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What you need to know about gas appliances at home

Rising electricity costs and increased loadshedding have seen many of us turn to gas for more cost-effective heating or cooking solutions. But it’s important to remember that there are specific conditions when it comes to gas and insurance. Whether you’re using a gas stove (which is deemed to be part of the fixed machinery on a property) or mobile gas appliances (such as gas heaters), you need to keep your safety and legal requirements in mind.

Running on empty? Be cautious

A major safety hazard is the ventilation around gas cylinders, pipelines, and appliances. When a gas cylinder is changed, a small amount of gas is released – which is why the setup comes with such strict rules on placement and spacing.

If you open a gas cylinder outside and hear the pressure escape and eventually subside, don’t be fooled into thinking it’s empty. In fact, this lets air into the cylinder and increases the risk of an air/vapour ignition. A gas cylinder is never truly empty unless it is purged with water. A full gas cylinder that is opened while not connected is an even greater risk, as the air/vapour ignition risk will be outside the cylinder.

Spare yourself from accidents

Spare gas cylinders should always be kept in an outside enclosure but remember that limitations on overall gas quantities apply. Technical requirements for positioning and storing make it essential for a qualified and registered gas technician to assess your situation, install or inspect your gas fittings, and issue a compliance certificate. You can verify these services on www.saqccgas.co.za to be sure.

Don’t shut out safety

With many homes using gas throughout for power, a compliant and safe system is paramount. An often-neglected area is the internal emergency shut-off valve, despite the legal requirement to have one and to keep it in good working order. According to South African National Standards (SANS) codes, an emergency shut-off valve must always be accessible and must be placed as close as possible to the entry point of the main gas pipe to the building.

On residential properties, the valve is often situated outside, which makes it difficult to shut off the gas supply if there is an emergency inside. The additional time required to reach the valve also increases the risk of ignition. As gas is heavier than air, it can get into every nook and cranny as it drops down. Any valve attached to a fixed appliance must be within quick and easy reach. A qualified technician will ensure that this is installed correctly.

Commercial properties come with their own requirements, depending on the size and nature of the business. They may also be required to have fire extinguishers on-site and to ensure sufficient space for a firewall to be knocked down if needed.

Storage-savvy

Pay careful attention to how the rubber hose through the wall to a gas appliance is installed. The hole needs to be sleeved and should have a copper insert with the rubber hose line connected. If the pipe is placed through the wall as is, movement creates the risk of it being sanded down by the bricks and cement, which can lead to leaks.

Hose clamps should be treated with caution too, as they can cut into the hose over time if they aren’t properly installed, which also results in leaks.

Although National Building Regulations don’t stipulate that residential properties have fire extinguishers on site, it is highly recommended to have at least one in or near the kitchen area. Make sure it is easily accessible and unobstructed for quick access in case of emergency.

Inspect to avoid regret

You should have your gas appliances and facilities inspected every five years and have a new compliance certificate issued (certificates are usually valid for five years). Hose clamps must also be checked as part of the inspection. You may find that they need replacing every few years in any case, but you may not notice this if regular checks aren’t done.

A gas fire can have a very fast chain reaction, with rapid spread potential. Chat with your adviser to make sure you’re compliant with all relevant SANS codes, ensuring your gas safety is in check.

Original Article: https://www.myproperty.co.za/news/lifestyle-and-architecture/what-you-need-to-know-about-gas-appliances-at-home-06-06-23

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What to do before moving into your new home

Finding the perfect property is an exciting process, but the journey does not end once the search is over. After signing an OTP, buyers will have a long wait ahead of them before the property can be transferred into their name.

Adrian Goslett, Regional Director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa, explains that there are many moving parts that make up the sales process after the OTP has been signed by both parties. “This is where transferring and bond attorneys take over to ensure that all the necessary paperwork and payments happen so that the title deed can be registered in the new owner’s name. It can take anywhere between one to three months to go from signing the OTP to acquiring the necessary certificates, signing the required paperwork, lodging the transaction at the Deeds Office, and finally taking occupation of the new home,” Goslett explains.

For those who are unable to wait, Goslett notes that buyers can take early occupation of the home if the seller agrees to it, but then the buyer will need to pay occupational rent until the home is transferred into the buyer’s name.

