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As the winter months approach, ensuring your vacation rental is well-prepared for the cold is crucial. Not only does proper preparation protect your property, but it also enhances the comfort of your guests. So whether you are looking to buy and rent out a home for sale in Boston, MA, revamping your rental home in Baltimore, or simply doing some research from the apartment you rent in Colorado Springs, CO, here are nine helpful tips recommended by Rent. and our experts to help with preparing your vacation rental for winter.
1. Plan ahead when winterizing your rental
With colder months fast approaching, one of the most important things that you can do when preparing your vacation rental for winter is to plan ahead. This recommendation comes to us from Jennae England with Heritage North Electric, see below for tips on how to create the best plan of action:
“Different parts of the world experience winter differently; create a list of the kinds of winter weather your vacation rental can experience in that area, as well as how each scenario can affect your heating, lighting, and power. Before winter arrives, make sure everything is clean and functioning properly. Then, make two plans: a prevention plan to keep winter weather from affecting your home, and an action plan for when it does. Be sure your backup plan can be enacted whether someone is there or not!”
Educating yourself on potential issues that could arise with your property will prepare you to act if and when they occur. Make sure that you don’t put off this important first step in preparing your vacation rental for winter!
2. Protect your water system
One very important step in preparing a home for winter is insulating your pipes. Frozen pipes can lead to significant damage and costly repairs.
“To prepare your vacation rental for the winter season, start by ensuring your water system is protected from freezing temperatures — insulate exposed pipes and install a heating tape if needed. Check for any leaks and repair them to prevent water damage. Consider installing a water treatment system like NuvoH2O to reduce mineral buildup, which can cause issues in cold weather. Flush your water heater and ensure it’s operating efficiently to avoid cold water surprises. Finally, provide clear instructions for guests on how to manage the water system during their stay.” Katelyn Keil from Nuvo H2O
Insulating pipes and repairing leaks is vital to keeping your water system in premium condition, especially in unheated areas like basements and crawl spaces. This simple precaution can save you from a winter plumbing disaster.
3. Pest control
As humans, we prefer to have a warm, dry place to retreat to during the winter months. Pests are no different and they can pose a challenge for your vacation rental when temperatures begin to drop. Luckily, The team at Jeff & Katie shared some helpful tips to keep pesky pests at bay:
“One of our favorite winter preparation tips is to place little mesh bags filled with whole cloves or dryer sheets in areas like the back of cupboards, pantry shelves, and under mattresses — anywhere pests might try to get in. The strong scent of cloves and dryer sheets keeps the pests away, and as an added bonus, it makes the house smell fresh, warm, and cozy, without the use of harsh chemicals. This tip is also perfect for those who are winterizing their properties. It keeps pests out and good scents in, so when you open up the property in the spring, it smells amazing!”
Take heed of the recommendations above and make sure that pests don’t get the best of you and your home this winter season.
4. Maintain gutters and roofing
Keeping your gutters and roof in good condition is vital to successfully maintaining your vacation rental during the winter. Penni Parrish from Tierra Antigua Realty shares that “Clearing gutters and downspouts of leaves and debris to avoid water damage from winter rains” is highly recommended when preparing your rental for winter.
Michele from Matrix Construction also has thoughts on the importance of maintaining the health of your home’s gutters: “In our experience, clearing the gutters is one of the easiest yet most important tasks before winter. Even a small amount of leaves can result in ice dams, potentially causing significant damage to a property’s roof and walls if not addressed. Since gutters are out of sight, it might be easy to overlook this pre-winter task.”
Michele also provided great tips for preparing your roof for temperature drops: “Don’t let a roof problem ruin your winter rental season. We’ve seen firsthand how a minor issue with a roof can turn into a major problem during a winter storm. That’s why we recommend a thorough inspection and quick repairs of leaks or missing shingles before the cold weather sets in. Getting on the roof can be dangerous, so we always advise hiring an experienced contractor like Matrix Construction to conduct a thorough inspection.” Addressing gutter and roof issues proactively will help avoid leaks and costly repairs later on.
5. Check your heating systems
Michele and Matrix Construction’s advice didn’t stop with preparing your gutters and roof; they also shared expert advice for preparing your rental homes’ heating systems: “Over the years, we have learned that a well-maintained heating system is essential for a comfortable winter rental experience.
We always recommend scheduling a maintenance check, changing the filters, and installing a smart thermostat. Smart thermostats allow guests to adjust the temperature to their liking, ensuring comfort and energy savings. If you need to replace your thermostat, smart technology is the way to go.” Ensure that you don’t get stuck in the past: Upgrading to smart technology is a worthwhile investment that can save you money and prevent heating system headaches in the future.
