It’s understandable if you want to escape the cold of winter in Michigan. However, Michigan snowbirds have more to consider than where they’ll spend their winters. You’ll need to take steps to prepare the property for your absence. This post will provide tips for winterizing your lakefront property before you leave.
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Winterizing a lakefront property before leaving for winter involves securing the home against burglary with alarm systems and locks, maintaining the heating and plumbing systems to prevent freezing and damage, and protecting against weather-related issues through gutter cleaning and tree maintenance. Key steps include adjusting the thermostat above 55 degrees Fahrenheit, removing food that could attract pests, and ensuring adequate insurance coverage for a vacant property. Enlisting help from neighbors to collect mail and remove snow, along with hiring licensed contractors for HVAC and electrical inspections, further protects your home during extended absence.
As of October 2023, the median sale price of homes in Kalamazoo County was $242,157. However, real estate trends are always changing. Contact the Michigan Lakes Team for help buying and selling homes in Southern Michigan.
Tips to Winterize Your Lakefront Home
Winterization is all about preparing your property for vacancy in winter. It ensures your house is safe and prevents damage while you are away. Follow these steps to get your home ready for winter:
- Protect your house from possible burglary by ensuring the alarm system is activated and working. Keep windows and doors secure with deadbolts or security locks. Set interior lights at different times and install motion sensor lights outside.
- Keep your house from appearing unoccupied by forwarding mail and temporarily stopping monthly subscriptions. Request a close friend to pick up parcels and remove snow after a heavy storm.
- Perform outdoor maintenance, including trimming tree branches hanging close to your home. Remove dead branches so they won’t damage windows or hurt anyone in the event of a strong storm. Clear leaves and other debris from gutters to properly drain water or melted snow.
- Hire a licensed HVAC contractor to perform routine heating system inspection, maintenance, and tune-up. Hire a licensed electrician if you plan to keep the power on while away.
- Adjust the heat setting of your thermostat above 55°F to save money and energy while keeping the home warm. You need to maintain a minimum temperature to prevent pipes from freezing.
- Take all food with you or give it to nearby shelters to avoid attracting pests or stray animals. Cover any openings, such as the fireplace flue and outdoor grilles, which make good entry points.
- Ensure your property insurance is up to date and provides the necessary coverage. Vacant home or vacation property insurance policies are great options for snowbirds.
Winterization takes time, but it is worth it. You wouldn’t want to return to your lake house to find damage.
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ABOUT THE EXPERT
Michelle Scott is a multi-million-dollar producer, the owner of Michigan Lakes Team, and a licensed realtor since 1995. Specializing exclusively in waterfront and vacation properties across Southwest Michigan, she brings an unparalleled depth of knowledge covering over 200 lakes, including Lake Michigan and its coastal towns. She is licensed in both Michigan and Indiana.
