If you own a vacation home, the last thing you need to worry about is the safety of your property while you’re away. When you go out, it is very important to make sure your second home is safe. There are a variety of risks to consider, from potential break-ins to weather damage.
This Redfin article describes a vacation home security checklist packed with practical steps to protect your property and give you peace of mind. Plus, whether you’re looking for an apartment in Chicago, a new home in Boise, or a rental in Missoula, read on for practical tips.
secure a vacation home
1. Install a home security system
When your home is empty for the season, you may be more susceptible to burglary and vandalism. A home security system is your first line of defense when you’re away, whether it’s a vacation home or a permanent residence, and allows you to monitor your home remotely.
Tamara from Psync Labs says: “Considering that a vacation home is an investment, it’s important to actively monitor and protect it. If you leave your home unattended for long periods of time, it becomes more susceptible to burglary. Statistics show that security systems and surveillance Vacant homes without cameras are 300 times more likely to be broken into.
The best recommendations for protecting your home are securing doors and windows with heavy-duty locks or pine dowels, installing motion-triggered outdoor floodlights, and using indoor night lights (to avoid total darkness inside). , is to buy a pan-tilt. – Zoomable indoor camera. ”
Jesper Konggaard from Develco Products added: “For vacation homes, we recommend getting smart motion and intrusion sensors and placing them around your home where thieves might break into. Motion sensors keep an eye on your vacation home, and the sensors will keep an eye on your vacation home during your stay. If you are away, you can receive a notification on your smartphone in case motion is detected (if your device is connected to your smart home) Similarly, an intrusion sensor will alert you if any of your entrances (such as doors or windows) are open.
2. Make sure there is sufficient lighting
To prevent opportunists from approaching your vacation home at night, illuminate walkways, entryways, windows, and dark corners with outdoor motion-sensor lights to spook intruders. Indoor lighting is also important so that your home looks occupied from the outside. A simple outlet timer can turn a lamp on and off at regular intervals to make an empty house look like it’s occupied. If you use an outlet timer indoors, make sure it is visible from outside, even through curtains or shades.
3. Consider a smart lock
An important step on your vacation home checklist is to make sure all windows have secure locks, especially ground level windows and doors. Alternatively, you could consider installing a smart keyless lock that allows you to grant remote access to your neighbors or housekeeper. These locks offer additional control, security, and convenience, and can give you more peace of mind since you don’t have to keep track of keys.
4. Make your home look lived in
The key to avoiding surprises while you’re away is to make your vacation home look like you’re visiting it regularly. As Marquise Properties puts it, “Vacation home owners can protect themselves by installing smart security systems, tightening door and window locks, and using timers on lights to make it look like they are occupied. You can protect your property. Asking a trusted neighbor to monitor your property and manage your mail and deliveries can also prevent signs of vacancy.”
Be sure to include leaving blinds and shades partially open on your holiday home checklist when you go out. This will give the impression that the villa is occupied and people passing by at night will see the light through the blinds without being able to see completely inside the house.
Lucas from Home Control recommends a different method. “Pairing motorized curtains and blinds with smart thermostats and smart light switches can help regulate the temperature of your property or simulate an occupied property when no one is home at night. ”
5. Protect your furniture
“When protecting your vacant vacation home, focus on preserving your investment in the interior through strategic fabric management,” says James Chen, owner of Dolceve. “Adjust the indoor temperature and block 99% of UV rays. To block and prevent sun damage to flooring and furniture, install room-darkening curtains or blackout curtains with thermal properties. Upholstered furniture should be fitted with high-quality, breathable materials. Use furniture covers to prevent moisture build-up In addition, consider temporarily storing your area rug in a climate-controlled space. This will prevent uneven fading patterns and protect it from dust and debris. There is no risk of moisture getting trapped between them.
Assemble a team of experts
Sometimes you may not be able to do everything yourself, and that’s okay. Find out which professionals to hire to get your vacation home ready for guests.
6. Consider using landscaping services
Untidy hedges, overgrown grass, weedy gardens, and even overgrown shrubbery are signs that your property is vacant. A lakefront home in Seattle, Washington may not require as much maintenance as a beach house with a large lawn in Orlando, Florida, but you may need regular landscaping services to maintain your property while you’re away. By investing, you can maintain your appearance. Visit regularly. Max Coupland, CEO of Insuranceopedia, said: “To keep your holiday home in good condition while on vacation, schedule regular professional maintenance such as landscaping and pest control to prevent problems from spreading.”
Additionally, trimming trees and shrubs around your home will prevent them from obscuring your home’s view and eliminate hiding places for thieves.
7. Preventing damage from occurring
Preventing damage before it happens is the key to maintaining a healthy home and a calm mind.
