Checklist for Fall and Winter Property Prep

Outdoor patios, porches, lawns and gardens are an integral piece of the curb appeal of a lodging property. During the warmer months, these areas often act as gathering spaces, breakfast areas, or spots to sit, reflect and take in the surroundings. Cleaning, maintenance and upkeep of these highly used spaces is as important during the warmer times of year as is the cleaning and upkeep of our interiors. When the weather turns cooler, outdoor areas are sometimes neglected or forgotten in favor of the higher traffic indoor guest areas. Please see the following checklist, created in collaboration with QA evaluator Kathryn White at Concerto Business Group, for tips on how best to keep your property looking fresh and cared for through the colder seasons.

Checklist for Fall and Winter Property Prep

• Add seasonal plants to containers and keep current throughout the fall and winter seasons. Pinterest boards on Fall and Winter planter ideas
  • Move planters to storage location out of sight of guests (shed, garage, etc) if they are not to be replanted with seasonal decor. Empty planters should not be left in view of guest through the winter

• Inventory outdoor furniture.
  • Spot treat or clean cushions, umbrellas, and outdoor carpets before storing.
  • Make repairs if needed, and paint, oil, or stain chairs, tables, and rockers.
  • Store furniture to prolong their useful life in a location that is out of sight of guests.
  • If you choose to leave your outdoor furniture in place throughout the winter season, remember to maintain it as well you do through the warmer months to avoid a neglected or dirty first impression for arriving guests.

• Inspect patios and decks.
  • Power wash if needed.
  • Implement a schedule for sweeping and maintaining a neat appearance for outdoor areas through the colder months.
  • Consider painting and staining in the fall if your winter weather is mild.

• Rake leaves and clear fallen limbs and debris. Critters and pests can make their winter home in weeds and piles of leaves.

• Remove dead annuals from garden beds. Trim perennials as appropriate.
  • List of plants that should be cut back in the fall
  • Perennials left for structural, textural or color interest in the winter season should be checked periodically for winter damage and trimmed as necessary.

• Design spring flowering garden.
  • Plant spring flowering bulbs.

• Compost/mulch garden beds.

• Remove diseased, cracked, or rotted branches from trees so they don’t cause a problem in a heavy snow or ice storm.

• Drain hoses, and store garden and lawn equipment.

• Check windows, shutters and doors.
  • Wash windows and clean webs and debris from sills and corners. Caulk if necessary. Scrape and paint to protect wood from water damage over the winter months.
  • Change screens for storm windows or add weather stripping to prevent cold air leaks.

• Check porch steps, columns, ceilings and floors.
  • Scrape and paint before the temperature drops too low.
  • If choosing to wait until spring for outdoor painting, plan ahead and book painting service for the spring so that you are first on the list for when the weather turns.

• Close and cover swimming pools, storing all chairs, tables and pool cleaning equipment for the winter.

• Remember to choose an area that is out of sight of guests.

• Remove nets from tennis or badminton courts.

• Clean gutters and downspouts so the drains run freely.

• Check walkways, driveways, parking lots, and railings. Look for severe cracks, bricks or pavers that have heaved, or significant variations in the surface that might cause someone to trip and fall.

• Check railings to be sure they are secure, and install railings at areas previously overlooked.

• Review winter maintenance tools/supplies (snowblower, snow shovels, gravel, ice melt, sand, etc) and ensure that all are in working order and ready for the first snowfall.

• Check exterior lighting fixtures to be sure all are working correctly, bulbs are replaced, and that levels of light are sufficient for the safety of all guests.

• Have chimneys and flues inspected and cleaned before lighting the first fall fire.

• Have the furnace and heating equipment inspected so they are safe and ready to provide warmth when needed.

• Check rooms for winter conveniences. Do you have boot trays by the entrance and/or in guest rooms? What about flashlights (and fresh batteries) in all rooms? Are there ample hangers in the closets for jackets and scarves?