December, not just a time for holidays!

January…. Ahh January; it’s just around the corner; the start of 2025, the month of new beginnings, and yes…the start of the cold blustery Niagara Region winter weather that many dread. Niagara’s winters usually depict what real winter is all about … Ice, snow storms, and bitter cold temperatures. For those that love the glistening icicles, the fluffy snowflakes and winter sport activities, the cold and the snow may be a welcome sight …But for those that don’t embrace winter’s weather as a wonderland, January usually becomes a time to hibernate for the next three months, or a time to plan that family vacation somewhere warm! Regardless of how you feel about the winter …homeowners still have to prepare for it. Winter in Niagara often brings heavy snow, freezing rain, ice storms and out right blizzards. Part of the preparation for the winter is to ensure that you have a storm kit. Some bottled water, at least three days’ worth of non-perishable food items that don’t need to be heated or refrigerated, a first aid kit, extra blankets, snow shovels and window scrapers near your doorways, driveway/sidewalk salt, an abundance of batteries, flashlights and lanterns, a working generator with properly stored fuel, and a battery-operated radio if cell reception goes out, are but a few of the things you may need. There are many great websites that can provide more information about storm kits.

It's essential to your safety to ensure that you have also completed your winter maintenance checklist in advance of that first winter storm...so that probably needs to be done now. So, while you may be in the holiday spirit still, it’s important that you get started on those maintenance chores if you have not already done so. Every home has unique elements to contend with. You will need to inspect your home inside and out to determine if there is maintenance specific to your home that needs to be completed. Don’t just consider a general maintenance list—that is just a starting point. If you’re not licensed and qualified to complete certain repairs, please ensure that you contact licensed chimney cleaners, electricians, plumbers, and heating contractors because some work is better left to the professionals! Please protect yourself from an accident or injury that can be prevented! While some stories do become funny with time, it is unlikely that tales of the disaster on Christmas day that could have been prevented will be part of the memories you want to retell. Completing your maintenance early may mean that you avoid issues that could pop up during the holidays when it may be difficult to get assistance. Make your memories and your stories good ones! So, get your maintenance chores done, check the list twice and go out and enjoy all of the wonderful activities in Niagara…or if you prefer …stay in your home close to your freshly cleaned fireplace and begin your hibernation.

We wish you well and hope for a wonderful year in 2025!

The winter check list can be accessed here.

At Vanderzalm Construction Inc. we are wishing you a wonderful and safe winter season… If you are planning a renovation/addition or considering building a new home, call us at (905)562-4463 or (905)684-5823.