Make Home and Yard Maintenance More Than A Chore

Some people find joy in tending to their property during the autumn season; for others, it’s a nuisance. Either way, tending to your home’s outdoors is a necessary fall undertaking.

“There are several items that homeowners should include on their fall to-do list, some of which are frequently overlooked,” said Wayne Ross, insurance expert at Aviva Canada. “Many of the tasks do more than just make your property look nice – they help prepare your home for the harsh conditions ahead.”

Ross urges homeowners to put these tasks on their to-do lists:

1. Get your fireplace ready: To avoid fire and smoke damage make sure that the damper opens and closes properly. If your chimney hasn’t been cleaned in over a year call a chimney sweeper.
2. Dispose your leaves properly: Collect your leaves in locally approved garbage bags and put them out for collection or take them to assigned dumping areas. Do not burn leaves—this is illegal in urban areas and can easily cause home fires throughout the neighbourhood.
3. Inspect your roof: Check your roof to ensure that it can withstand the wear and tear of winter months and that it won’t collapse under the weight of wet leaves, ice and snow.
4. Protect your pipes: Prevent plumbing freezes and pipe bursts by insulating exposed pipes and turning off their water supply when you are away.

For more information on keeping both you and your home safe while doing fall yard work, give us a call at 1.866.418.3672 and ask to speak to one of our expert brokers.