A lakefront home is pretty much everyone’s dream; not only is it located right on the water, but it’s also tranquil and puts you right in the middle of nature. Even better is, its very location adds another 25% in value, so it has great resale value!
Not everything’s fun and games though. Without proper maintenance, your waterfront property can quickly deteriorate and lose its appeal.
However, home maintenance isn’t difficult, so long as you keep up with it. Here’s a quick lakefront property maintenance checklist you can use.
Table of Contents
Pest-Proofing
Go around your house and see if there are any holes or cracks where pests can get in. This is especially important if you don’t stay in your house all year long.
Fix holes in the siding and install mesh over vents and soffits. You can remove these when you actually stay in the house.
For extra security, you can leave mouse traps in the house so you don’t find unwanted guests when you come back.
HVAC Maintenance
Schedule yearly maintenance checks with your local HVAC professional. That way, if anything’s wrong, it’ll be fixed before hot or cold temperatures settle in.
During the winter, make sure to keep the temperature between 50 to 55 at a minimum. This will prevent pipes from freezing.
If you don’t stay in your lakefront home during the winter, then winterize the pipes by insulating them. You should also drain and flush your water heater at least once a year to keep sediment from building up.
Inspect Your Dock
A well-built wood dock can last a few decades, so long as you take good care of it. Installing a dock de-icer before winter comes with many benefits, including protecting your boat from ice damage and preventing ice from forming.
After winter’s passed, check if any parts need repairing. If so, promptly do so.
You should also paint and sand your deck every few years.
Perform Outdoor Maintenance
Regardless of where your property’s located, you should perform outdoor maintenance to ensure your home stays warm and dry.
Inspect your roof to see if all tiles are there and in good condition. Do this before winter so it’s easier to repair and replace them.
You should also clear the gutters of leaves and debris. If there’s already snow and ice, then hire a professional instead to avoid damage.
Clean the yard and deck of leaves and other debris. For the winter, drain everything with water, including the hoses, faucets, and sprinkler systems. You should also cover all furniture to protect them from inclement weather.
Take Good Care of Your Lakefront Home
Your lakefront home is your personal slice of paradise. So make sure it stays that way by keeping up with maintenance.
Thankfully, it’s not hard or time-consuming to do. And with this handy checklist, you’ll be through in no time!
For more homeowner advice, make sure you read our other blog posts!