However, in most cases, buyers will have to be patient and try to use the time wisely to help them prepare for the coming move. To help excited buyers make this time fly by as quickly as possible, RE/MAX of Southern Africa shares the following tips…

Draft a new budget

Your budget is likely to look very different in a new home. If you have not done so already, be sure to spend some time carefully considering all the new expenses that will need to be covered once you have moved in. Ask the seller roughly how much they spend on rates and utilities in a month. Get quotes for internet packages in the area. Factor in the monthly instalments if you have taken out a home loan. Find out if your insurance premiums will be affected by the move – if you are moving to a place with increased security, your car and household insurance might even be less.

Organize for the move

Two factors will always be true when it comes to planning for a move: (a) you have less available time than you think and (b) you have accumulated more than you realize. The sooner you can start packing out cupboards, the better. You’ll most likely find that you have a lot of items that you would like to donate or dump. Allowing yourself ample time to go through your belongings can make the whole process less stressful. Also, moving companies can get booked up quickly. Use the time before the transfer to request quotes and provisionally book for the moving date.

Start window shopping

In all likelihood, you will have a long list of items you would love to have in the new home. Take the time before the move to shop around for the best prices. If you have not yet decided on how to decorate each room, spend some time going through online portals like Pinterest or flip through home décor magazines for inspiration and ideas.

Enjoy the last moments in your old home

If you are in any way sentimental, take the time to say a proper goodbye to your old home. Host your last few dinner parties and savour the time you have left in your old home and neighbourhood. Take some photos of each room to remember the place by – even if it was not your favourite home, it can still be great to one day look back to remind yourself where you first started.

“Waiting for transfer to go through can be challenging, but if at any point during the process you are feeling unsure of anything, just speak to your agent and ask them for clarity or assistance. There is a lot to organize during this time, but if you keep focused and keep busy, your moving date will arrive sooner than you think,” Goslett concludes.

Original Article: https://www.myproperty.co.za/news/market-and-opinion/what-to-do-before-moving-into-your-new-home-01-06-23

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Don’t rush into a lease agreement without considering these five things

Tenants often feel rushed into signing rental property lease agreements for fear of losing out to rival candidates. In the Western Cape, currently, the most expensive province in which to rent, rental properties are snapped up in a matter of days by up-country residents looking to semi-grate to the coast region.

Michelle Dickens, CEO at PayProp, says there are a few key considerations for tenants looking to commence a rental lease. “The fear of losing a perfect ‘property match’ is real, but tenants should tick the proverbial box on the following five items before putting pen to paper. Take a moment to ensure that you’re entering into a proper lease with a professional rental agency for a home that’s right for you.”

1. Document all agreements in writing

During the process of viewing and agreeing to rent a certain property, many conversations are had between agent, landlord and tenant. Topics might include the allocation of parking, repairs or even the removal of certain items of furniture. It’s vital that all of these items are documented in the final lease agreement to avoid any misunderstandings or surprises down the line.

2. Get to know your agent

It’s likely that during the course of your tenancy, you’ll interface at least monthly with the property professional assigned to manage the property. Take a moment while deciding on the property to get to know your agent and understand how they work. How do they want you to pay rent? What are their procedures when something goes wrong? Do they perhaps make use of a property management platform like PayProp, offering a tenant portal to make your life easier with automated invoicing, payment tracking and professional money handling?

3. Visit the property more than once

If your first visit to the rental property in question was in the morning, possibly on a warm sunny day, then it’s vitally important to visit the property again under different conditions. An evening visit or a colder day will help you understand how light and temperature affect your new home. Visiting twice also helps you to notice all possible idiosyncrasies.

4. Carefully document the condition of the property

Once your lease agreement expires, an inspection of the property will be done to ascertain whether there has been any damage. In the event that damaged or faulty items are found, the cost to repair these items will be deducted from your initial damage deposit, unless they were listed in the property inspection at the start of the lease. As a tenant, you should accompany the agent for this inspection to ensure that nothing is missed, and make sure you’re happy with their report before signing.

5. Understand any additional charges

Tenants are responsible for various additional charges that are included and itemised in the lease agreement. These often include electricity usage, water usage, refuse removal, sewerage and sanitation, and sometimes WiFi, parking or a surcharge on maintenance. When you budget for your rented accommodation, include all the additional costs that you are liable for as well as the rent.

Dickens says the excitement of finding the perfect rental property, coupled with the pressure of securing the tenancy means that many of these items are often overlooked. “Take the time to understand the legal agreement you’re getting yourself into and you’ll find a home – and a housing provider – that are right for you.”

