Important things about property care in Hokkaido
Owning a property in Hokkaido is a dream come true for many, thanks to its stunning landscapes and vibrant distinct seasons. However, maintaining a property in this region comes with its own set of challenges and considerations. This guide will help you understand the essential aspects of property care in Hokkaido to ensure your home remains in top condition year-round.
1. Winter Maintenance
Hokkaido has a sub-artic climate which is famous for its heavy snowfall - this means winter maintenance is crucial. Regular snow removal from roofs, driveways, and walkways is essential to prevent damage and ensure safety. Investing in a reliable snow blower or hiring a snow removal service can save you a lot of hassle.
2. Insulation and Heating
Proper insulation is vital to keep your home warm during the harsh winters and cool during the summer. Ensure your property is well-insulated, especially in the attic and walls. Heating is vital in this harsh wintry climate so ensuring that your heating system is in good working order, whether it’s a furnace, boiler, or heat pump, is crucial for comfort and efficiency.
3. Pest Control
Hokkaido’s rural and forested areas can attract various pests, including insects and rodents. Regular pest control measures, such as sealing entry points and using traps or repellents, can help keep your home pest-free. Having a manager to regularly check your property is a good way to avoid damage such as rodent or termite infestations.
4. Landscaping and Garden Care
The changing seasons in Hokkaido offer a beautiful backdrop for your garden, but they also require diligent care. Grass and shrubs grow extremely fast here. Regularly trim trees and shrubs, mow the lawn, and clear fallen leaves. In winter, protect your plants from frost and heavy snow by using covers or moving potted plants indoors.
Also having your garden well-maintained keeps your neighbors happy too!
5. Water Management
Proper water management is just as essential as heating in the winter. Because Hokkaido’s average temperature in winter is below freezing, the tendency to have a frozen pipe is extremely high. Frozen pipes will lead to leakages and damage to your house. These accidents can be avoided and is very costly to restore.
Having all water pipes and sewage water drained while your house in unoccupied is to prevent issues like frozen pipes and water damage.
6. Regular Inspections
Conducting regular inspections of your property can help identify potential issues before they become major problems. Check the roof for leaks, inspect the foundation for cracks, and ensure all windows and doors are properly sealed. Regular maintenance can extend the lifespan of your property and save you money in the long run.
7. Seasonal Preparations
Each season in Hokkaido brings its own set of challenges. Prepare your home for winter by insulating pipes, checking the heating system, and stocking up on winter supplies. In spring, focus on cleaning and repairing any winter damage, and in summer, ensure your cooling systems are working efficiently.
Hokkaido’s climate is quite diverse, with warm summers and very cold winters with more than 50°C difference in temperature ( below -20°C in the winter and over 30°C in the summer). While this is appreciated as a tourist and a holiday maker either enjoying the skiing holidays here or smelling the fragrant flowers in the summer, your property may not be conditioned to these changes. For example, all air vents are to be closed over winter to prevent freezing flowing under your floorboards and in the spring time, all the air vents are to be opened to avoid moldy conditions in the house especially in the hot, humid summer.
