Whether it’s winterizing the primary estate or preparing a seasonal home for winter, this should be part of every estate manager’s routine.
Preparing should be well thought out and detailed to ensure the home is ready and complete to handle any type of winter weather that Mother Nature brings.
Winter Home Maintenance
Where to Start
The estate manager leads the process of ensuring all details are taken care of. The work initially begins with safety checks, scheduling vendors, and coordinating with staff to ensure all areas of the home are properly taken care of.
Each system needs to be functioning properly and at peak efficiency, all spaces of the home and exterior need to meet the principal’s standard, and financial records or other details need to be organized and accounted for.
First, make a list of who will be involved in ensuring the home is winterized.
For example:
- What heating and cooling companies will be present to provide HVAC tuneups?
- Are the landscapers planning for specialized care for the plants and have they secured the right tools or products to ensure the property remains pristine?
- Has the private chef stocked the pantry with winter essentials and snacks?
- Are there extra batteries, clean linens, and water set aside in case of a power outage or other winter storm?
All details must be thought of and arranged so the estate stays comfortable and in order.
Estate Manager Winter Home Checklist
Safety and Security Review
Test security alarms, cameras, and control systems and update codes if needed. Be sure to check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and have fire extinguishers and fire escape ladders on every floor. Replace exterior light bulbs around the driveway or walkways and verify service monitoring contracts are active and accessible.
Inspect the Outside
Make sure gutters, roofs, and drainage systems are free and clear of debris. Work with landscapers to evaluate any landscaping or exterior maintenance needs and to winterize fountains or other water features. Be sure to have shovels or other tools available to help with snow or ice removal and ensure a safe pathway for residents, guests, and other vendors.
Assess Major Estate Systems
Test all plumbing features and be sure the water main is working as it should with no leaks. Work with your preferred electrical contractor/company to inspect electrical systems and replace any faulty fixtures and test backup generators to make sure they will kick on in the event of an emergency.
Don’t Forget the Technology
If the home utilizes smart home technology, be sure that any system upgrades or downloads are complete. Check all Wi-Fi networks and entertainment systems to maintain connectivity and have service provider information readily available to call for assistance if an outage occurs.
Interior Details
All rooms should be deep cleaned and inspected for any issues. Test appliances and schedule repairs as needed, stock firewood or other seasonal essentials, and coordinate with housekeeping staff to ensure carpets, windows, linens, and other details are inventoried, cleaned and prepared.
Vehicle Prep
Inspect and service all vehicles on the estate. That means scheduling oil changes, tire rotations, and battery tests, in addition to filling them with fuel and cleaning them inside and out. Verify that all registration and insurance details are up to date and that roadside assistance is available throughout the season.
Financials and Other Documentation
Is the property manual up to date? Does your staff have an updated checklist of what winter-specific tasks they should be focusing on? Prepare a short report on the property’s condition for the estate owner or principal, and also establish communication protocols for your staff, including a list of emergency contacts, check-in points, or other necessary details for the season. Also ensure that your financial reports are up to date and include all of your completed vendor appointments and payments, so the principal is aware.
As winter weather continues for the next several months, it’s important for estate managers to stay proactive. By addressing these areas in this comprehensive guide, estate managers can adapt easily when cold-weather emergencies arise and continue to maintain the property’s condition and value. The result is a beautifully protected estate that runs smoothly all season long.
Why Household Staffing
For more than 30 years, our team has specialized in helping estates across the country build teams that are trustworthy, compatible for your lifestyle, and give you the peace of mind you need. Contact us today or complete our New Hire Form to begin a personalized search for an estate manager you’ll love.
