As John F. Kennedy once said, ”the time to fix the roof is when the sun is shining”. But as the clocks go back, the temperatures drop and the nights draw in, you could argue that now really is the time to get your home winter-ready if you haven’t already done so.

In 2024, this has never been more pertinent, with energy bills still rising, a climate catastrophe unfolding, and the need to conserve heat at home an ever more pressing concern. Whilst much of this is down to events outside of our control, there are some proactive steps you can take to wrestle back a little control by winterproofing your home.

If you’re looking to prevent any unwanted cold weather surprises this year (and keep yourself busy, too), then read on; here are 12 maintenance tasks you should tackle this winter.

Seal In The Heat

The seals around your doors and windows are a major source of heat loss. If you’re keen to lock heat in, then it’s imperative that you check the seals around your doors and windows. Simply run your finger around the seals or use a screwdriver to check for hidden gaps. Filling them with caulk is a simple DIY job – here’s how to do it. 

Gutters, Drains & The Roof

Clearing out your gutter and drains of debris and buildup isn’t a fun job, but it’s a necessary one. Well maintained gutters reduce the need to replace them in the long run, moreover, having gutters free of debris minimises the chance of roof damage and water build up. You’ll want to invest in a suitable, safe ladder for this. 

Speaking of roofs, roof damage is one of the most common issues to affect homes in Winter. As such, it’s important you check yours. A simple inspection is all that’s required here, making sure that there are no loose or cracked tiles, or slates on your roof, as breakages or gaps could let water in. We’ve written a DIY guide on how to check your roof for damage here; do check it out. And if in doubt, a second opinion by a professional never hurts. 

Protect Your Pipes

A frozen pipe is simply not something you want to mess with; it can burst, flood your home and cause a myriad of problems in the process. Before we enter the deepest recesses of Winter, it’s sensible to check yours are clear of obstruction and damage.

Prevention is clearly preferable to cure here, and the best way to pre-empt and protect from frozen or burst pipes is to keep your house at a consistent temperature, preferably via your thermostat. 

Even if you’re away on a winter holiday, it’s a good idea to have your heating on a timer, at least coming on for a couple of hours each day, to keep your pipes in good nick. Insulating your pipes is also a smart move.

Protect Ya Deck

The winter garden can be a bleak and barren place, where only the hardiest of plants survive and only the most inquisitive of wildlife enter. That said, this isn’t just a case of hunkering down and ignoring your garden until the yellow daffodils bloom; there are more permanent elements of your outdoor space that require attention during winter, most chiefly your decking.

Get a head start. During autumn, make sure you’re regularly sweeping away those seasonally-fallen leaves, which can make your decking slippery at best and rotten at worst.

As a bare minimum, you should cover your decking in a water-resistant tarp to protect against the worst of winter’s excesses. Though your decking will most likely be industry-standard treated 8×2 timber, you’ll also want to apply an anti-slip coating to it to protect not only against slipping (obvs!) but also from defrosting ice and water penetrating your boards.

Read: 5 ways to make the most of your deck this winter

Tend to Your Log Cabin

If you’ve got a log cabin in your garden, winter preparation is essential to prevent damage from the harsh British weather. Check for gaps between logs that may have developed during the warmer months—wood naturally expands and contracts with temperature changes. Use appropriate wood filler or chinking material to seal any spaces, paying special attention to areas around windows and doors.

Give the exterior a thorough inspection for signs of rot or pest infestation, and ensure the protective coating or stain is still effective. If water no longer beads on the surface, it’s time for a fresh application.

Call In The Chimney Sweep

Ok, we know that we said these were tasks to tackle yourself. However, some winter maintenance tasks really do require a professional’s hand, and, if you have an active fireplace, then chimney sweeping is definitely one of them. Not cleaning a chimney can lead up to a build up of soot, which in turn can cause a chimney fire. 

