Seasonal property inspection tips: what to check in summer and winter
Insights from a property inspector who’s completed hundreds of inspections Every season has its own way of showing what’s wrong with a property. Summer heat, winter damp, or even snow and ice can reveal issues you might otherwise miss. Seasonal checks don’t just protect the property — they keep tenants comfortable and landlords at ease.
Summer inspections: heat, sun, and storms
The summer sun can be as tough on a house as it is on your skin. Properties don’t get sunblock, so exterior paint can fade, blister, or peel. I once inspected a house where one side looked brand new, while the sunny side looked like it had aged decades faster.
Wooden window frames are another summer classic. Heat and humidity make them swell, and more than once, I’ve tugged at a sliding window that wouldn’t budge. A quick open-and-close test on every window can save a landlord from frustrated calls later.
Air conditioning and ventilation are worth checking too. I’ve learned to follow my nose — a faint musty smell near a vent often means condensation is collecting where it shouldn’t.
And then there’s the outdoors. Decks crack, drains block, and a summer downpour will quickly show if water has nowhere to go. I’ll never forget one backyard that turned into a swimming pool within minutes of heavy rain.
Summer checklist:
Inspect paint and exterior surfaces for fading or blistering
Open and close all windows to check for warping or sticking
Look for mould or musty smells near AC units and vents
Walk decks for cracks or weak spots
Check drainage areas and gutters before summer storms hit
Winter inspections: cold, damp, and drafts
If summer bakes, winter soaks. Moisture is the big culprit. Condensation on windows, mould on ceilings, or wallpaper lifting at the edges are all red flags. One winter inspection revealed walls so wet they looked like they were sweating — the tenants hadn’t cracked a window in weeks.
Drafts are another common find. A tiny gap can send heating bills skyrocketing. I’ve used the candle test more than once, and sure enough, the flame always tells the truth.
Laundry rooms deserve attention too. In winter, dryers often vent warm, moist air indoors. Step into a laundry that feels “cosy,” and chances are you’ll also find damp patches spreading behind machines.
And of course, the roof and gutters. Winter rain (or snow, in colder regions) exposes leaks fast. I’ve seen ice dams push water back into ceiling cavities and heavy snow sagging rooftops dangerously low.
Winter checklist:
Look for condensation, mould, or soft spots on walls and ceilings
Test for drafts around doors and windows
Inspect laundry rooms for damp patches or mould from dryers
Scan ceilings for water stains and check gutters for blockages
In snowy climates: check roofs for snow load, look for ice dams on eaves, and inspect exterior paths for ice hazards
Listening to seasonal clues
Tenants often give away seasonal issues without realising it. A simple comment like “The lounge never warms up”usually points to a draft. “It’s a bit stuffy” often means ventilation problems. Over time, you learn that the property is always “talking” - you just have to listen.
Make inspections easier with myInspections
Seasonal inspections reveal a mix of issues — from faded paint in summer to damp walls or snow damage in winter. Keeping track of it all is easier with myInspections:
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