Taking Care of Your Home Away From Home

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Hire a caretaker to remove snow from sidewalks, driveway, and the roof if you can’t visit your secondary home often, especially if your property is frequently used by others (e.g. public sidewalks along the front of your house).

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The only thing worse than not getting to visit your seasonal home as often as you’d like is having to make repairs once you get there.  So be sure to prepare your home away from home for the upcoming winter season by taking the following precautions: 

• Drain and turn-off water lines to prevent frozen pipes and leaks.  Don’t forget about those outside water sources too (i.e. the garden hose).
• Have chimney and woodstove pipes professionally cleaned.  Should you decide to visit your secondary home during the winter, you’ll want to be sure your heating source is working safely before then.
• Hire a caretaker to remove snow from sidewalks, driveway, and the roof if you can’t visit your secondary home often, especially if your property is frequently used by others (e.g. public sidewalks along the front of your house).
• Inspect windows and doors for drafts before the cold weather comes.  Seal leaks or cover with heavy plastic for the winter season.
• Trim tree branches that could result in property damage after a heavy snow storm or strong winds.  And ensure that all repairs are made before the snow falls, such as broken steps or uneven landscaping.

A familiar getaway with the comforts of home, your secondary house is there when you need it most.  By taking these small seasonal precautions now, you’ll avoid unnecessary repairs and insurance claims, ensuring you get the most out of each trip back to your home away from home.