Often we focus on reminding house owners of all the things to do to get their home winter-ready that we forget that condo/co-op owners need to prepare for the cold winter ahead as well.

Here are twelve tips to ensure that your condo/co-op is ready for winter:

1. Avoid frozen pipes by being sure to leave your radiator or thermostat on. If your pipes are on an exterior wall then leave the cabinet door open or consider wrapping them in heat tape if an extreme cold is expected.
2. Make sure there is a safe pan and water sensing alarm under your hot water heater if you have one in your unit.
3. If you have a fireplace then be sure to open the flue prior to use. Regular inspections and cleaning are a must for safe fireplace usage as well.
4. Change your HVAC filters regularly (and right now if you haven’t done so in a while! )
5. Double check that your condo owner’s insurance policy (HO-6) is in place and meets any minimum jurisdictional requirements. Go one step further and ensure that you have a loss of use clause and improvements/betterments coverage.
6. Make sure your management company has a key for emergency access in the event that you are away and staff needs access to your unit.
7. Check your smoke/CO detector and replace batteries or the entire unit if necessary.
8. Check and clear your lint trap and lint hose on your dryer if you have one.
9. If your notice toilets running when not in use then have it checked for a leak immediately.
10. Weather strip around windows and doors if you feel a draft.
11. Spray foam insulation around outlets on exterior walls.
12. Run your fan in reverse to push the hot air back down.

If you are thinking about buying or selling a condo then reach out and we’ll guide you with expert advice and professionalism.