FloLogic’s Ian Greene points out the importance of detecting hazards before they cause damage. He says, “Leaking pipes are the second leading cause of insurance claims, and the risk of water damage increases significantly when the home is unoccupied. Installing a smart leak detection system like FloLogic You can monitor the entire plumbing of your facility from anywhere. These devices monitor all water flows and automatically shut off the water supply and alert you immediately if a leak is suspected.”
Andy Bowman of Alarm System Store added: “In my professional opinion, monitoring for leaks and unusual water usage is even more important in vacant properties. Having the ability to adjust can help reduce energy costs.”
Caitlin from Protect Your Pipes reiterates the importance of proper plumbing. “If you’re going somewhere warm to escape the cold, remember to protect your home from freezing water pipes before you go. Set your thermostat to at least 55°F to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes. Please keep the cabinet door open so that the outdoor spigot is closed. Close the inner valve and drain any remaining water from the outdoor hose. Ask a trusted friend or neighbor to check on your home during cold snaps to catch potential problems early. For more tips and resources, visit ProtectYourPipes.org. Please visit.
8. Ask others for help
Renting a vacation home doesn’t have to be done alone, you can ask for help. Evan from Golden Home Management says: Most vacation home markets have a service that allows you to have a concierge as your single point of contact for all things home while you’re away. Their services range from just being on call to completely autopiloting your home and its maintenance. Try to understand the fee structure in advance. ”
Aleisa agrees, saying, “Hire a local property manager to oversee regular maintenance such as HVAC, lawn care, and pest control, and to regularly test important home services and equipment. I will ask you to do so.”
Paul Speed, owner of Mango Vacation Rentals, shares his top tips for hiring outside help. he says: “In our experience, the most important thing you have to do to keep your place in perfect condition while you’re away is to set clear expectations for your staff and management company. They know how to take care of your home more than you do. No one knows, so be specific. Tell them exactly what you want to do and when you want it done. The last piece of the puzzle is to “inspect what you expect. It means “to do”. This can be accomplished with photos of completed tasks, video walkthroughs, or regular calls. If it’s not documented, there’s a good chance it’s not happening. ”
Cory from Relax & Co. emphasizes the importance of check-ins: We utilize advanced home monitoring technology and perform in-person home checks to monitor locks, leaks, and thermostats. Our 24/7 on-call staff and regular maintenance checks ensure all major home systems are kept in tip-top condition. Proactive care ensures that your property is safe, well-maintained, and always ready for your next visit. ”
Jason Smolarek, founder of Elite Lake Rentals, emphasizes the importance of proper vacation home care and management and offers valuable advice. He said: “To properly maintain your vacation home while you’re on the go, local vacation Partner with a rental management or home monitoring company. Smart devices such as cameras and temperature and water sensors can help with remote monitoring, but periodically physically inspect your property and identify any problems. Nothing beats having a local team you can trust to respond within minutes. Their ability to monitor your home provides unparalleled peace of mind and ensures that problems are quickly addressed before they become serious.A trusted local partner provides comprehensive property management. The ultimate solution for stress-free ownership.
Getting to know your neighbors can give you another line of defense while you’re out and about. Rather than leaving your keys in a well-known hiding place, give a spare key to a trusted neighbor so they can get into your home in case of an emergency. Plus, you’ll have another pair of eyes watching your home for any suspicious activity.
9. Set a routine
To maintain a clean home, Mike Cutler of Smartscapes Landscape Service recommends a deep cleaning routine. He suggests: “Consider doing a deep cleaning of your home seasonally or once a year. It will help you thoroughly clean the areas where dust accumulates that are often overlooked during cleaning. Most cleaning services can perform this type of service and you will enjoy a clean and dust-free home every time you visit. You can.”
Cheryl Nelson, founder of Prepare with Cher, shares some to-do list items for this routine. She says: “Clean out the inside of your fridge, wipe down the shelves, and throw away perishables to prevent mold from forming. Who doesn’t want to go home for a science experiment?
Take your trash home with you to prevent unpleasant odors and pests from returning. Do not leave dirty dishes in the sink or dishwasher. Clean it before you go out to prevent mold and odors. Vacuuming and wiping down surfaces will make returns even more fun. When you return, enjoy a clean, fresh environment with new sheets and towels. ”
Jessica Schupack of Sparrow Estate Management said: Whether it’s winterizing pipes or preparing your HVAC system for summer, inspect and maintain your facility regularly to catch minor issues before they become serious. We install security measures like advanced home security systems, smart home technology, and fostering relationships with your neighbors to give you peace of mind while you’re away. Consider hiring a professional property management company to handle all aspects of managing your second home. That way, you can enjoy your vacation stress-free. ”