Give Your A Boiler A Dry Run

Speaking of checks to get done before Winter fully sets in, it’s also a smart move to give your boiler a dry run to check everything is working prior to December and the beginning of the colder months. If you leave it until the temperatures reach those dreaded minuses, only to discover things are amiss, then you’ll be at the back of the queue when it comes to getting it fixed. Indeed, every plumber and heating engineer will attest that demand for their services shoots up as the colder months arrive. 

As such, test things yourself and even if everything is working, get it serviced to ensure that this is going to remain the case. The boiler experts at *checks notes* IDEAL Magazine have written a really useful guide about when to know when your boiler needs servicing. Do check it out.

Inspect & Update Insulation

Speaking of insulation, and as the cold weather sets in, one of the most effective ways to keep your home warm and reduce energy bills is to ensure that your insulation is up to par. Over time, insulation can settle or become less effective, so it’s important to inspect it regularly. Check your attic, walls, and basement to see if the insulation is still adequate. Look for any areas where it may have been compromised or where there might be gaps. 

If you find areas where the insulation is lacking, consider adding more. There are various types of insulation available, such as fiberglass, cellulose, or foam, and each has its own advantages. Remember, proper insulation can make a significant difference in your home’s ability to retain heat and can lead to substantial savings on heating costs.

Carport Care

Don’t overlook your carport just because it’s a simple structure—it needs winter preparation too. Start with the roof, clearing away any accumulated leaves and debris that could trap moisture and cause damage. For polycarbonate roofs, check for cracks or loose panels that might worsen under snow or during strong winds.

The supporting posts deserve special attention, particularly where they meet the ground. Look for signs of rust on metal supports or rot in wooden posts, and apply protective coatings as needed. If you have guttering, give it the same attention as your house gutters to ensure proper drainage throughout winter.

Bleed Radiators & Insulate

Other ways you can ensure your heating system is in good working order is to bleed your radiators, lag your pipes and insulate your hot water tank – this could save you quite a bit on your energy bills, too. In particular, radiators need to be bled each Winter to ensure they are running at full capacity and efficiency. Fear not; it’s an easy task to complete.

Prepare An Emergency Kit

Winter storms can come unexpectedly and may lead to power outages or being snowed in. It’s essential to prepare for such scenarios by assembling an emergency kit. Your kit should include items such as flashlights, batteries, a first-aid kit, non-perishable food items, bottled water, blankets, and warm clothing. Additionally, make sure to have a supply of any necessary medications and a portable charger for your mobile devices. 

It’s also wise to include a battery-powered or hand-crank radio to stay informed about weather updates and emergency information. Preparing an emergency kit ensures that you and your family remain safe and comfortable during unforeseen winter emergencies.

Learn The Signs

It’s important to be aware of the warning signs of problems in your home so that you can address these issues quickly. A few things to look out for include signs of damp in your property such as a musty smell, mould, peeling paint or wallpaper, or sometimes the wall might be wet to the touch. 

Flickering lights and sparking outlets are indicators of electrical faults or appliances short-circuiting when plugged into certain sockets, and an unwelcome draught is a sign of potential damage to doors and windows. Good luck! 

While virtual viewings emerged as a necessity during the pandemic, they’ve now become a permanent fixture in the property market. Whether you’re selling property in today’s digital age or simply want to maximise your home’s exposure (and price!) to potential buyers, virtual viewings offer an efficient first step in the sales process. They’re particularly valuable for out-of-area buyers, busy professionals, and anyone looking to create a focused shortlist before committing to in-person visits.

The Difference Between Virtual Tours & Virtual Viewings

If you’re planning to host virtual viewings of your property, speak to an estate agent first. While virtual viewings are now commonplace, each agency has their preferred approach, and they’ll be able to give you valuable pointers on their specific process.

