Prepare your home for winter
Doors, Energy-saving, Flooring, Heating, Kitchen, Plumbing, Renovation, Security, Windows

Attic - look for evidence of roof leaks, also openings that permit entry of bats or other pests. Inspect insulation, rafters, ventilation openings, chimney and side walls.
Basement windows - those on grade or slightly above grade, should be examined for decayed frames. replace decayed frames and missing trim.
Bathroom - check for dripping faucets, leaking shower heads, malfunctioning flush valves, inadequate hot water supply. Use nonskid mats in the bathtub and provide grab bars. provide the right lighting in the bathroom.
Cellar/basement - check for severely deteriorated, cracked and heaved concrete floors. Check for evidence of water entry.
Chimneys - check the condition of all exposed areas of chimney for missing or loose mortar, bricks, flue pipes and flashing.
Clothes dryer - check appliance to make sure it is grounded (electrically) properly and that it has a disconnecting capability that is readily accessible. Assure that the dryer is properly vented to outside air.
Doors - inspect for sticking or sagging doors; examine locks and chains; replace worn weather-stripping.
Electrical wiring - check electrical installation for adequate service and general condition of wiring. Look throughout the house for frayed cords, loose connections, malfunctioning switches or outlets and eliminate excessive use of extension cords. Check for any potential source of ignition of combustible material.
Fireplace - check dampers, firebox, hearth, grate and irons, screen, mantelpiece. Check for deteriorated mortar joints and clean fireplace flues periodically.
Floor drains - check to see that drain strainers are installed and that the traps are properly sealed.
Flooring - check floors for general contour and excessive weakness or damage. Check kitchen and bathroom floors so as to be impervious to water and easily kept in a clean and sanitary condition.
Flue connections - check to see that appliances have code required flues and that they are properly connected to the chimney.
Foundation walls - check interior of foundation wall for weather-tight construction and structural soundness.
Fuse panel - check electrical fuse panels for proper fusing (over-current device shall correspond to the conductor size).
Grounding - check to see that all circuits are properly grounded and water meter bonded. check main panel bonding to the cold water pipe.
Kitchen - examine appliance wiring; clean the ventilator fan and remove accumulations of dust and grease. The stove and sink area should be adequately illuminated. Electric circuits should be a minimum of 20 amp to carry the heavy load demanded from kitchen appliances.
Plaster - check plaster and drywall for excessive cracking, lath separation. Check holes and provide proper fire stopping.
Plumbing fixtures - check that fixtures have been properly installed and connected to hot and cold water supply lines. Check for leaky faucets. Check all waste lines and fixture traps so as to drain freely without leaks.
Stairs - check to see that stringers and treads are in sound condition and securely fastened. Check all landings for proper support. Provide adequate illumination with switches at the top and bottom of the stairs. do not store items on the stairs.
Structural members - check columns, beams, and wood members for general condition and deflection (sag or bow).
Water heater - check to see that energy supply to this appliance is installed properly and guarded with required safety devices.
Water lines - check condition of water lines and inspect for leakage.
Windows - check for difficulty of operation, cracked or broken panes, sash cords or chains in need of replacement, faulty or hard-to-operate locks, worn weather-stripping.
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