Nothing beats the cool, crisp air of fall and the anticipation of the first snowfall when you live in the Colorado mountains, but there are some important items you need to check off your honey-do list before you can curl up next to the fireplace. As a homeowner, it is important to prepare well in advance for the cold winter months ahead to avoid headaches and potential disasters. No one, wants to arrive at their beautiful mountain retreat to a burst water pipe or a driveway with 2 feet of snow piled high. Here is a list of items to prepare for a seamless transition this season and beyond:

• If you are an out-of-town homeowner, it is essential to hire local companies to maintain your home while you are away or between visitors. This can include everything from snow removal, a company to maintain the interior of your home, to monitoring your heating and cooling.
• If you use a wood stove, start stocking your wood pile well in advance to make sure you are covered for our long winters.
• Get your chimneys swept every year to prevent dangerous buildup
• Replace the batteries in all of your smoke and CO detectors. Colorado law requires you to place a smoke detector and a carbon monoxide detector within 15 feet of any bedroom.
• Clean gutters and downspouts to remove any blockage and help move moisture away from your home.
• Store any outdoor furniture and yard equipment.
• Check weatherstripping around windows and doors and check for any drafts.
• Check heaters inside the home and remove any items away from heaters that could be a potential fire hazard. Make sure you home is equipped with fire extinguishers and a fire ladder.
• Make sure thermostats are set at a temperature to prevent freezing pipes.
• Make sure exterior hose spigots are turned off on the inside valve and hoses are disconnected. Make sure any water inside spigot is drained.
• Have a snow removal service in place or if you plan on removing snow yourself, make sure you are equipped and ready to handle our copious snowfall! This includes having ice melt and sand for icy areas around the home. 
• Have your furnace serviced by an HVAC company. 
• If you plan on selling your property during the snowy months, make sure to take photos of your property and home now! This gives potential buyers better visibility of the property and things they may not see during the snowy season. 
• ....And most importantly, getting your maintenance items checked off in advance this season will give you more time to enjoy your home all fun Grand County has to offer!