When the winter season sets in, many Quebecers prepare their homes for winter. Nothing better than a “Checklist” to achieve this quickly and efficiently. This often involves checking insulation, caulking windows and doors, weatherstripping, adding storm windows and doors, etc. However, there are additional measures that can be taken to ensure a warm and comfortable winter season. In this article, we will provide a detailed list of preparations that can be made to your home before the onset of cold weather.

Article Shortcuts

Download the winter residential checklist guide

Why is effective winter maintenance of your home essential as a Quebec homeowner?

As a Quebec owner, it is important to take winter maintenance seriously. There are several reasons for this.First, properly maintaining your home can save you money on your energy bills.

Plus, by making sure your home is well insulated and weatherproof, you can keep the cold and wind out of your home, making it more comfortable.

Finally, proper winter maintenance can help protect your home from cold weather damage.

The costly consequences of not having a winter maintenance plan.

If you are a Quebec homeowner and you do not have a winter maintenance plan, you risk suffering costly consequences.

Here are some of the things that could happen if you don't winterize your home:

1-You could end up paying way more than you need on your energy bills.

2-Your home may be less comfortable in winter than it should be.

3-Your home could be more susceptible to cold weather damage.

4-You may have to make expensive repairs to your home to repair the damage caused by the cold.

So, as you can see, it is very important for Quebec owners to take winter maintenance seriously. It is essential to make a plan now and that is what we present in this article.

Your home is one of your most important investments, so it makes sense to take care of it.

By performing regular maintenance, you can avoid costly repairs.

1-Insulate your house

One of the best ways to winterize your home is to insulate it. Insulation keeps warm air out and cold air out, making your home more pleasant to live in in the winter. You can insulate your home by installing insulation in the attic, walls and basement.

2-Caulk doors and windows.

Another way to keep the cold out of your home is to caulk windows and doors. This will create a tight seal that will keep the cold out. Caulking is a simple process that can be done by most homeowners.

3-Control your home

Another way to keep the cold out of your home is to weather strip. Tufting helps keep wind out of your home and is a quick and easy way to improve your home's energy efficiency.

Where do you start preparing your home for winter?

When time flies too fast, we have to be efficient!

Winter maintenance is very important for Quebec homeowners because it helps keep the house warm and comfortable, while protecting it from damage caused by the cold. By taking the time to winterize your home, you can save money on your energy bills and avoid costly repairs. It can be hard to find the time to take care of everything on your to-do list. So how do you get there?

How to be efficient and do tasks quickly?

1-Make a to-do list

Make a list of all the tasks that need to be done.

This will help you stay organized and make sure you don't miss anything important.

2-Create a calendar

Create a schedule for yourself and try to stick to it as closely as possible. That way, you'll be able to get your house ready on time and avoid any last-minute rush.

3-Divide tasks into categories

Divide the tasks into categories (exterior, interior, etc.) and work on them one at a time. This will help you stay focused and efficient.

4-Ask for help if necessary

Use this article of course, but you should ask for help from family members, friends and specialists with the right tools if necessary. This can make the job easier and more enjoyable for everyone involved.

Ultimately, your plan should save you time to relax and enjoy your work!

Why does it pay for a homeowner to follow a winter maintenance plan?

It pays for a homeowner to follow a winter maintenance plan for several reasons.

Winter is a tough season for homeowners. Not only do you have to worry about the cold, but you also have to worry about protecting your home from damage. By following a winter maintenance plan, you can protect your home while keeping it warm and comfortable.

Here are some of the reasons why it is beneficial for a homeowner to follow a winter maintenance plan:

1-Protect your home from the cold

If you take the time to properly insulate and caulk your home, you can keep the cold out and save money on your energy bills.

2-Prevent damage to your home

The cold can cause a lot of damage to your home, like cracking windows, rotting wood and bursting pipes. By properly preparing your home for the winter season, you can avoid most of this damage.

3-Maintain the value of your home

A well-maintained home is more valuable than an untidy one. By following a winter maintenance plan, you will help protect the value of your home.

Who can help you as an owner to properly follow your winter maintenance plan?

Everyone in the family can have fun while lending a hand. But, if you want additional support, there are plenty of organizations and companies that will help you inspect and maintain your home.