Original Article: https://www.myproperty.co.za/news/market-and-opinion/don-t-rush-into-a-lease-agreement-without-considering-these-five-things-23-05-23

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Solar tops the list of features home buyers seek

As ongoing loadshedding starts to bite deeper and electricity tariffs rise inexorably, interest among home buyers in properties with energy-saving features is picking up considerably. This is according to a survey (with 384 respondents) recently conducted among its agents by national real estate agency, Pam Golding Properties.

Not surprisingly, says Dr Andrew Golding, chief executive of the Pam Golding Property group, given the severity of loadshedding, the most popular ‘green’ feature buyers are currently looking for is solar, with more than a third (35.4%) of all votes.

Says Dr Golding: “This was followed by boreholes and JoJo tanks, which is a pertinent reminder that water remains an issue in much of the country.

“The survey also clearly indicated that for sellers, having alternative power and water storage will sway the decision their way when a buyer is weighing up two similar properties.

“The result is that we are seeing that properties with ‘green’ features such as these sell quicker than those without. Buyers tend to prioritize by viewing these properties first – they welcome the fact that all the work is already done, which adds considerable appeal.

“Notably almost a quarter of the respondents in our survey indicated that more than 50% of their home buyers are asking for solar and other green features when buying a home.”

Adds Dr Golding: “Encouragingly for sellers, the survey also revealed that 68.8% of home buyers would pay a premium for a home with green features, making green solutions like solar an increasingly important driver of the price that sellers are able to achieve for their properties.

Would pay a premium:

“In addition, the survey showed that 55.2% of our agents stated that home owners were adding green features not only for their own benefit, but also in order to make their homes more marketable when the time comes to sell. While it is difficult to quantify the actual value-add in monetary terms, having back-up power and water supply solutions certainly makes homes more appealing and more sellable.

“While going off the grid is the ideal situation, it is apparent, however, that affordability is an issue for many consumers, and understandably so, particularly in the instance of first-time home buyers. As a result, currently the focus for home owners is primarily on offsetting the effects of loadshedding, with water a secondary concern for most.”

Interestingly, in line with international green financing trends, some banks in South Africa now extend preferential terms loans by offering lower interest rates on green-certified home loans.

Concludes Dr Golding: “For high-end buyers, being as far off the grid as possible is a key imperative, while in the middle price ranges, the buyer is happy if the alternate energy keeps them free of loadshedding for most of their needs. Needless to say, green features are a big plus for any home.”

Original Article: https://www.myproperty.co.za/news/market-and-opinion/solar-tops-the-list-of-features-home-buyers-seek-17-05-23

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5 Common mistakes sellers make and how to avoid them

Buying a home is one of the most important financial investments you will ever make, so when the time comes to sell your home, it could be financially devastating to make a mistake. To avoid this we take a look at a few common mistakes that sellers make and how you can steer clear to maximize your return on investment.

We often hear how vital a knowledgeable real estate professional is when buying a home, the same is true for when you are selling your home. Experts in your local market can ensure that you avoid big mistakes in the first place and will have the know-how on marketing your property properly to the right audience.

Apart from enlisting the help of a real estate agent, there are 5 common mistakes often made by sellers that can easily be avoided by preparing for this new chapter.

1. Neglecting necessary repairs

Prepping your property by getting a home inspection to identify any large repairs or maintenance issues just makes sense even if it is not required to do so.

By doing this before listing your property you are ensuring that the process isn’t halted when the potential buyer requests a home inspection that uncovers an issue that could have been fixed. Not only are you streamlining the process you are also showing that you have nothing to hide from buyers, but it is much more likely that you will get asking price for your property because a buyer can’t use maintenance issues to negotiate a lower price.

A beautifully maintained property in an ideal neighbourhood could possibly also attract multiple offers.

2. Failing to prepare the home for showings

Most people underestimate how important a decluttered, clean space is to the sale process. From being able to envision themselves living in your home to the perceived value of the home – a clean home plays an important role.

Tidy up all surfaces, including bookshelves, end tables, and kitchen countertops. It is important to remember that buyers will likely form an opinion of the home before they enter the front door, so remember to tidy up the exterior too. Depending on the season, this could include anything from weeding flowerbeds to putting out planters or touching up chipped paint on the house’s exterior.

3. Not taking professional listing photos

These days, the home-buying process begins online. Listing photos can make all the difference when attracting homebuyers. Even the most luxurious of homes will receive far fewer clicks if they aren’t presented with high-quality photos. Having a professional photographer take the listing photos is always best. Photos should have ample lighting to help a room appear more spacious. The home should also be prepared just as you would before a showing to make sure the home looks its best in the photos.

