How to Prepare Your Smith Mountain Lake House for the Changing Seasons

SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE: AN OVERVIEW FOR PROSPECTIVE BUYERS

But first, an overview of Smith Mountain Lake for prospective buyers wishing to buy a permanent or vacation home in an idyllic setting:

Located in the heart of Virginia along the Blue Ridge Mountains, Smith Mountain Lake is less than an hour’s drive from both Roanoke and Lynchburg. Washington D.C. is an easy four-hour drive, while Raleigh, NC is just two hours away. The lake covers three Virginia counties: Franklin, Bedford, and Pittsylvania.

The lake itself covers a total area of 32 square miles and has over 500 miles of shoreline, with an average depth of 55 feet. The deepest point of the lake is approximately 250 feet, near the dam. The lake is clean and the lake’s ideal water temperatures invite swimmers from May to September.

There are plenty of places to visit and things to do in the area, from historic sites to unique shopping places and fantastic dining and entertainment options. Some of the most popular lake activities include fishing, water sports, and swimming. In fact, some of the public marinas at Smith Mountain Lake include the Parkway Marina, Bridgewater Marina, Smith Mountain Dock & Lodge, Mitchell’s Point Marina, and Sportsmans Marina.

The weather in the area is temperate, with average highs at around 89 degrees and lows at approximately 74 degrees. In summer, the average air temperature is approximately 73 degrees. Meanwhile, average winter temperatures can reach 41 degrees. On average, the yearly rainfall in SML is 43 inches, while the average snowfall is 10 inches.

It’s no wonder that the place attracts thousands of visitors each year. What once was a community of 22,000 residents has grown significantly because tourists who kept coming back eventually called it home.

There are plenty of available housing types at different price points and proximities to the water in SML. For example, you can buy a small lakefront property or a condo unit with a view of the lake for approximately $150,000. For $225,000 to $350,000, you can purchase a 1,200-square-foot lakefront townhouse. Meanwhile, for $400,000 and up, you can get a 2-4 bedroom luxury lakefront home with features such as boat slips, powered lips, and additional yard space and waterfront space.

WHY YOU NEED TO PREPARE YOUR HOME PER SEASON

The reason we do regular maintenance on our homes and other real estate investments is the same: we deserve to live in a comfortable and well-maintained space, and we want to retain the value of our home. However, some property types, like waterfront homes, require a bit more care and attention.

Lakeside or lakefront homes are generally great investment opportunities. They’re easy to sell and rent out, there are a lot of recreational activities you and your family can do, and there are health benefits that can be derived from living near a lake.

If you want to maximize your lakeside living experience, you’ll need to make sure that your property is in top shape. Especially if you run a rental, you’ll want guests to feel comfortable and at home and provide everything they need no matter the season.

In addition, lake homes are susceptible to more wear and tear due to their proximity to the water, which so you need to stay on top of your property’s maintenance always.

Even if you hire a cleaning service for your property, you’ll need the following basic cleaning and maintenance supplies and tools on hand no matter the season:

• Basic tools (hammer, saw, screwdriver, wrench, pliers, nails, screws, etc.)
• Vacuum
• Sponge and dust mops, broom
• Rake, shovel. trowel
• Microfiber cloths
• Scrub brushes
• Rubber gloves
• Squeegee
• All-purpose cleaner or baking soda

With these, you can already carry out most of the seasonal preparations for your Smith Mountain Lake house or do simple repairs and clean-ups around the house.

WINTER PREPARATIONS FOR YOUR SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE HOME

Winter at Smith Mountain Lake is gorgeous. You’ve got pure white snow, breathtaking views of the mountain, and an abundance of wildlife and waterfowl on the lake. The Smith Mountain Lake State Park also typically hosts a Winter Lecture Series during this time of the year.

Winter puts a lot of pressure on your house. That’s why you need to know how to properly prepare your home for winter. Here is a checklist of things you’ll need to do as you prepare your Smith Mountain Lake house for winter:

Indoor Prep

• If applicable, remove your window-type A/C units to prevent them from getting damaged.
• Check your home’s insulation and make the necessary repairs beforehand.
• Make sure all your hinges and locks are well-oiled.
• Check your home’s smoke, fire, and carbon monoxide detectors. Change their batteries if needed.
• Check your water heater’s temperature and drain the sediment if necessary.
• Inspect and repair your water heater and furnace so they can be up and running once winter comes.