It’s worth noting that many estate agents use the term “virtual tours” to refer to pre-recorded videos of a property that are attached to a property listing, whereas a “virtual viewing” is conducted live, just as a traditional in-person viewing would be. Somewhat confusingly, these terms are often used interchangeably, so make sure you know what you’re agreeing to — a digital walkthrough, a live-streamed tour or a video filmed by you.

For live streamed viewings, you will need to use a phone, tablet or another handheld device to show the potential buyer around your home. The agency should be able to advise you on their preferred video conferencing platforms. The beauty of this technology is that multiple people can join the viewing and ask questions, just as they would in a traditional property viewing, enabling you to expand your reach hugely.

If you feel uncomfortable talking a buyer through the property, invite your estate agent to dial in and provide the commentary.

Laying The Groundwork

Make sure that you have agreed on a date and time, decided who will be attending and shared any necessary links, for example to video conferencing apps, well ahead of the viewing. Last-minute changes or technology fails will be frustrating for the buyer who may have limited time for the call — you don’t want them to give up and move on to the next property.

While the buyer’s primary interest is your home, you, the owner, will be much more of a focus in a video call than you would be in a traditional viewing so do endeavour to look presentable and come across amiably. The video will be focusing on the property for the majority of the viewing but you’ll need to greet the buyer and respond to any questions they have at the end of the call.

Gather any documents or information that you might need to refer to ahead of the viewing. The buyer might want to ask about the property’s running costs or details of when you last had the boiler serviced, for example. Having this information immediately to hand will facilitate a smoother, more agreeable viewing.

Have A Trial Run

If you’ll be hosting the viewing in collaboration with your estate agent, arrange a trial run. This will allow you to make sure the technology works and to identify key features that you might want to linger on and talk more about.

A trial run will also flag any issues such as difficulties filming the loft while holding your device steady or areas that are poorly lit and not easy to see on camera. If you’re aware of these issues before you start viewings you can address them so that the “real” ones are professional, polished and helpful to the potential buyer. Remember, today’s viewers expect a smooth, professional experience – technical hitches or poor presentation could cost you a sale.

Arrange For Children & Pets To Be Elsewhere

Trying to manage a remote viewing with young children and pets running around is a sure-fire recipe for a stressful and unsatisfactory experience for everyone involved. You need to give the call your full attention and the buyer should feel able to take their time, ask questions and request to see a particular area of the property again, rather than feigning interest once again in the breed of your dog or the age of your child.

Treat your children and pets to an afternoon at the childminder’s or doggy daycare centre, if possible, and give this thing your full attention.

Consider Lighting And Sound

This is something you don’t have to worry about in a traditional viewing, but in a video call, lighting is all-important. Open the curtains or blinds, switch on the lights and ask for feedback from your estate agent or a friend during your trial run. If there are dark spots that don’t show up well on camera, such as cellars, see if you can borrow some portable lights so that the potential buyer can see properly during the live stream. Not only do you want to avoid viewers being unable to see parts of your house, but big shadows being thrown can make your place appear dingy.

Consider potential sources of noise that could disrupt the viewing and distract the buyer, too. Close doors and windows, turn TVs and radios off and make sure the washing machine won’t suddenly spring into life! You won’t be able to control all sources of noise — if the neighbour chooses to start up the mower during the viewing, there is little you can do about it — but do everything in your control to minimise unwanted sounds during the call.

Tidy & Clean

Just as with an in-person viewing, you want to make your home look its best before the buyer joins the call. Tidy away clutter, remove limescale from taps and run the mower over the garden — every little effort will help to sell your house, as you never know when the camera flash might catch that buffed door knob just so.

A well-cared-for and much-loved home is more likely to lead to an offer than a scruffy, unkempt one. Buyers need to imagine themselves living in your house to see its potential as their new home. It’s also worth “staging” your property ahead of viewings — adding a vase of fresh flowers to the lounge or a bowl of fruit to the kitchen will create a homely feel, for instance, though that smell of baking bread won’t be sensed through the screen, of course.