4. Leaving ‘room to negotiate’

Many sellers set the asking price higher to ‘leave room to negotiate.’ This often leads to buyers overlooking the home as it falls outside their price point. A real estate professional can help guide sellers to a realistic listing price. Sometimes, setting a price that is disproportionate to the value of the property means that the home will sit on the market for longer. The longer the home is on the market, the more bold buyers get with their offers because they assume that the seller will be desperate to sell. The closer a home is listed to fair market value, the quicker it will sell – and often for a higher price than if it were originally listed at an over-inflated price.

5. Underestimating the closing costs

There are various costs associated with the selling process that many sellers often fail to budget for. There might be costs involved in getting the home ready for sale, including some routine repairs, staging costs, and possibly professional listing photos. As the sale progresses, there will also be various closing costs associated with the transfer and registration process, moving expenses, and real estate agent commissions that will need to be paid.

Original Article: https://www.myproperty.co.za/news/market-and-opinion/5-common-mistakes-sellers-make-and-how-to-avoid-them-05-05-23

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The importance of home inspections

Before you buy, what seems like your dream home, consider getting a home inspection to ensure you know about all the potential problems.

By having a professional inspector examine the property, you will be able to uncover any safety concerns, structural issues, or repairs that may not be immediately visible.

In South Africa, home inspections are not mandatory, but they are highly recommended. A home inspection can be especially important if you are purchasing a property that is older or has had significant renovations. It can also be helpful if you are concerned about potential issues like water damage, termites, or mold.

When choosing a home inspector in South Africa, it’s important to look for someone who is licensed and qualified to perform inspections. You may also want to ask for references from previous clients and check online reviews.

During a home inspection, the inspector will typically examine the following areas:

  • Roof
  • Foundation
  • Plumbing and electrical systems
  • Heating and cooling systems
  • Walls, ceilings, and floors
  • Windows and doors

After the inspection, the inspector will provide you with a detailed report outlining any issues they found, along with recommendations for repairs or further evaluation. This information can be extremely valuable in negotiating the purchase price or deciding whether to proceed with the purchase at all.

Should I get a home inspection done before listing my property for sale?

While getting a home inspection done before you list your property is not mandatory it might still be beneficial. By doing a pre-listing home inspection, you can identify any issues with your property that may come up during a buyer’s inspection.

This gives you the opportunity to make repairs or address issues before putting your home on the market, potentially saving you time and money in the long run.

A pre-listing inspection can also be helpful in setting a realistic asking price for your property. If there are issues that need to be addressed, such as a leaky roof or outdated electrical system, it may affect the value of your home. By knowing about these issues ahead of time, you can adjust your asking price accordingly and avoid any surprises during negotiations.

Another benefit of a pre-listing inspection is that it can give potential buyers peace of mind. When you have a recent inspection report available, you can show buyers that you have nothing to hide and that you’re committed to being transparent about the condition of your property.

Who can perform home inspections?

Home inspections in South Africa are typically performed by qualified and licensed professionals known as Home Inspectors.

Home inspectors require intensive training in order to responsibly do their work. They are required to have a working knowledge of every component in a South African home.  To meet this need the curriculum for a new building (home) inspector qualification has been developed by the municipalities, private home inspectors, the banks, the NHBRC and others.

The National Association of Building Inspectors or South Africa (www.nabisa.org.za) represents the interests of all qualified building and home inspectors in South Africa and enforces a Code of Conduct on its members.

When choosing a home inspector in South Africa, it’s important to look for someone who is experienced, knowledgeable, and has a good reputation. You may also want to ask for references from previous clients and check online reviews.

Original Article: https://www.myproperty.co.za/news/market-and-opinion/the-importance-of-home-inspections-24-04-23

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Home maintenance that you shouldn’t ignore

There are a multitude of advantages to owning your own home, but the one glaring disadvantage is that you can’t simply call the landlord when something needs fixing and, although cosmetic repairs can be postponed, there are some repairs which should never be ignored.

“Every home is likely to have at least one thing that needs fixing,” says Claude McKirby, Co-Principal of Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty in the Southern Suburbs and False Bay, “and whilst issues like chipped kitchen countertops are merely unattractive, other problems could become extremely costly – or even dangerous – down the line.

He adds that even if you aren’t planning to sell in the near future, if you let maintenance slide, when you do eventually decide to put your home on the market, you could be in for a rude shock at the cost of making all the necessary repairs.