Outdoor Prep

• Prepare tools and equipment to deal with the ice and snow. You may want to get sand, some de-icer, a snow shovel, and other similar equipment.
• Inspect and repair your home’s sump dump.
• Drain and turn off all your outdoor faucets to prevent ice buildup. Ice forming inside your outdoor faucets may damage your pipes eventually.
• Store any outdoor furniture and other fall decorations in a shed or other storage space. This prevents ice build-up that would damage your furniture and decorations.
• Seal off holes and cracks in your home to prevent rodent infestation.
• Check your roof for leaks and other issues as soon as possible.

SPRING PREPARATIONS FOR YOUR SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE HOME

Spring is beautiful on Smith Mountain Lake. This is when you’ll see trees springing back to life and wildflowers blooming all over. The campgrounds of Virginia State Parks are open to visitors starting on the first weekend in March.

You and your family can also enjoy plenty of lake activities during spring. The Park hosts an annual Youth Fishing Clinic and Aspiring Anglers Tournament every June. You can also go on guided hikes and watch out for the return of ospreys.

During this time, you’ll need to check your home for winter damage and make the necessary repairs as soon as possible. Preparing your home for spring is relatively easy. Spring cleaning is on top of the list but we have other suggestions. Here’s a checklist of the things you need to do as spring comes in your Smith Mountain Lake house:

Indoor Prep

• Check your basement for dampness and mold.
• Make sure the weatherstripping for your doors and windows is intact.
• Check your A/C:
• Re-install your window-type A/C unit
• Have your A/C system inspected and serviced
• Clean the system’s vents and filters
• Start your spring cleaning:
• Wash your windows
• Clean your home’s storm windows and screens
• De-clutter your home’s interiors
• Wash and clean your carpets

Outdoor Prep

• Check your roof for winter damage.
• Inspect your foundation, driveway, and sidewalks for cracks.
• Take your outdoor furniture out of storage.
• Inspect your lawns and outdoor property:
• Clear the brush
• Prune bushes
• Prepare your seasonal garden and flowerbeds
• Seed your lawn

SUMMER PREPARATIONS FOR YOUR SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE HOME

Summer at Smith Mountain Lake means enjoying the beaches and public marinas, making s’mores over the campfire, boating, fishing, and other fun activities for the whole family. And on the fourth Saturday of each month of summer, you and your loved ones can enjoy “Music in the Park,” complete with bluegrass cloggers and concessions.

The fair weather in summer can help you get started on major repairs and renovations to your home. Plus, we have other recommendations. To start your summer right at your Smith Mountain Lake home, you need to do the following:

Indoor Prep

• Check your refrigerator and repair faulty seals and clean dirty coils.
• Inspect your faucets and showerheads for leaks. Replace faulty washers and seals as soon as possible.
• Check your smoke, fire, and carbon monoxide detectors and replace their batteries if applicable.

Outdoor Prep

• Clean your home’s siding and check the exterior paint for peeling or damage.
• Clear your drains.
• Check your sprinkler system for leaks.
• Inspect your deck, patio, and fences and make the necessary repairs.

FALL PREPARATIONS FOR YOUR SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE HOME

The Blue Ridge Mountains burst with color every fall. The lake also looks especially gorgeous during this time of the year. This is the perfect time for hiking activities, wildlife watching, and photography.

Getting your home ready for fall is pretty straightforward: you mainly have to ensure that your heating systems are working properly and that there isn’t an entry point where drafts and pests can make their way inside your home. To get your home ready for fall, here are some things you need to check around your Smith Mountain Lake house:

Indoor Prep

• Check your home’s furnace and adjust the flues for winter so you can heat your home well in the coming months and save on fuel at the same time.
• Get your fireplace and chimney cleaned.
• Get your heating system inspected and repaired by a professional. You can schedule this in late summer or early fall.
• Inspect, clean, and repair your humidifier.
• Check your home for any signs of infestation – from wasps and termites to wood rot.
• Inspect your home for plumbing leaks.
• Clean your carpets.

Outdoor Prep

• Clean and clear your rain gutters to prevent debris build-up and clogged downspouts.
• Sweep away dry brush, leaves, branches, etc. from your yard to prevent them from clogging your drainage system and causing flooding inside your yard.
• Cover your flower beds to prevent frosting and damage to your plants during the winter months.
• Remove unwanted weeds from your garden because they may be robbing your other plants of valuable nutrients.
• Store your outdoor furniture in a clean and safe place.
• Inspect your roof and look for any damages that need to be repaired before winter to prevent leaks and drafts when winter arrives.

