While homeownership has traditionally been part of the “American Dream,” nearly 8 million people in the U.S. also own a second property – and that number is continuing to grow. As summer vacation season is coming to an end, many of these second homeowners will be away from these locations for extended periods. If you are one of them, how can you take measures to ensure your home away from home will be well-maintained, safe, and secure? Here are a few ideas to consider.
Keep your home in good repair.
While this may seem obvious, be sure to inspect your home closely before leaving it alone for months at a time. The little challenges that may not seem important now can suddenly become big problems over time. For example, are there any small leaks in your roof or skylights? Are your appliances operating efficiently? Is your air conditioner unit performing well? Is your gutter system debris-free and is it able to effectively manage rainfall? Always go the extra mile to take care of repairs quickly.
You should also practice preventative maintenance by doing things such as regularly changing HVAC filters and making sure all windows are properly sealed. Through your neighbors or local homeowners association (HOA), find out if there are reputable repair professionals who can periodically monitor the outside of your home for damages that may occur while you are away. Having a few extra eyes on your home when you’re not there can help to ensure your home is always in the best possible condition.
Consider renting your home.
The same reasons you love to escape to your vacation property will also appeal to others, and they will be willing to pay for the experience. Vacation rental services like Vrbo® and Airbnb have made vacation rentals easy and accessible to both homeowners and leisure seekers. Reach out to one of these groups or a local rental association to explore the possibilities. If you are worried about potential damages, the benefits of having people in your home when you’re away may far outweigh the possible consequences.
When your vacation home becomes a revenue stream, you will have more income to maintain it. And you will also avoid some of the maintenance issues that can occur with unattended spaces. Keep in mind that your home will also be available to you whenever you are ready for the next getaway. In the meantime however, you can put the house to work for you as a valuable family budget asset.
Equip your second home with a WaterCop system.
Preventable water damage is now one of the most common causes of home insurance claims, and second homes are especially susceptible to damages. Nearly 25% of all homeowners have experienced significant water damage from plumbing connection breaks and continuous flow leaks. You can protect your property from this potentially catastrophic damage. WaterCop monitors high-risk plumbing locations where 94% of all leaks occur.
WaterCop is perfect for second homes and is always monitoring your property when you’re not there. The system utilizes an automatic shut-off valve installed on the water supply line of a home or commercial building. When sensors detect a leak, a signal is sent to the shut-off valve and water flow is quickly stopped to downstream areas reducing the chance of major flooding. The SmartConnect WiFi and mobile app interface provides remote control and notifications from the WaterCop system. So you’re always in control of your home, even when you’re miles away.
If you would like to learn more about everything we have to offer, we invite you to explore the details within our website or feel free to contact us at 800-545-3636.