As the crisp mornings roll in and the days get shorter, it’s clear that winter is just around the corner in Hawkes Bay. Now is the perfect time to prepare your home for the colder months ahead. A bit of maintenance now can save you from unexpected repairs, chilly nights, and rising energy bills down the track.
If you’ve been putting off a few jobs around the house, now is also a great time to consider a winter renovation – even small updates can make a big difference in warmth, comfort, and efficiency.
Here’s a practical pre-winter checklist to help keep your home warm, dry, and comfortable this winter:
âś… 1. Check Your Roof and Gutters
Winter often brings heavy rain and strong winds. Make sure your roof is in good condition – no cracked or missing tiles, loose iron, or signs of leaks. Clean out your gutters and downpipes to prevent blockages and water overflow, which can damage cladding and foundations.
âś… 2. Inspect Exterior Cladding and Joinery
Walk around your home and check for any signs of wear or damage to your weatherboards, cladding, or window joinery. Seal up any gaps or cracks where cold air or moisture could sneak in.
âś… 3. Service Your Heat Source
Whether you use a heat pump, fireplace, or wood burner, now’s the time to get it serviced. Clean filters, check for wear and tear, and ensure it’s working efficiently before you really need it.
âś… 4. Check Insulation
Good insulation is key to a warm home and lower power bills. If your home feels cold and damp, or if it’s been a while since the last insulation check, consider having your ceiling, underfloor, and wall insulation assessed.
âś… 5. Test Smoke Alarms and Safety Gear
With heaters and fires running more often in winter, it’s important to check your smoke alarms are working and up to date. It’s also a great time to check fire extinguishers and review your family’s emergency plan.
âś… 6. Stop Draughts in Their Tracks
Draughts are sneaky – they make your home colder and cost you more to heat. Use draught stoppers, door seals, and heavy curtains to keep the warmth in and the cold out.
âś… 7. Tidy the Yard
Prune back overhanging branches, secure outdoor furniture, and check that fences and gates are sturdy. Winter storms can cause unexpected damage if things aren’t buttoned down.
Thinking About a Winter Renovation?
If you’re not sure where to start or you’d rather have the experts take care of it, the team at Total Renovations is here to help. Whether it’s fixing weather-damaged cladding, upgrading insulation, or doing a full winter renovation, we can make sure your home is ready for the season ahead.
đź“ž Get in touch today to book a pre-winter home assessment or chat about how we can help keep your home safe, dry, and warm this season.
Stay warm, Hawkes Bay!
– The Total Renovations Team