Home improvement stores, for example, sell a variety of products that can be used for repairs. In addition, many cities and towns offer tasks such as insulating your home and caulking doors and windows.

Finally, there are a number of private companies that offer specialized services like caulking your doors and windows and more general companies that offer handyman services for your more manual tasks.

Often, a good relationship with your handyman allows you to have access to good specialists in your neighborhood that he can refer to you.

The Brother-in-law Club

Maintenance - Renovation - Maintenance plan

Header (2)

Join for free*

*With prepayment of $65/month of service, applicable on all our banners

The Brother-in-law's winter maintenance guide for rent: The best tips and cheat sheets gathered for you in one PDF document

Our winter home maintenance guide is the perfect way to prepare for the colder months ahead.

In this guide you will find useful tips on how to take care of your home in winter. By following these tips, you can protect your home from the cold and prevent damage.

Checklist: A complete list of tasks and inspections to be done outside.

Exterior inspections:

  • Regularly check your roof for ice or snow buildup, and clear it accordingly.
  • In order to avoid any damage, please ensure that snow and ice are regularly cleared from the carport.
  • Examine the exterior of the house for cracks, damage and loss of stucco.
  • Check windows and doors for drafts.
  • Inspect the roof to see if it is damaged.
  • Check landscaping drainage

Tasks to do outside:

  • Be sure to clear snow from exits, roads, and emergency areas around your home, as well as balconies, patios, and driveways. If necessary, you can also spread sand or gravel with de-icer for better traction.
  • Assuming you have a heat pump, to prevent your heat pump from malfunctioning and to maintain good air circulation, it is essential to remove any buildup of snow or ice.
  • Regularly check the caulking around doors and windows and replace it if necessary.
  • Sweep leaves, branches and other debris from the roof and gutters.

Checklist: A complete list of interior tasks and inspections.

Interior inspection:

  • Regularly check your ceilings and doors for cracks or chafing, as this could be a sign of too much ice on the roof.
  • It is necessary to regularly check your fire extinguishers and, if necessary, recharge or replace them.
  • Inspect all emergency exits to make sure the locks work properly.
  • Make sure guardrails and handrails are secure.
  • Be sure to check your chimney regularly for any damage.
  • Inspect your attic and basement insulation
  • Examine the tile joints near the bathtub and shower, as well as the sealing of the bathtub.
  • Inspect your washdown hoses for any signs of wear. If you see any damage, replace the washers and test the valves to make sure they are working properly.
  • Check the dishwasher water supply hoses for leaks or damage.
  • Check the seal of the access hatch to your attic. If you find any, seal them with compressible weather stripping or removable sealant.
  • Check the heating system.
  • When inspecting the attic, watch for these problems: frost, rusty nail heads and traces of mold in the attic.

If necessary, get an expert to diagnose the problem and make the changes.

Interior tasks:

  •  If you often see condensation on your windows, use a hygrometer to measure the humidity in your home and take steps to correct the problem.
  • Circulate air behind furniture and behind cabinets near exterior walls, especially in basements. Warm, humid areas produce mold more easily.
  • Keep the temperature of the earthen cellar around 10-15°C, and make sure that the air vents are well closed.
  • Be sure to perform a radon test in your home. Radon is a radioactive gas that can be dangerous to health. It is therefore necessary to ensure that your home is free of them. A simple test will give you peace of mind and ensure that you and your family are safe from radon exposure.
  • If the pipes are in danger of freezing, turn on a faucet and let a small trickle of water run overnight. Likewise, if the pipes are located in the back of a closet near an exterior wall, open the doors to let in ambient heat.
  • In cold or windy weather, identify areas where air could enter your home and take steps to fix the problem when the weather is nicer.
  • Clean the bathroom exhaust fan grill to remove dust and dirt.
  • Collect the ashes from the fireplace and clean the mantel.
  • Test all of the shutoff valves in your home.
  • Keeping your drawers and cabinet doors clean and snug is important to maintaining a functional household.
  • Don't forget to regularly clean the filter in your cooker hood and replace it if necessary.
  • Clean refrigerator coils, dust the back and bottom of appliances.
  • Clean your smoke or carbon monoxide alarms, change their batteries if necessary and check their operation.

Brother-in-law's reminders for rent!