Master The Virtual Tour

When it comes to the actual viewing, a structured approach will help you showcase your property effectively. Start with a brief overview of the property before diving into the room-by-room tour. Move through your home logically – perhaps beginning at the front door and working your way through the ground floor before heading upstairs.

Keep your movements slow and steady to avoid making viewers dizzy, and pause at doorways to help orient them in the space. Make sure to demonstrate practical aspects like storage spaces and unique features that might not be immediately obvious on camera. Don’t forget to show the views from windows – these are often a key selling point that virtual viewers particularly appreciate seeing.

Follow Up Effectively

The viewing doesn’t end when you wave goodbye. A proper follow-up process can make the difference between a maybe and a definite yes. Prepare a digital information pack that you can send immediately after the viewing, including any additional photos or videos of specific areas that sparked particular interest during the tour.

If the viewer seemed keen, work with your estate agent to schedule an in-person viewing while their interest is still fresh. Even if they’re not ready to visit yet, ask for feedback about the virtual viewing experience – this can help you refine your technique for future viewings and address any concerns before they become deal-breakers.

Get Professional Support

While virtual viewings might seem straightforward and you may be tempted to do the whole thing yourself, it’s prudent to consult a reputable estate agent during the process: they can make all the difference to your success rate. Today’s leading estate agents have invested significantly in virtual viewing technology and training, often offering professional-grade equipment and experienced videographers for premium properties. They can advise on everything from the best time of day to showcase each room to which features deserve special attention in your particular property.

Many estate agents now offer comprehensive virtual viewing packages, including professional photography, 3D virtual tours, and live viewing support. They can also help you navigate the practical aspects of remote offers and negotiations – an increasingly important skill as more buyers begin their property search online.

If you’re unsure where to start, look for estate agents with strong digital presence and positive reviews specifically mentioning their virtual viewing services. The best agents will be happy to demonstrate their virtual viewing capabilities before you commit to using their services.

The Bottom Line

Many house sellers dread the thought of viewings — they feel intrusive, they’re inconvenient and it can take seemingly endless bookings to secure just one offer. However, if you choose to sell on the open market, they are a necessary part of the process, and virtual viewings now offer a convenient first step for both sellers and buyers.

If you want to avoid the rigmarole of viewings altogether and are looking to sell your house fast, a house cash buying company can manage the whole sales process, from valuation to completion, entirely remotely without a single viewing taking place. They have the funds to buy your home for cash in a time frame that suits you — this could be in as little as seven days. Worth considering for those in a hurry to move out and move on, perhaps.

If you’re planning to sell your home in 2024, virtual viewings should be part of your strategy. While they emerged from necessity during the pandemic, they’ve evolved into an essential tool for modern property sales. Mastering the art of hosting professional virtual viewings could make the difference between selling your house quickly and watching it sit on the market for months.

Dealing with the hands-on side of moving house is stressful enough – what to label those miscellaneous wires, how to tell your partner that their cherished ‘sculpture’ isn’t coming with you – let alone having to worry about the money side of things. 

You don’t want to start the moving process on the front foot only to find that financial hurdles are waiting to trip you up before you’ve properly moved in. To help you manage things as mindfully as possible, and to avoid any last minute dramas, here’s our guide on how to manage the mounting costs of moving house.

Start With The Essentials

Before diving into boxes and bubble wrap, you need to get your financial ducks in a row. Moving house involves a web of costs beyond just shifting your belongings from A to B. Make sure you’ve accounted for:

• Mortgage arrangement fees and deposits
• Stamp duty (if applicable)
• Solicitor’s fees and searches
• Surveys and valuations
• Estate agent fees (if selling)

Once you’ve wrapped your head around these bigger figures, you can plan your actual moving budget more realistically.

