Inspections That Will Help You Save Money This Winter
Your home is likely your largest investment. We have been building homes for many years here in Colchester and the surrounding areas, we know what many area homeowners have invested in their homes. We enjoy our role in helping protect those investments and we want to help make sure your home is ready for the coming winter season.
Winter 2015-2016 is supposed to be just as cold and snowy as last winter – and we all remember that all too vividly. We spent several of the summer months repairing roofs, garages, and carports that were damaged by heavy snowfall last year. We appreciate the work of course, but we hate to see that type of damages to local homes.
Inspections
We all know that it is important to keep an eye on every part of our home. But some inspections are far more important than others. Here are some of the inspections we recommend as annual inspections:
Roof – Your roof has to be able to withstand all of the snowfall we may (or may not) receive this year. You need a roof inspection especially if you heard any creaking or groaning within the rafters during last year’s snowfall. Please remember that wet snow is much heavier than powdery snow, and can cause your roof to collapse.
Chimney – The chimney is often a place of refuge for small animals and birds escaping predators throughout the warmer months. We’ve seen raccoons, birds, squirrels, and a variety of other wildlife nest in the chimney. Hire a certified chimney sweep to inspect the chimney before lighting that first fire of the season.
Fireplace or Wood Stove – The fireplace, wood burning stove, furnace, or other heat-producing element needs to be inspected before you light the first fire of the season. Schedule a cleaning and inspection at the same time you hire a chimney sweep to clean and inspect the chimney.
Dryer Vent – The dryer vent becomes clogged up with lint more quickly than most homeowners realize. A certified chimney sweep is generally your best bet for a dryer vent cleaning.
Heat Pump – A certified HVAC technician should inspect your heat pump at least once per year. The heat pump is responsible for cleaning the air in your home as much as it is for keeping it at a nice steady temperature year-round. Treat it right and it will continue to serve its purpose for years to come.
Laurie’s Certified Construction is located in Colchester, VT and provides all types of remodeling and homebuilding services to the surrounding areas. We love to see homeowners protect their investment throughout the year and ensure winter preparedness steps have been followed. We are also readily available to help homeowners who, despite their best efforts, experience damage to their home during freezing weather. Give us a call at 802-862-4754 to discuss your homeownership needs and we’ll schedule an appointment for a consultation.