Walking around your property for just a few minutes can reveal significant damage, including cracks and fractures. Without having to climb it, be sure to examine your roof from afar and compare with your neighbours; if some areas are clear of snow and others are not, it may indicate that a section of your attic is poorly insulated. 

Urban artist check for ice formation at the edge of the roof. It's very nice, but it shows a sign of ineffective insulation.

Also check for cracks on your foundation. Water can easily enter the house during heavy rains or periods of rapid thaw. Repairing any cracks quickly helps prevent long-term problems.

Lack of time to properly prepare.

Although it is always good to be prepared for winter, sometimes extreme weather conditions take us by surprise. In such cases, it can be helpful to have a friend or family member to help you. This is especially true if your home is not properly equipped to deal with the cold.

If you find yourself in this situation, don't worry. There is always help available. One option is to hire our company Brother-in-law for hire. Surely we have a brother-in-law in your neighborhood to help you winterize your home.

Another option is to call a professional contractor. He can assess the damage and carry out the necessary repairs so that your home is ready to face the cold. Your brother-in-law for rent from your neighborhood can surely guide you to find the right contractor.

Whatever you choose to do, be sure to act quickly. The weather can change quickly and it's important to be prepared for anything.

In conclusion, here are the 12 essential tasks to take into account to prepare your home for winter in Quebec:

  1. Check insulation
  2. Caulk windows and doors
  3. Weatherstripping
  4. Add storm windows and doors
  5. Radon test
  6. Prevent frozen pipes (plumbing)
  7. Clean bathroom exhaust fan grill
  8. Sweep and clean refrigerator coils
  9. Dust the back and bottom of appliances
  10. Check all shut-off valves
  11. Inspect the exterior for any cracks or damage
  12. Store outdoor furniture, planters, etc.

By following the advice we give you, you can be sure that your home is well prepared for winter in Quebec. These tips include checking insulation, caulking windows and doors, installing weatherstripping, adding storm windows and doors, and more. If you have any questions about winterizing your home or would like more information, please contact us.

People who have a maintenance plan in place for their home usually find that they save money in the long run. Indeed, many problems can be avoided with regular checks and repairs, instead of waiting for something to fail completely and require a more expensive repair. Also, it may be helpful to have someone else perform these checks.

Looking for a company to help you with winter preparations?

Looking for someone to take care of your home this winter? We offer a wide range of tasks to face the Quebec climate, from deep cleaning to handyman services. If you need a hand getting your home ready, look no further than Brother-in-law for rent. We have everything you need.

So what are you waiting for? Start maintaining your home today.

Brother-in-Law for Rent Inc.

Address: 2293 Ile-des-Lys, Terrebonne, Quebec J6Y 6A2.

Website : https://beau-frerealouer.com/franchise-carriere/

Appointments and information:

Phone: 514-666-2328

Email address: Info@beau-frerealouer.com

The 10 best tips to keep your home warm this winter + 5 inexpensive changes.

We all know that this season's energy bills can be very high. But don't worry, we've got you covered with energy efficiency tips to keep your home warm and cozy this season.

And for those looking for a little something extra, we've included five inexpensive changes to reduce consumption in your home this winter.

Article Shortcuts

Statistics in Quebec concerning energy efficiency and residential energy saving:

In Quebec, we lose a lot of heat in our homes in winter. In fact, statistics show that we could save up to 20% on our energy bills if we took a few simple steps to prevent heat loss. The most common ways to prevent heat loss are to seal cracks and gaps around doors and windows, to insulate attics and walls, and to make sure our stove is properly maintained. By taking a few simple steps, we can make a big difference in the amount of energy we use and save money at the same time. Plus, we can protect our planet!

What are the do-it-yourself tricks for free or at little cost?

Most people are looking for ways to save money on their heating and electricity bills and there are plenty of ways to do it. In this article, we are going to discuss 10 tips and 5 cheap tricks do it yourself for free to save energy and money this season.

10 tips for saving energy and saving money this winter:

Turn on the fan:

Ceiling fans can help circulate heat around the room and make you feel warmer. Just be sure to adjust them clockwise so they push hot air downward.

Avoid exhaust fans:

Exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom can draw heat away from your home. Be sure to turn them off when not needed.

