Snow in Ontario creeps up fast. Before the first heavy freeze or accumulation, it’s smart to knock off a few handyman tasks that will protect your home, reduce winter damage, and save you from costly repairs. If you live in Chesterville, Morewood, or the nearby rural areas, here are five strategic projects to tackle now.
These also help reduce the chance you’ll be Googling “plumber near me prices” or “cheap plumber near me” when snow brings hidden leaks.
1. Seal Exterior Cracks, Gaps & Joints
Why it matters: Water that enters small cracks can freeze, expand, and worsen over winter. That can lead to cracked masonry, rim joist damage, or water intrusion into basements or crawlspaces.
What to do:
- Inspect siding, foundation, and around windows/door frames for gaps or cracks.
- Use exterior-grade caulk or polyurethane sealant to fill voids.
- Replace old or deteriorated weatherstripping on doors.
- Pay special attention to areas around exterior faucets and hose bibs.
Tip: If you see multiple potential sealing spots, that’s when bundling them into a handyman services visit pays off—one trip handles several tasks at one rate.
2. Check Doors, Frames & Thresholds
Why it matters: Shifting ground, humidity changes, and wear can throw doors out of alignment. A door that doesn’t close tightly lets drafts in, moisture accumulate, or snow melt trickle in.
What to do:
- Open and close every exterior door to check for sticking areas.
- Adjust or tighten hinges; replace any stripped screws.
- Re-shim or adjust thresholds to ensure proper sealing.
- Add or repair door sweeps to block cold air infiltration.
A tight-fitting door helps your insulation and prevents moisture intrusion into your walls or floors.
3. Clean & Inspect Gutters + Downspouts
Why it matters: Autumn leaves and debris fill gutters, blocking water flow. Come spring thaw or heavy rain, clogged gutters overflow, damaging fascia, siding, and foundation. Snow buildup can also cause ice dams.
What to do:
- Scoop debris and flush gutters with water.
- Inspect downspouts to confirm water is directed away from your foundation.
- Check for sagging sections or loose fasteners and re-secure them.
Typical cost: Gutter cleaning averages CAD 100–250 depending on home size and gutter length.
Many handymen bundle this with other outdoor prep tasks to keep your per-hour costs down instead of hiring a standalone “cheap plumber near me” later when water damage shows up inside walls.
4. Secure Exterior Plumbing Fixtures & Hoses
Why it matters: Exterior faucets, hose connections, and exposed plumbing lines are vulnerable to freeze damage. If these burst, they’re expensive to repair—and often inside walls or slab, meaning you’ll be calling a plumber.
What to do:
- Disconnect garden hoses and drain residual water.
- Install insulated faucet covers or foam sleeves.
- Ensure any exposed pipe runs are insulated or wrapped with heat tape.
- Check that shut-off valves inside homes are functioning and labeled.
A little prep now can prevent full-blown plumbing emergencies when the snow flies.
5. Inspect & Reinforce Roofing Trim, Flashing & Fascia
Why it matters: The first snow load plus thaw/refreeze cycles stress flashing and roof edges. If flashing lifts or gaps open, water can penetrate under shingles or enter eaves, rotting wood or entering home interiors.
What to do:
- Walk around the home and inspect roof edges, trim, and flashing (from ground or ladder safely).
- Tighten or re-nail loose trim or flashing strips.
- Replace small sections of damaged fascia or soffit.
- Check seals at vent stacks, chimney flashing, and roof-wall junctions.
These tasks may require some skill or ladder work—perfect for a handyman visit rather than a homeowner risking repairs themselves.
Cost Expectations & When Plumbing Overlaps
- Handyman rates: In Ontario, many handymen charge approximately CAD 50 to CAD 80 per hour for general tasks, though in more urban or high-demand areas you might see CAD 75 to CAD 125/hr depending on expertise.
- Gutter cleaning: As mentioned, typical ranges are CAD 100–250 for standard homes.
- Plumbing overlap: If your exterior plumbing fixtures (hose bibs, downspouts, drain tie-ins) present leaks or require pipe repair, a handyman may handle minor fixes. But if it’s behind walls, pressurized lines, or sealed systems, you’ll want a licensed plumber. That’s when you might be searching “plumber near me prices” or “cheap plumber near me”—but those specialized plumbing jobs tend to command higher rates.
Bundling all the above prep tasks (sealants, doors, gutters, plumbing prep, flashing) into one service call keeps your effective hourly cost lower and avoids repeated call-out fees.
✅ Final Tip & Call to Action
Don’t wait for snow to trap you inside with water damage or freeze-related repairs. Getting ahead of these five tasks can reduce your winter risk and save you from high emergency costs.
When you’re ready to get this all done right, contact Honest D:
📞 Call or Text: 613-229-8361
🌐 Visit Our Website: honestdplumbing.ca
📧 Email: info@honestdplumbing.ca
Whether you’re looking for handyman services around Chesterville & Morewood, or you discover a plumbing issue needing a pro, we’ve got you covered. Schedule your fall-prep visit today and sleep easier when the first flakes fall.
