Top tips on preparing your home for winter

As we begin to feel the first chill in the air, we turn to our scarves, hats and snug coats, but spare a thought for your poor home which will have to weather the elements for another year.

There are, however, a few simple steps from the experts at Countryside Properties that will ensure homeowners in Manchester and Salford are kept safe, warm and cosy this winter - as well as keeping their homes protected for the future.

1. Making sure your gutters and drains are free from leaves and rubbish may be a dirty job but is an important place to start as a blockages can lead to cracks and leaks in the guttering which in turn can lead to water leaking into your brickwork or roof.

2. Ensure all exposed water pipes and taps are fully insulated and, if possible, shut off completely to avoid freezing and bursting - which could cost you thousands of pounds in repair bills. Locate your water mains in case of emergency.

3. Inspect the exterior of your house for any cracks or exposed areas near to windows, doors or pipes and seal them. Even a small amount of water can freeze causing a much bigger problem.

4. Trim your trees and cut down any branches hanging too close to your home to prevent any damage during those blustery winter winds.

5. Power washing your driveways, pathways and decking is also a top tip to help avoid unnecessarily slippery conditions. A supply of sand or salt can also be useful to have on hand to avoid icy paths.

6. Your garden will also need special care to help it survive the harsh winter. Raking up leaves and clearing your grass of debris, and feeding it with a special lawn food before the first frosts will ensure a healthy garden come springtime.

7. If you have a chimney, call a specialist to give it a good sweep to remove any soot which will prevent fires in the flue and stop smoke or gases entering your home.

8. If your home is centrally heated, now is the perfect time to bleed your radiators to ensure that they are working correctly and efficiently. But make sure you turn off the heating system first!

9. Insulation is a key factor to a cosy and happy winter home - insulating your loft properly will not only mean a warmer home it could also save you 15% of your heating cost.

10. Have a supply of candles and matches in an easily accessible place in case of a power cut. Make a list of important numbers in case of an emergency and have it close to your phone.

Martin Leggett, Regional Sales Director at Countryside Properties, said: "As it starts to get colder and we start to get out the winter wardrobe, it is equally important that our properties are just as prepared as we are. Water, frost and high winds can cause havoc with your home and leave you with expensive repair bills, when a few simple precautions could save you both time and money."

Countryside Properties' homes are ideal for families or couples looking to keep snug in the winter months with a brand new, energy efficient house or apartment. All homes also come with energy and water saving features to keep those energy bills low.

Countryside Properties' Sportcity development offers a range of three and four bedroom houses in the Medlock Valley in east Manchester with prices starting from £159,950 for more information visit sportcity-manchester.com.

New Broughton is Countryside Properties flagship regeneration site in the heart of Salford which offers a range of homes and apartments to suit all needs and is just one mile from Manchester city centre. With prices starting from just £100,000 for a one bedroom apartment and £164,950 for a three bedroom home, interested parties are advised to act quickly to avoid disappointment. More information can be found online at newbroughtonliving.com.

Planning approval has recently been granted at Spinning Vale in Gorton for a collection of two and three bedroom homes. For more details about Spinning Vale, log on to spinningvale.com to register your interest.