Having a vacation home is a dream come true for many. If you’re lucky enough to be livin’ the dream, as they say, then you’ll want to keep your property in tip-top shape so you and your family can enjoy it for years to come.
Because it’s not your primary residence, it can be easy to lose sight of the regular maintenance that your vacation home will likely need. Not to worry – when you take a few steps to protect your investment by maintaining your vacation home, it will continue to be the vacation escape of your dreams. However, for anyone with a summer home or vacation property, you know it’s not always that easy. With a little planning and advanced preparation though, you can put your mind at ease and rest assured that your home is ready for the season. That’s where a summer home inspection and maintenance checklist can be a homeowner’s saving grace!
Vacation Home Maintenance Tips
Here we’ll cover some of the major areas you will want to stay on top of in terms of upkeep for your favorite vacation destination. Check out a few of the most helpful vacation home maintenance tips:
- Put technology to work for you.
This tip can be a lifesaver both while you’re enjoying your vacation home and while you’re away. You may want to consider installing security cameras or subscribing to a security service to keep an eye on things (even when you can’t). Wi-fi enabled devices such as door locks, garage door openers, thermostats and even lighting systems can go a long way to keeping your home safe, secure and properly maintained. - Change your filters, flush your A/C lines and keep up with annual maintenance.
Just like at your primary residence, it’s important to keep your vacation home’s mechanical systems in good working order. And that requires regular maintenance, check-ins and tune-ups. Be sure to change your air conditioning filters and flush the drain lines once a month, if possible, or at least quarterly. Schedule service for your HVAC annual maintenance during a time you will be at your vacation home. - Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors regularly.
Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors installed in the home should also be tested quarterly and batteries changed out often as well. Though these may be among the smallest items in your vacation home, they should be considered some of the most important when it comes to maintenance as they could truly be lifesaving. - Inspect your roof, gutters and downspouts.
Depending on the climate your vacation home is located in, you may need to conduct this type of maintenance more frequently or at different times of year than others, but it’s important to inspect your roof for loose shingles or leaks, be sure gutters are clean and free of leaves and debris, and clear the area surrounding downspouts to avoid back-ups or blockages. Take into account whether your vacation home is in an area that experiences a storm season, harsh winter conditions or is prone to flooding, among other weather-related concerns that could jeopardize your home and be proactive in addressing the needed maintenance before issues occur.
Protect Your Vacation Home With Regular Maintenance
Use these vacation home maintenance tips as thought-starters for your individual scenario. Once you establish a maintenance system that works for you, your vacation property and the area it’s located in, you can rely on it to keep things in check year after year. Shore Perfection Home Watch Services is also an option to serve as an extension of the care you’d personally take with your vacation home. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you and your family keep livin’ that dream!