Adjust the heat throughout the day:

Home heating uses a lot of energy, but you can save electricity and money by turning the heat down when the family is away or needs it less. Hydro-Québec estimates that a 3°C drop in temperature at night or while you're away could reduce your electricity bill by 4 to 5% each month.

Let in the sun's rays:

During the day, open the curtains and blinds to let in the sun's rays. This will help warm the home and reduce the need for artificial lighting.

Condemn unused parts:

If you have rooms in your home that aren't used or not used often, insulate the bottom of the door with broom style weatherstripping. This will prevent hot air from escaping and reduce the heating demand.

Laying a mat:

Wood floors can let heat through, but adding a large rug will add some insulation. In addition, your feet will stay warm.

Rearrange the arrangement of furniture:

Moving furniture away from a radiator lets more heat into the room. It is also best to position yourself well in the room, away from windows and doors where cold air infiltrates.

Use a humidifier:

Dry air can make you cold. Using a humidifier can therefore help. Just be sure to keep it clean to prevent mildew and mild odors from forming.

Check the plumbing system:

Pipes can burst when the water freezes. Be sure to check all the pipes in the house, especially the hot water pipes if they are exposed to the cold. You can insulate them with an insulating foam sheath.

The Brother-in-law Club

Maintenance - Renovation - Maintenance plan

Header (2)

Join for free*

*With prepayment of $65/month of service, applicable on all our banners

Inexpensive tips to save even more money on our energy bill?

No need to spend a lot of money on equipment to reduce energy consumption and save on electricity bill. In fact, there are many inexpensive do-it-yourself things that will help reduce the amount of energy used. Here are five tips:

5 tricks you can do yourself on the cheap:

Use or replace weatherstripping:

Draft blockers (wind or weather stripping) are an easy and inexpensive way to block drafts around doors and windows. Use weather stripping and rubber insulation on doors and windows to block drafts. Plus, it's cheaper than buying new doors and windows.

Buy a programmable thermostat:

A programmable thermostat will save you money by automatically turning the heat down when you're away and turning it up when you're there. By doing so, you can reduce your heating costs by 10-15%.

Insulate electrical outlets and switch plates:

Outlets and switch plates on a wall with contact to the exterior are often overlooked when it comes to insulation, but they can be major sources of drafts. You can buy electrical outlet insulating gaskets.

Replace the shower head to reduce your demand for hot water:

Old shower heads can leak a lot of hot water. Replacing them with low-flow showerheads saves money.

Check the ventilation dampers in the bathroom and the kitchen extractor:

Check bathroom vents and kitchen exhaust valves to make sure they aren't leaking heat. You can check this by holding a tissue against the air vent to see if there are any leaks. If so, the seal or gasket should be replaced. By sealing these leaks, you keep the heat in the home.

SO! Do you think you can make some savings this winter?

Energy savings are important for the wallet, comfort and the environment. By following our advice, you start to save money on the electricity bill while helping to reduce the carbon footprint.

If you are short on time, Brother-in-law for rent is here to help.

Your brother-in-law is a great resource to help you in your war on electricity costs! He can make sure your home is well insulated. It's also a good ally when it comes to weather stripping and caulking, it's handy to have a brother-in-law in the neighborhood, isn't it?

The care, prevention and maintenance guide for your home this fall

Why is a fall maintenance guide for your home in Quebec so important?

It's time to start preparing your home for fall! Here is a guide to give you a home maintenance plan that you can put in place easily and quickly:

Subscribe to peace of mind

A flexible residential maintenance plan accessible in one click!

Fall is the best time of year to do most home repairs and improvements.

This is because the weather is cooler making it easier to work and inspect outside, and it's also before the winter months when most people want to stay indoors as much as possible. Plus, by winterizing your home now, you'll avoid having to do a lot of work during the cold months when it's less practical.

The costly consequences of not having a maintenance plan

Don't have home maintenance plan in the fall can be costly, both short-term and long-term. To save yourself time, stress and money, it is essential to make a plan now and that is what we present in this article.

Your home is one of your most important investments, so it makes sense to take care of it. By performing regular maintenance, you can avoid costly repairs.

Later in this article, you will find a complete list of care and maintenance tasks that should be done in the fall.

