter – maybe with the exception of a few states that have seen snow already. Now that mid November is approaching, more snowbirds are making plans to leave their northern abodes where the weather is turning colder to return to their winter home in the south. Returning to your winter home can bring several surprises. Here are 10 tips for returning homeowners.
- Check all windows and doors for signs of illegal entry. Call the police if you fear that your home may have been broken into and may still have an uninvited guest. Check your garage and any exterior structures for damage or any type of criminal activity as well.
- Look for signs of pests such as termites, ants, and other insects. You may find them nearly anywhere throughout the home. Window sills and around the doors is a great spot to look.
- Look for signs of mice, rats, or other rodents. You may find droppings around or inside your home. Check all rooms, especially those with a water source such as bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms.
- Look for the same signs in and around your garage, carport, patio, or deck. Have any damages repaired before you use the damaged structure.
- Inspect your deck for signs of wood rot or damage before the deck is used. Repair weakened areas before using the deck for the winter and sharing photos of your winter barbeque with social media friends in the snowy states.
- Plug in appliances one at a time and allow them several seconds before you move on to the next one. Make sure everything is running properly before you walk away from it.
- Check all smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure the batteries have good charge, or change the batteries to ensure that they are ready for the winter months.
- Turn the water back on and check each sink, tub, shower, and toilet individually for any surprise leaks. You never know what may have taken damage while you were away for the summer.
- Turn the thermostat to your most comfortable position. Most homeowners set the thermostat to a specific temperature before leaving for summer. Now that you’re back for winter, make yourself comfortable.
- Inspect the roofing and landscaping to make sure it hasn’t been damaged by any summer storms, wind, limbs, or debris. Make sure you haven’t had unexpected reptiles or other critters move into the lawn or landscaping.
Moving back to your winter home in the south is an exciting time. You get to see friends and family you haven’t seen in several months, and you get to live in an entirely new home for the next several months. We’re here to make any changes you would like to make to your home so that it stays up to date. Call us at 505-991-0063 if you’d like to discuss remodeling any part of your winter home in Albuquerque.