Winter ready: Essential home checks for cooler months

As the temperature drops, a few simple checks can help protect your manufactured home and avoid costly repairs.

Winter is here and you want your home, cabin or onsite caravan to feel cosy and snug. And that doesn’t happen by accident. A bit of seasonal maintenance before the real chill sets in can help you stay warm all winter and avoid the stress and cost of emergency repairs.

Whether you’ve lived in your land lease home for years or you’re just settling in, this winter home checklist will help keep things safe, snug and protected.

Clear gutters and downpipes

Blocked gutters can be a common cause of water damage in cooler months. When water can’t drain properly, it overflows – and that can mean roof leaks and mould.

What to do:

• Remove leaves, twigs and built-up debris
• Check that water flows freely through downpipes
• Think about installing gutter guards if there are lots of leafy trees around

When to call in the professionals

If you’re not comfortable on a ladder – or your roof is high or steep – call in the pros. Safety always comes first.

Inspect your roof for signs of wear

Your roof is your home’s first line of defence.

What to look for:

• Cracked or missing tiles
• Rust patches on metal roofing
• Signs of sagging or unevenness
• Debris buildup

Even small issues can lead to big repair bills down the track, especially if water gets in.

Not sure what you’re looking at? It’s worth having a roofing professional take a look.

Seal it up: windows, doors and draughts

That cold breeze sneaking in under the door is not just annoying – it’s pushing up your heating costs.

Quick fixes that make a big difference:

• Add weather seals to doors and windows
• Use a draught stopper. A rolled-up towel works brilliantly!
• Close off unused rooms to conserve warmth

Good insulation keeps warm air in and cold air out. It also helps regulate moisture, reducing the risk of mould or mildew. If you notice your heater working harder than usual, your insulation could need an upgrade.

Check your heating setup

Before the cold really sets in, take a moment to check your heater or air conditioner.

Your winter-ready checklist:

• Clean or replace filters
• Make sure vents are unblocked
• If you use gas, ensure there’s good ventilation
• Test reverse cycle systems and electric heaters before you need them

Reminder

Never use outdoor heaters or barbecues indoors because carbon monoxide is deadly and has no smell.

Prevent slips, trips and falls

Shorter days mean less daylight and that can increase the risk of accidents, especially on wet or uneven surfaces.

Simple steps to stay safe:

• Fix any loose pavers or cracked paths
• Trim back overgrown plants blocking paths
• Make sure sensor lights or porch lights are working
• Add non-slip mats near doorways

For many land lease homeowners, staying independent is key and a safe outdoor area helps make that possible.

Get under the house (or at least think about it)

If your home is raised or sits on piers (like many cabins, onsite caravans and early manufactured homes are), it’s worth checking underneath for signs of pests, pooling water or damaged insulation. Winter’s the time when possums and other fluffy critters are looking for warm hiding spots, including under your home.

Look out for:

• Dampness or signs of mould
• Chewed wiring or insulation
• Rust or corrosion on structural supports

Not sure what you’re seeing? That’s a job for a licensed pest or building inspector.

Know when to DIY…

And when to call in the professionals.

There’s a lot you can do yourself but anything involving heights, electricity, gas or plumbing is best left to the professionals. Call your local trusted professional if in doubt.