Where do you start getting your home ready for fall?

When time flies too fast, we have to be efficient!

Fall is the perfect time to get your home back in top condition so you can enjoy it all season long, but where do you find the time? It is a very busy time of year for many people. With kids returning to school and work demands increasing, it can be hard to find the time to take care of everything on your to-do list. So how do you get there?

How to be efficient and do tasks quickly?

Make a to-do list

Make a list of all the tasks that need to be done. This will help you stay organized and make sure you don't miss anything important.

Create a calendar

Create a schedule for yourself and try to stick to it as closely as possible. That way, you'll be able to get your house ready on time and avoid any last-minute rush.

Divide tasks into categories

Divide tasks into categories (outdoors, indoors, etc.) and work on them one category at a time. This will help you stay focused and efficient.

Ask for help

Use this article of course, but you should ask for help from family members, friends, specialists and handymen with the right tools if necessary. This can make the job easier and more enjoyable for everyone involved.

Finally, your plan must allow you to take time to relax and enjoy your work!

The Brother-in-law Club

Maintenance - Renovation - Maintenance plan

Header (2)

Join for free*

*With prepayment of $65/month of service, applicable on all our banners

The reasons why it pays for a homeowner to follow a fall maintenance plan?

It pays for a homeowner to follow a fall maintenance plan for several reasons.

First, by performing routine repairs and maintenance now, you can avoid costly additional repairs in the future. Second, a well-maintained home is nicer and more inviting, making it a fantastic sanctuary when the weather outside is dreadful.

Who can you count on to help you as an owner follow your fall maintenance plan?

Obviously the whole family can get involved to combine business with pleasure. But in addition to this, there are a number of organizations and companies that can support homeowners in maintaining and inspecting their home. Home improvement stores, for example, sell a variety of products that can be used for repairs.

In addition, many cities and towns offer tasks such as garbage collection and leaf removal. 

Finally, there are a number of private companies that offer services for clean your windows, decluttering and handyman services for your more manual tasks

The Brother-In-Law for Rent Fall Maintenance Guide: The Best Tips and Cheat Sheets Collated for You in One PDF Document

Our fall home maintenance guide is the perfect way to prepare for the colder months ahead.

This guide includes everything you need to do to keep your home in pristine condition, from cleaning to inspecting and decluttering. Plus, we've included a handy checklist so you can easily track your progress.

List of work and inspections to do outside for the fall

To inspect
  • Check the condition of the chimney (masonry, metal, anchors and cap or coping). Make sure nothing is lodged in it, such as a branch or a bird's nest.
  • Clean and inspect the roof:
  • – roof covering;
  • – metal flashings;
  • - skylights;
  • - seals;
  • Remove leaves and debris; in the case of a flat roof, make sure that nothing obstructs the drain and the strainer that protects it.
  • Check the nailing and the quality of the siding; this will help protect your home from high winds and winter weather.
  • Correct the exterior sealant around doors and windows as needed.
  • Inspect the roof, remove debris. 
  • Inspect the gutters, clear them, then remove the downspout extensions. 
  • Inspect all the places (cracks, holes on the facades, etc.) through which insects can pass (eg Asian ladybugs) and plug them if necessary. 
  • Check the condition of the plaster. Seal it (signs of wear, cracks, loose patches, etc.). 
  • Test your well water to determine its quality. It is recommended to have a bacterial analysis performed every six months.
  • Inspect your trees, do they show signs of weakness and danger to you and your home?
  • Prepare a list for your contractors, plan the work to be done and give yourself enough time to do everything or find specialists if necessary.
 
To do
  • Have your chimney swept.
  • Store your mower, tune it up and add the fuel additive.
  • Clean the barbecue, cover it or store it for the winter
  • Prepare your delicate flowers (dahlias, gladioli, begonias) for winter.
  • Empty the water collection tray, clean it and store it. Do the same with the garden hose.
  • Close the pool and spa, ie empty, clean and cover. 
  • If you have a swimming pool, fountain or water basin:
  • – lower the water level to about 30 cm (1 foot) below the skimmer;
  • – disconnect and drain the hoses to store them;
  • – bleed the engine before storing it warm;
  • Clean and maintain the outdoor heat pump coil with a garden hose. 
  • Store your garden furniture (shed, garage). If this is not possible, take care to shelter it well. Apply an appropriate finish around wooden furniture (natural oils or beeswax).