SEASONAL MUST-HAVES FOR YOUR SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE HOME

Is your Smith Mountain lake home ready for the changing seasons? Once you’ve done all the necessary steps to prepare for winter, spring, summer, and fall, you’ll want to sit back and enjoy your new home.

Luckily, we listed down some of the best seasonal must-haves to have in your Smith Mountain Lake house so you can enjoy your new property to the fullest.

1. Outdoor furniture
   What’s a lakeside home without outdoor furniture? To better enjoy your property’s views and relax, you’ll need a good set of outdoor furniture that you can use all year round. Here are some suggestions:

   • Lounge chairs and sofas. It’s important to get a good set of lounge chairs and outdoor sofas for your Smith Mountain Lake home, so you and your guests can enjoy the breathtaking views of the lake and the mountains. Choose a set that’s comfortable, matches your home’s exteriors, and is easy to clean.
   • Outdoor coffee table. Typically, a set of outdoor lounge chairs and sofas come with an outdoor coffee table. Having a coffee table for your outdoor entertainment areas is practical so you can set your guests’ food and drinks. Bonus points if you have a seasonal table centerpiece.
   • Porch swings. Porch swings aren’t a necessity, but they’re really great to have. They’re a fun little piece to your outdoor arrangement and can help soothe your guests after a jampacked day of activities.
   • Large cushions. Large cushions are another staple in outdoor entertainment spaces. Make sure the cushions are comfy and made with soft fabrics. You should also make sure that they match the aesthetic of your space. If you want to go for a more practical choice, there are outdoor cushions made with water-resistant material, so you don’t have to worry about cleaning up.

2. Inflatable furniture
   This, of course, depends on the type of property you own in Smith Mountain Lake. If you have a waterfront property, it’s a good idea to also have inflatable furniture, especially if you have kids at home. These are perfect during spring and summer. You can purchase a floating ping-pong table, cooler, trampolines, and waterslides. Before you buy, make sure the inflatables are made for lakes.

3. Outdoor fire pit and grill
   There’s nothing better than a crackling outdoor fire during winter or a barbecue party during summer. Having an outdoor fire pit and grill is a great addition to your home and can bring your social gatherings to life any time of the year. You can opt to build a custom fire pit or purchase something ready made. Just make sure your project complies with local regulations.

4. Outdoor lighting
   Outdoor lighting is important to keep your lakeside home safe. One great option you can install in your Smith Mountain Lake house is solar-powered path lights. They’re energy efficient and come in a variety of styles and designs. Some solar-powered path lights can have built-in LED bulbs, while others can cling to railings or stay on the ground.

5. Fishing gear
   If you’re a lakeside homeowner and haven’t gotten into fishing, now’s your chance. One of the best things about living next to a lake is the opportunity to discover new hobbies or leisure pursuits. If you want to go fishing, it’s important to get not just the equipment, but all the permits as well. The Department of Wildlife Resources has a detailed guide on fishing, permits, fishing seasons, and available species in Smith Mountain Lake. Some of the species in the lake include largemouth bass, black bass, smallmouth bass, sunfish, and catfish.

6. Boats and watercraft
   There are plenty of public and private boat ramps and marinas throughout the Smith Mountain Lake reservoir. If your property comes with its own private boat slip, all that’s left to get is the appropriate watercraft. You can check with the local government unit near you to find out what kind of boats or watercraft you can bring to the waters of Smith Mountain Lake.

7. Sandboxes
   While there are plenty of public beaches around Smith Mountain Lake you can go to, you might want to consider building your own sandbox or beach. You may need to check with the local government regarding restrictions before building a beach, but installing a sandbox should be a relatively simple process. Sandboxes and private beaches along the lake are a great addition to your home for both your kids and guests during the summer months.

FIND THE PERFECT SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE HOME FOR ALL SEASONS

A 4-bed, 5-bath new construction luxury home in Smith Mountain Lake. See details here.

Smith Mountain Lake may be Virginia’s top summer destination, but it’s a beautiful place to live year round. Our local community has built something we are immensely proud of. The only thing missing is you.

For more information on Smith Mountain Lake houses for sale, you can reach me, Jane Sullivan Horne, here. I have over 28 years of professional experience working as a real estate professional here at SML. I am incredibly passionate about helping homebuyers like you find the perfect home or second residence in SML, and I can’t wait to see you soon.

Call me at 540.493.1690 or 800.858.4653. You can also contact me here to get started.