Winter Home Inspection Checklist for Property Owners

Introduction

Winter weather can be harsh on homes. Preparing your property before cold weather arrives prevents costly damage and ensures your home stays safe and comfortable. Here's a comprehensive checklist for winter readiness.

Exterior Inspection

Roof and Gutters

Tasks:

• Clean gutters and downspouts of leaves and debris

• Inspect roof for damaged or missing shingles

• Check flashing around chimneys and vents

• Trim tree branches hanging over roof (ice can cause them to break)

• Inspect attic for proper ventilation to prevent ice dams

• Look for signs of water damage in attic

❄️ Ice Dam Prevention:

Ice dams form when heat escapes through your roof, melting snow that refreezes at the eaves. Ensure proper attic insulation and ventilation to prevent this costly problem. Ice dams can cause water to back up under shingles and leak into your home.

Foundation and Drainage

Tasks:

• Check that soil slopes away from foundation (6 inches over 10 feet)

• Extend downspouts at least 5-10 feet from foundation

• Seal any foundation cracks to prevent water infiltration

• Clear debris from window wells

• Inspect drainage systems for proper function

• Check for signs of settling or movement

Why it matters: Frozen water expands with tremendous force. Water that seeps into foundation cracks can freeze, expand, and cause major structural damage.

Windows and Doors

Tasks:

• Replace worn weatherstripping around doors and windows

• Caulk gaps around window and door frames

• Install storm windows or use plastic film insulation kits

• Check that all windows and doors close and lock properly

• Inspect for drafts and air leaks

• Lubricate locks and hinges

Energy savings: Proper sealing can reduce heating costs by 10-20%.

Exterior Walls and Siding

Tasks:

• Inspect siding for cracks or damage

• Seal any gaps where utilities enter the house

• Check exterior caulking and repair as needed

• Look for signs of pest entry points

• Inspect brick and mortar for deterioration

• Touch up exterior paint if needed

Heating System

Furnace or Boiler

Tasks:

• Schedule professional HVAC inspection and tune-up

• Replace furnace filters (monthly during winter)

• Test thermostat to ensure proper operation

• Clean or vacuum heating vents and registers

• Check that vents aren't blocked by furniture or drapes

• Inspect heat exchanger for cracks (carbon monoxide risk)

• Test furnace operation before cold weather arrives

• Check pilot light (if gas furnace)

Safety tip: A well-maintained furnace runs more efficiently and safely. Annual servicing can reduce energy costs by 15% and prevent dangerous carbon monoxide leaks.

Fireplace and Chimney

Tasks:

• Have chimney professionally inspected and cleaned

• Test fireplace damper operation

• Stock up on firewood if you use wood-burning fireplace

• Install or test carbon monoxide detectors near sleeping areas

• Check for drafts when fireplace isn't in use

• Inspect fireplace glass doors and screens

• Verify chimney cap is in place and undamaged

Fire safety: Creosote buildup in chimneys causes an estimated 25,000 chimney fires annually. Professional cleaning removes this fire hazard.

Plumbing Protection

Prevent Frozen Pipes

Tasks:

• Insulate pipes in unheated areas (basement, crawl space, attic)

• Seal air leaks around pipes

• Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses

• Shut off and drain outdoor faucets

• Know where your main water shut-off is located

• During extreme cold, let faucets drip slightly

• Keep cabinet doors open under sinks to allow warm air circulation

• Consider pipe heating cables for vulnerable pipes

💧 Frozen Pipe Emergency:

If pipes freeze:

1. Turn off water at the main valve

2. Never use open flame to thaw pipes

3. Use hair dryer or heating pad on pipe

4. Call a plumber if you can't locate freeze or if pipes burst

5. Check for leaks once pipes thaw

Damage prevention: A burst pipe can release 400+ gallons of water per hour, causing tens of thousands in damage.

Water Heater

Tasks:

• Drain a few gallons from water heater to remove sediment

• Test temperature/pressure relief valve

• Insulate water heater if in cold location

• Check for leaks or corrosion

• Verify temperature setting (120°F recommended)

• Inspect anode rod if accessible

Efficiency tip: Draining sediment improves efficiency and extends water heater life.

Electrical and Safety

Safety Devices

Tasks:

• Test all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors

• Replace batteries in all detectors (or install 10-year sealed batteries)

• Check fire extinguishers (charge and inspection date)

• Ensure emergency flashlights have fresh batteries

• Test GFCI outlets

• Create emergency contact list

• Review family emergency plan

Legal requirement: Many jurisdictions require working smoke and CO detectors on every level and near bedrooms.