6. Weatherproof windows and doors
Insulation issues can be a hassle to deal with mid-winter, so the best practice is to tackle any potential issues before the winter season hits your vacation rental’s area. “Start by checking the seal on doors and windows to prevent drafts and conserve heat, which helps reduce energy costs,” shared Penni Parrish from Tierra Antigua Realty. Take a look below for more helpful insulation tips from our experts:
“Cold air entering during the winter months can ruin any rental stay. We want to keep the warm air inside and the cold air out all winter long. Sealing gaps around windows and doors is crucial for maintaining warmth and energy efficiency. Our many years of renovation experience have found that adding storm windows and weather-stripping is a simple and effective solution. This simple tip is easy; most homeowners can tackle the project themselves.” Michele from Matrix Construction
In addition to sealing gaps and weather-stripping, for doors, installing a draft stopper can further reduce heat loss and improve insulation. These small investments can lead to significant savings on heating bills and enhance your guests’ comfort.
7. Create a cozy atmosphere
Once the practical aspects of preparing your vacation rental for winter are handled, it’s time to focus on creating a warm, inviting atmosphere for your guests. Start by stocking up on heat saving decorations, warm bedding and amenities like soft lighting. This not only provides warmth but also adds a touch of comfort to the decor:
“My favorite tips for preparing a vacation rental for the winter months are swapping out lightweight bedding for thicker sheets, comforters, and cozy blankets to keep guests warm and comfortable. Also, stocking up on essentials like firewood, ice melt, and weatherproof entry mats can enhance the guest experience during the colder season,” shares Penni Parrish from Tierra Antigua Realty.
Optimizing your home’s heat retention can be stylish! Consider adding heavy curtains, which not only block drafts but also create a cozy ambiance. Plush area rugs help insulate floors, and decorative throw pillows can provide comfort while enhancing your space’s aesthetic appeal. Penni also came through with stellar ideas to elevate your guest experience and stimulate their taste buds: “To add a seasonal treat, Make sure to stock cocoa & apple cider in the coffee and tea bar, bonus points for remembering to add marshmallows for a fun twist!”
We at Rent. also recommend including a few easy-to-make comfort food recipes in your welcome packet. Think along the lines of chili, soup, or stew — easy dishes that can warm up a chilly evening, and don’t forget to consider incorporating seasonal decorations to enhance the winter ambiance. A few tasteful touches, like pinecones, evergreen branches, or subtle holiday decor can create a welcoming vibe without feeling overdone.
8. Promote indoor activities
In the vein of enhancing comfort in your vacation rental, encourage your guests to enjoy indoor activities during their stay. Stock your rental with games, puzzles, or a selection of good books. Providing a cozy reading nook or a space for board games can make your rental feel like a home away from home. Consider sharing local recommendations for winter activities in your welcome packet, like nearby indoor attractions or cozy cafes, to keep guests engaged.
8. Prevent damage to vacant rentals by winterizing
Not every vacation rental is utilized by guests during the winter, but there are still some important things to keep in mind when locking up your property before cold weather hits. Adrian Vigil and the team at Top Notch Plumbing, Heating & Air “emphasize the importance of winterizing your vacation rental to prevent costly damage. They recommend shutting off the water main and draining all lines to avoid frozen pipes. Keeping spigots open allows any remaining water to expand without causing damage.
Additionally, setting the thermostat to 50 degrees and sealing crawl spaces can help maintain a safe temperature and keep cold air out. These steps will protect your property during freezing conditions. Learn more about winterizing your vacation rental at Top Notch Plumbing.” Draining pipes and insulating crawl spaces are often overlooked when winterizing a rental, but they play a critical role in protecting your home. Sealing any vents to prevent cold air from entering and adding insulation boards or blankets to your crawl space will not only help keep your pipes at a safe temperature, but also contribute to overall energy efficiency in your vacation rental during the winter.
Get started preparing your vacation rental for winter today
Winterizing your vacation rental involves a mix of practical maintenance and thoughtful touches that enhance comfort. By insulating pipes, sealing crawl spaces, weatherproofing your property, and adding cozy decor, you’ll create a welcoming atmosphere that keeps guests coming back year after year. A little preparation goes a long way in ensuring that your rental is not just a place to stay but a cozy retreat during the colder months. So, gear up for winter and make your vacation rental a sought-after destination!
Source: rent.com