If you're going away for a vacation, it's important to prepare your home in the right way. While we're off on holidays, thieves are often at hard work. They're on the look out for empty homes during the holiday months.
Insurance company data highlights the fact that home theft insurance claims rise during summer months. This is because most of us go away during this time.
Add that to fact that if you are away for a considerable time, and something goes wrong with your home, it can easily cause more damage if no one is there to do anything about it. Again, if you have a home maintenance schedule in place, you'll be better equipped for when you prepare to leave your home for a holiday.
You don't want to come home to a water soaked home or to find the best of your belongings have been taken. Here are some important tips and ideas for when you are planning to go away.
Make sure it looks like someone is home.
Thieves are more than happy to target a home that is vacant. So the best thing to do is to make sure your home looks like someone is there.
It always pays to have a good friend or family member to help you with this. Never let mail pile up, and never leave your home unattended for long periods of time.
You can set timers on your lights and your TV to help make your home appear as if someone is there.
Keep your vacation more private.
We're all getting a little too used to using social media. When it comes to your vacation, make sure you are letting people know about your holiday after the fact.
Thieves are using social media as a tool to know when homes are vacant. Unfortunately, many home break-ins are committed by someone who knew someone who knows you.
Prepare against damage from your utilities.
If you are going away for an extended time, it is important to think about the potential for water damage. Broken pipes and even leaking taps can cause a massive amount of damage to your home. Leaking gas is extremely dangerous.
The best way to manage water is to shut it off at the mains. Gas can also be shut down. You'll need the electricity on to give the appearance you are at home.
Preparing for the weather while you are away.
Just like you prepare for the weather where you are going, it's important to think about what will be happening back home. With higher temperatures, fires are more common. Make sure your home has been maintained to minimise the potential damage from fires and other severe weather.
In the end, there is nothing like having someone to look after your home. C4U Inspections provides a considerable number of services related to property loss prevention and home maintenance. If you are looking for a tailored service, just let us know.
Need more information and have questions? Contact C4U Inspections today
Lloyd doesn't break the rules for anyone and as a leading chief home inspector in BC, that means he follows industry requirements, government regulations and licensing codes of conduct to the letter.
Unbiased, ethical and professional home inspection and building consulation services.
Serving the Okanagan Since 2005
