When you own a seasonal home, it’s crucial to make the most out of your time there. You want to spend it with family and friends, enjoying all your home offers. But, there are some things you have to consider first and foremost when opening up your seasonal home. Here are seven tips to help open your seasonal home.
1. Inspect your gutters.
The first of seven tips to help open your seasonal home involves your gutters. Two weeks before your return, it’s vital to inspect your gutters and clean them out if necessary. Clogged drains can lead to water damage, so take care of this before you arrive.
2. Check for roof damage.
A few weeks before you go back to your seasonal home, check your roof for any damage. If you find any damage, you’ll need to address it before returning. It will help ensure that your home is in good condition when you arrive.
3. Turn the water back on.
While you’re still inspecting, turn your water back on and check for any leaks. If you find any, be sure to address them before you return. You don’t want to head back to your main address with all of these problems looming in your vacation property, that is stressful the opposite of why you have a vacation home. Address issues ASAP, and your return will be much smoother! TIP, while you’re checking for leaks, be sure to flush your toilet to know everything is in working order. Lastly, if you have an issue remember to turn the water back off until properly repaired.
4. Test your power.
When you finally get back to your seasonal home, you want to make sure your power works. Turn on all light switches and perform a practice run on your appliances to look for any problems. Remember, do not leave the vacation property until appliances finish their first cycle of the season. You do not want to leave halfway through a “dishwasher test” and come back to a flood in your kitchen.
5. Reinstate your utility services.
Call your utilities to reinstate services at your seasonal home. That includes gas and heating. Ensure that the pros also update or fix any systems not working and inspect your septic system.
6. Handle your home security.
You want to know you will be safe upon returning to your seasonal home. So when you finally get back, make sure there’s no damage to your windows or doors, and if there is, fix them.
Also, replace your smoke and carbon monoxide detector batteries. You don’t know if the detectors were functioning while you were away.
7. Scrub your food storage areas.
The last of our seven tips to help open your seasonal home involves your food storage area. You want to clean the areas used for storage because pests can be a problem. Also, remember to plug in your refrigerator and restock the pantry once you’re back in town.
One way to ensure your seasonal home stays safe for you all year round is to get Seasonal Home Insurance with Northeast-MetroWest Insurance Agency.
In addition to our Seasonal Home Insurance, we offer a range of other insurance products to help protect your home and belongings. Our agents are knowledgeable in all aspects of home insurance and would be happy to work with you to find the right policy for your needs.
When you’re ready for your quote, please call us at (800) 443-7007 or reach out via our contact form.