Looking at homes for sale in Northwestern Wisconsin during winter can pay off! Winter reveals things about a home’s condition that you won’t see other times of the year. Here are ways to evaluate homes during the winter months!
Exterior:
1. Check for icicles on the roof edge. Icicles could mean poor attic insulation and other potential issues. See our blog about ice dams for more information!
2. Are there patches of melted snow on the roof? It could mean poor insulation, or another problem allowing warm air to escape. Your home inspector should verify the attic ventilation and insulation depth.
3. Cracked siding, cracked brick mortar and cracks in cement become more visible during winter.
4. Look for exposed plumbing in crawl spaces, garages and outbuildings that could cause a risk of frozen pipes.
5. Older wooden decks and porches may have warping or loose boards when the weather is cold. (Watch your step!)
Interior:
6. Is there condensation or frost between the windowpanes? It can mean a bad window seal. If you find single-pane windows, it means higher heating bills.
7. Check for drafts around windows and doors. Significant drafts should be evaluated by your home inspector.
8. Check for heating vents in each room. Are some rooms colder than others?
9. Check the heating system while it runs. Is it noisy? Does it cycle frequently? Also check the ducts. Are there signs of gaps, odd sections or lots of patching?
10. Verify the quality and condition of the insulation, especially in the attic and crawlspace. Look for any signs of mold, pests, etc. Your home inspector can go over this in more detail!
Winter can be a great time to buy or sell a Northwestern Wisconsin home! When you’re ready, turn to the local experts. Six Lakes Realty is a locally owned family business with over 45 years of experience. Contact us today for friendly, hometown service!
John Flor
Managing Broker
Six Lakes Realty
Office: (715) 924-4806
Email: john@sixlakesrealty.com