Is your shopping all done and your gifts all wrapped? Are your stockings all hung by the chimney with care? And you're still looking for something to do? Even with snow and ice on the ground, it's a good time for an exterior house check. Wintertime is ideal for making a thorough examination of your home. Trees and bushes have lost their leaves allowing inspection of many areas that are otherwise hidden from view. You can get back and inspect the roof and upper levels with binoculars. Leaking or clogged gutters give themselves away when icicles form in freezing weather. Then walk the perimeter checking the foundation for cracks. And look for peeling paint and deteriorating wood. Note seams and joints that need caulk, and brick work and masonry that needs work. Check steps, porches and walkways, too. Then, like Santa, start making a list and checking it twice. And that's the On The House tip for today.