Subscribe to peace of mind

A flexible residential maintenance plan accessible in one click!

List of work and inspections to be done inside for the fall

To inspect

  • Inspect the attic (attic): water infiltration, air leaks and traces of humidity. 
  • Check the condition of your doors and windows; adjust hardware and weatherstripping and replace as needed.
  • Inspect and clean your dryer duct.
  • Clean or replace the fan heater filter. Remove the grills from the hot air vents and the return ducts, and vacuum the ducts. If necessary, have the heating ducts cleaned.
  • Maintain air exchanger or heat recovery ventilator.
  • Check the operation of the sump pump.
  • Test your well water to determine its quality.
  • If the garage communicates with the house, check the adjustment of the automatic closing device of the door to make sure that it closes completely.
  • Before winter, test your plumbing and clear areas where snow could accumulate. 
  • Prepare a list for your contractors, plan the work to be done and give yourself enough time to do everything or find specialists if necessary.
 
To do
  • do not forget to clean your windows, inside and out!
  • Declutter your rooms, donate or throw away your objects that are no longer used.
  • Give your home a good deep cleaning. This will help get rid of the dust and allergens that have built up over the summer months. Clean and maintain rugs, carpets, curtains and blinds, as well as the fabric of chairs and sofas.
  • Clean the portable humidifier, if you use one.
  • Change the direction of your ceiling fans.
  • Lighten blinds and curtains to let in warm air.
  • Clean your smoke or carbon monoxide alarms, change their batteries if necessary and check their operation. 
  • Clean the catch basin of the garage.

The brother-in-law's reminders for rent

A few minutes walk around your property may reveal cracks, fractures or damage to the exterior. Pay particular attention to the foundations and exterior siding. Repairing cracks helps prevent water penetration during heavy rains and thaw periods.

The rakes, shovels, snow or ice brooms and bags of ice melters and abrasives (salt, stone) that you hastily abandoned at the bottom of the basement, shed or garage last spring must find their place near from the entrance. You'll be glad to find them easily the first morning you open your door and find your steps are icy.

In order to be ready for next year when the warm weather returns, put away your outdoor furniture, your flower boxes, your barbecue and everything you take out for the summer. Drain the garden hose and turn off all outside faucets. If you choose to store your barbecue indoors, remember that the propane cylinder should be kept outside in a safe place. By doing this end-of-season cleaning now, everything will be clean and ready to go come spring.

En conclusion

People who have a maintenance plan in place for their home usually find that they save money in the long run. Indeed, many problems can be avoided with regular checks and repairs, instead of waiting for something to fail completely and require a more expensive repair. Additionally, it may be useful to ask someone else to perform these checks.

Looking for someone to take care of your home this fall? We offer a wide range of tasks to face the Quebec climate, from deep cleaning to handyman services. If you need a helping hand preparing your home, look no further than Brother-in-law for rent. We have everything you need.

So what are you waiting for? Start maintaining your home today.

12 essential tasks to prepare your home for fall in Quebec:

  1. Check the insulation of doors and windows.
  2. Test your heating system.
  3. Replace the batteries in your smoke detectors.
  4. Inspect and repair your roof to see if it is damaged.
  5. Clean your gutters and downspouts.
  6. Repair cracks in concrete or asphalt surfaces.
  7. Close outdoor water faucets.
  8. Change heater filters.
  9. Insulate pipes exposed to the cold.
  10. Go inside and protect the furniture.

Looking for a company to help you with fall preparations?

Looking for someone to take care of your home this fall? We offer a wide range of tasks to face the Quebec climate, from deep cleaning to handyman services. If you need a hand getting your home ready, look no further than Brother-in-law for rent. We have everything you need.

So what are you waiting for?

Start maintaining your home with your brother-in-law today… for rent.

Address: 2293 Ile-des-Lys, Terrebonne, Quebec J6Y 6A2.

Website : https://beau-frerealouer.com

Phone: 514-666-2328

Email address: info@beau-frerealouer.com

Subscribe to peace of mind

A flexible residential maintenance plan accessible in one click!

Window cleaning 2024