Moving Day Matters

Professional Removals vs DIY

While your mate with a van might seem like a budget-friendly option, professional removals often prove their worth, as the experienced long distance movers in Ontario LDM tell us. As they explain, such specialists bring expertise, proper insurance, and enough tea-fuelled muscle to handle everything from your grandmother’s antique dresser to that awkward corner sofa you regret buying.

Ideal Tip: Look for removals companies registered with the British Association of Removers (BAR) or the National Guild of Removers and Storers (NGRS). Get at least three quotes, and don’t forget to check reviews – previous customers’ horror stories (or glowing praise) can be very telling.

Timing is Everything

Moving costs can vary significantly depending on when you move. Weekends, bank holidays, and end-of-month dates typically come with premium rates. If you can be flexible, mid-week and mid-month moves often cost less.

Ideal Tip: Some removals companies offer substantial discounts for off-peak moves. If you’re working from home or can take a strategic day off, a Tuesday move could save you a pretty penny.

The Great Pre-Move Clear-out

Remember that weightlifting bench gathering dust? Or the ‘vintage’ armchair that’s really just old? The more you move, the more you pay, so channel your inner Marie Kondo before packing begins.

Ideal Tip: Turn your unwanted items into moving funds by selling them online. Whether it’s Facebook Marketplace, Vinted, or good old eBay, one person’s tired furniture is another’s treasure-hunting triumph. Or take things to your local charity shop and help out a good cause.

Hidden Costs To Consider

Insurance Matters

Don’t assume your existing home insurance covers the move. Check your policy and the removals company’s insurance coverage carefully. Items you pack yourself might not be covered, and some policies have specific requirements about how things should be packed.

Ideal Tip: Take photos of valuable items before they’re packed and keep a detailed inventory of what’s in each box. If you’re packing expensive electronics or valuables yourself, check if your home insurance offers an add-on moving cover – it’s often cheaper than the removals company’s extra insurance.

Digital Admin

While sorting your physical belongings, don’t forget your digital life needs moving too. Mail redirection through Royal Mail costs ‘just’ £39.50 is essential for security, and you’ll want to update your address across various services and subscriptions.

Ideal Tip: Create a spreadsheet of all your subscriptions and regular deliveries. It’s amazing how many things are tied to your old address – from your Amazon account to your wine club membership.

The Clean Sweep

If you’re renting, professional end-of-tenancy cleaning might be unavoidable. Even if you’re selling, leaving the property spick and span is good karma (and often expected).

Ideal Tip: If professional cleaning is required, book well in advance and ask if they offer a guarantee that satisfies your landlord’s requirements.

Settling In Costs

Utility Smart Moves

Moving home is the perfect time to reassess your utility providers. Don’t automatically stick with the previous occupants’ suppliers or transfer your existing contracts without shopping around.

Ideal Tip: Use comparison websites to find the best deals, but watch out for exit fees from your current providers. Sometimes it’s worth waiting for contracts to end naturally.

Council Tax Considerations

Your council tax band might change with your move. Check your new property’s band early and factor any differences into your budget. Don’t forget to close your account at your old address and set up payment at the new one.

Ideal Tip: Check if you qualify for any discounts at your new property – like single person occupancy (25% off) or student status. Also, if you think your new property’s band is incorrect, you can challenge it through the Valuation Office Agency. Just be aware the review could move the band up as well as down!

Smart Home Setup

Consider this your chance to make your new home smarter and more energy-efficient. While there might be upfront costs for things like smart thermostats or LED bulbs, they could save you money in the long run.

Ideal Tip: Check if your energy provider offers free smart meters or energy-saving devices to new customers.

The Bottom Line

Moving house is like a financial obstacle course – there are hurdles at every turn, but with proper planning and a bit of savvy, you can clear them all without tripping up. The key is to start planning early, expect the unexpected, and always keep a contingency fund for those “just in case” moments.

Now, when’s that housewarming party? (Just remember to factor in the cost of all those drinks – your friends haven’t forgotten about that time you borrowed their van!)