First topic message reminder :

Winter tips for your property and related information when leaving it empty


Outside

Check that the roof is watertight

Check for broken tiles and replace as needed

Check for tiles that may have slipped and make sure you refit them

If you have a chimney then this is a good time to check it

Clean our the gutters and make sure the drainpipes run free

Check the ridge tiles/coping stones for any movement or gaps

Check all the exterior woodwork for any flaking paint


Inside

Drain the boiler

Drain the toilet cistern

Drain all the taps both hot and cold and leave them open

Clean and empty the 'S' bends under the all sinks (if they are accessible)

Turn off the water completely at the mains

Switch of all electrical appliances

Switch of all gas connections

Switch off the main power supply to the house

Check round your house for any small holes that a mouse could get in and seal it

Check that all doors and windows close fully and are sealed well

If you have central heating Put some antifreeze in the system

Give the someone you trust a spare set of keys so the house can be checked on

I'm sure others will have more tips to add here so lets hear them

Don't forget to run your air conditioning units regularly

We arrived at the end of February this year and have spent most of our time renovating and improving the property, especially how the harsh winters will affect our house and ourselves living in the house. Our house had not been lived in for a minimum of 6 years and so a lot has been done to it to make it habitable and comfortable to live in. We kept our original double windows, although we could have had them all double glazed and my strong advice to anyone intending to buy here would be to do the same and keep the windows as they are truly better than double glazed ones. It is only when you experience the winter here in the raw as we have done that you know what to do next year to improve it. The odd draft here and there and any water leaks that start up with the cold, also how efficient the central heating system has been. All things to take into account when purchasing a house in BG.