McKirby says that whilst many issues can be ignored for several months – or even years – the following problems should be addressed as soon as they arise:

Slow drips or leaks

A slow drip can quickly turn into an expensive leak so always call in a professional immediately if you spot any signs of moisture damage on your ceilings or walls or notice any mould growth. The same applies to taps that constantly drip because, although a leaky faucet is unlikely to cause structural damage, it can quickly drive up your utility bill.

Roof repairs

The roof of your home is always going to be under a lot of stress as it’s constantly exposed to the elements and this can lead to all kinds of problems, from simple leaks to damage caused by falling branches and trees. And damage to a roof will always get worse and often very quickly, so never ignore any signs of damage.

Clogged gutters

Homes with gutters are prone to clogging due to the growth of algae and the accumulation of leaves and other debris and most issues are avoided with regular cleaning to assure a free water flow.

However, it’s a task that is easily forgotten about and often avoided, especially in winter and can quickly lead to much bigger problems such as roof leaks. Also, consider adding gutter guards to keep out leaves and debris and attend to out-of-place shingles and cracks on time.

Electrical faults

This is one of the most dangerous problems you can have because not only can it cause damage to your property it can also put your family at risk so it’s definitely not something that you should ignore until it becomes a serious problem.

Damp spots

This is usually an indication that you have a leaking pipe in your ceiling or in your walls and therefore a potentially serious plumbing issue. If the spot gets worse after rain, then you probably have a leaking roof. Either way, don’t delay these repairs as these issues will only get worse over time.

Structural issues

The foundation of a critical part of the entire structure, and also one of the most expensive to repair.

And, whilst a few minor cracks may only be a sign of settling in the home, never ignore larger cracks as they could be a sign of serious structural problems with the foundation and they need to be check out thoroughly.

The easiest way to check the foundation is from the basement, but if this isn’t possible, looking at the door frames throughout the home can give you an idea if a house is experiencing structural problems. If they don’t appear to be square or doors seem to have difficulty closing, you need to consider commissioning a structural survey.

“Keeping to a regular maintenance schedule will help ensure you can handle many of the necessary repairs yourself without having to call in expensive experts,” advises McKirby.

“The best way to do so is to create a home maintenance checklist that includes regular home maintenance tasks to be done on a monthly, quarterly, or annual basis.

“In doing so, you will not only extend the life of almost everything in your home, you will also potentially save a lot of money over time. And some tasks can be broken up and done over time which will be easier and cheaper, both in the short and long-term.

Original Article: https://www.myproperty.co.za/news/lifestyle-and-architecture/home-maintenance-that-you-shouldn-t-ignore-11-04-23

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Will buyers pay more for solar-powered homes?

As load shedding persists, an increasing amount of home buyers are searching for properties that can avoid the effects of the rolling blackouts. This is likely to become even more prevalent now that the budget speech has made allowance for South Africans to receive up R15,000 in tax rebates for installing solar panels, effective from 1 March 2023.

“What I will say is that adding solar power to your home is an expensive exercise. Those who do go to the trouble of having it installed are unlikely to sell anytime soon. This could mean that the demand for solar-powered homes might outstrip supply, which could push up the price of these homes,” comments Adrian Goslett, Regional Director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa.

Speaking into the luxury housing market in Cape Town, Karryn Cartoulis of RE/MAX Living explains that “it is now one of the first questions a potential purchaser will ask as they enter the property. The solar panels actually become a feature on a home and clients don’t seem to be put off by their appearance as they are more interested in their performance. With constant loadshedding and increasing electricity prices, it really is the only way to go – especially if you are working from home.”

She adds that most of her clients who purchase freehold homes all consider adding solar energy to their new properties if they do not already have solar installed. For those who do plan to install their own systems, Cartoulis highlights that “there are different tiers (quality) of hardware and although they may be more expensive, the tier 1 products have better production and longevity,” she explains.

According to Tanya Sakota of RE/MAX One in Johannesburg, off-the-grid homes are also in high demand in her markets, along with other luxury features such as “home automation, cinema lounges, and rotating garage floors”.

Apart from being somewhat of a luxury and saving homeowners from the inconvenience of load shedding, solar power is also a more environmentally friendly way for us to power our homes. “We should all be striving towards implementing systems that can help us reduce our carbon footprint and live more sustainably. I would highly recommend going ahead with the addition if you are able to afford adding solar to the home. Not only could it add to the resale value of your home, but it could also help you live more sustainably,” Goslett concludes.