Electrical

Tasks:

• Inspect electrical cords for damage or fraying

• Don't overload outlets with space heaters and holiday decorations

• Test GFCI outlets monthly

• Consider backup heating source in case of power outage

• Check outdoor lighting fixtures

• Ensure adequate lighting on walkways and stairs

• Inspect extension cords for outdoor use rating

Safety warning: Space heaters cause 44% of home heating fires. Keep them 3 feet from anything combustible and never leave unattended.

Interior Maintenance

Insulation and Air Sealing

Tasks:

• Add weatherstripping to doors

• Install door sweeps on exterior doors

• Check attic insulation depth (should be 10-14 inches)

• Seal air leaks around light fixtures and electrical outlets

• Use draft stoppers at door bottoms

• Caulk gaps around baseboards

• Add window insulation film if needed

Cost savings: Proper insulation can reduce heating costs by 20-30%.

Humidity Control

Tasks:

• Monitor indoor humidity levels (ideal: 30-50%)

• Use dehumidifier if humidity is too high (prevents mold)

• Run bathroom exhaust fans during and after showers

• Vent clothes dryer to outside, not into house

• Check for condensation on windows (sign of high humidity)

• Ensure kitchen range hood vents outside

Why it matters: High humidity promotes mold growth. Low humidity causes respiratory issues and damages wood floors and furniture.

Emergency Preparedness

Create Winter Emergency Kit

Items to include:

• Flashlights and extra batteries

• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio

• First aid kit

• Non-perishable food and water (3-day supply)

• Blankets and warm clothing

• Portable phone chargers

• Medications (week supply)

• Snow shovel and ice melt

• Kitty litter or sand (for traction)

• Emergency candles and matches

Important Information

Know and document:

• Location of main water shut-off valve

• Location of electrical panel and how to shut off power

• Emergency contact numbers (plumber, electrician, HVAC)

• Insurance agent contact info

• Utility company emergency numbers

• Local emergency services

Pro tip: Take photos of these locations and keep in your phone for quick reference during emergencies.

Monthly Winter Maintenance

During winter months, check these items monthly:

Monthly tasks:

• Replace furnace filter

• Check for ice dams on roof

• Clear snow from vents, meters, and emergency exits

• Test smoke and CO detectors

• Check basement and crawl space for moisture

• Inspect attic for ice or moisture buildup

• Clear snow and ice from walkways and stairs

• Check weatherstripping and caulking

Professional Inspections to Consider

Before winter arrives, consider scheduling these professional services:

Recommended services:

• HVAC tune-up and inspection ($100-$200) - Ensures efficient, safe operation

• Chimney inspection and cleaning ($150-$400) - Prevents fires and CO issues

• Roof inspection ($200-$400) - Identifies vulnerabilities before snow loads

• Whole-home energy audit ($200-$500) - Identifies air leaks and insulation gaps

ROI: These inspections typically pay for themselves through prevented repairs and energy savings.

Regional Considerations

Cold Climate (Frequent below freezing)

• Extra insulation in attic and walls

• Heated gutters or gutter guards

• Roof ice melt cables

• Whole-house humidifier

• Emergency generator

Moderate Climate (Occasional freezing)

• Pipe insulation for exposed pipes

• Faucet covers for outdoor spigots

• Know how to shut off water quickly

• Keep cabinet doors open during cold snaps

Mild Climate (Rare freezing)

• Basic pipe protection

• Monitor weather forecasts

• Have supplies ready for unexpected freeze

• Know freeze protection procedures

Signs of Winter Damage to Watch For

Immediate concerns:

• Water stains on ceilings (ice dam damage)

• Frozen pipes (no water flow)

• Ice buildup in attic

• Drafts around windows or doors

• Unusually high heating bills

• Furnace cycling frequently or not heating

• Icicles larger than 6 inches (ice dam warning)

Address immediately: Don't wait for these to "resolve themselves." Winter damage gets worse quickly.

Spring Follow-Up

After winter, inspect for:

• Roof damage from ice or snow

• Foundation cracks from freeze-thaw

• Damage to siding or trim

• Gutter and downspout damage

• Landscaping damage

• Window seal failure

Early detection prevents minor issues from becoming major repairs.

The Bottom Line

Winter preparation isn't optional—it's essential home maintenance that prevents costly damage and keeps your family safe. A few hours of preparation in fall can save thousands in winter repairs and emergency calls.

Don't wait for the first freeze or snowstorm. Start your winter prep early, work through this checklist systematically, and address any issues before cold weather arrives.

Remember: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, especially when it comes to winter home maintenance.