Original Article: https://www.myproperty.co.za/news/market-and-opinion/will-buyers-pay-more-for-solar-powered-homes-03-04-23

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Bitten by the buy-to-let bug? Tips for beginner property investors

Apartments are among the most popular rental properties and offer excellent opportunities to build your wealth. They are often ideal for young property investors, but Samuel Seeff, chairman of the Seeff Property Group warns that property buyers should know that purchasing property to live in compared to property to let are two very different sides to the coin.

He says a rental property can be a great investment, provided you buy in the right area and ensure there is demand for the type of property. By investing in property, you can build wealth, but ensure you are financially secure.

Some things to consider include the following:

  • Financing the purchase of your property. You could make use of a mortgage loan if you do not have the cash. You will need to pass the credit and affordability checks. Some banks offer buy-to-let products, but you may in all likelihood have to pay a higher deposit.
  • How much rental can you charge? It is vital to investigate the neighbourhood and ensure you invest in a property that is in demand. Generally, the monthly rental may still fall short of the mortgage loan repayment, and you will need to cover the shortfall.
  • Budgeting for maintenance. Unlike most other investments, property requires maintenance and upkeep so that you can maximise the rental potential. It is also legally required that the property must be in a fit and habitable state.
  • Other costs associated with rental property. In addition to the transaction costs associated with the purchase (transfer duty, attorneys’ fees, and so on), there will also be costs associated with sourcing and vetting a suitable tenant, and drawing up the lease agreement.
  • Which costs can be passed on to the tenant? The lease agreement should set out who pays for what. The tenant is usually responsible for the rental and utilities used and the landlord for the property taxes, levies (if applicable), and maintenance not due to tenant negligence.
  • Who should insure the property? It is the responsibility of the property owner or landlord to insure the property itself. The contents will be for the tenant to insure, except if it is furnished, then the owner or landlord should insure the contents.
  • Managing the property and tenant. The lease agreement should make provision for you to inspect the property at certain periods with permission from the tenant. For peace of mind, it is recommended that you use a rental agent to manage the property, especially if you are a novice investor.
  • Tax and your rental investment. The rental income will be taxable and should be added to your income on your annual return. You will be able to deduct certain expenses pertaining to the property. Visit the SARS website and get advice from a tax consultant.

Original Article: https://www.myproperty.co.za/news/market-and-opinion/bitten-by-the-buy-to-let-bug-tips-for-beginner-property-investors-06-03-23

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Home maintenance: Get your home winter ready

Although you may not currently be considering the chilly days of winter, the colder months are fast approaching. Therefore, it’s crucial to proactively address your home’s winter maintenance to prepare for the cold ahead.

Winter can bring some harsh weather and as a homeowner, you should take the time to investigate your home inside and out to ensure it will be able to withstand winter storms, rains, and frost.

Here are our top maintenance tips to winterize your home:

  • Check your roof: Make sure your roof is in good condition and can withstand heavy rain and wind. Check for any loose or missing tiles or shingles and have them replaced or repaired if necessary.
  • Insulate your home: Poor insulation can make your home very cold in winter. Consider adding insulation to your walls, ceilings, and floors to keep your home warm. This will not only help keep you cozy it will also help reduce your energy bills.
  • Service your heating system: If you have a central heating system, make sure it’s serviced before winter starts to ensure it’s working efficiently. If you have a fireplace or wood-burning stove, have it cleaned and checked for any damage.
  • Seal any drafts: Check for drafts around doors and windows and seal them to keep the cold air out. You can use weather stripping or caulking to seal gaps.
  • Clean gutters and drains: Make sure your gutters and drains are clear of debris to prevent water damage to your home during heavy rain.
  • Prepare your garden: Trim any overhanging branches or trees that could cause damage during a storm. Drain and cover any outdoor taps or pipes to prevent freezing. Automatic sprinklers need to be reset so that you do not end up wasting water. Seasonal furniture and outdoor décor should be stowed away, and pools should be covered to avoid debris from falling in and clogging up the filtering system.
  • Stock up on emergency supplies: In case of a power outage or severe weather, make sure you have enough food, water, and other supplies to last for a few days. With load-shedding, the norm now, make sure you have alternative heating sources that you can safely use inside like a gas heater. Invest in hot water bottles and high-quality blankets to keep you warm when load-shedding hits during the night. Things such as torch batteries, candles, and matches will also be useful in this respect. If you can, install a solar system to help you partially get off the grid, or completely.

By taking these steps, homeowners can help ensure their properties are ready for winter in South Africa and can stay warm and dry throughout the season.

Original Article: https://www.myproperty.co.za/news/lifestyle-and-architecture/home-maintenance-get-your-home-winter-ready-14-03-23