By Chad Taylor, the Taylor-Made Team
Every summer, I watch families spend weeks planning their vacations and about five minutes thinking about the house they’re leaving behind.
The flights are booked. The hotel reservations are confirmed. The suitcases are packed. The dog sitter is lined up. Everything seems ready to go.
But before you pull out of the driveway or head to the airport, there is one more thing worth adding to your vacation checklist: preparing your home for your absence.
When most homeowners think about protecting their home while they’re away, they immediately think about break-ins. While that is certainly something to consider, many of the problems homeowners encounter while traveling have nothing to do with theft. Water leaks, storm damage, power outages, overflowing package deliveries, and HVAC failures can be just as disruptive and expensive.
A few years ago, I had a client leave town for vacation just as a summer storm moved through Kansas City. The storm knocked out power to the home, their sump pump didn’t have a battery backup, and the basement flooded. Unfortunately, nobody knew about the problem for several days. By the time they returned home, flooring had to be removed, personal belongings were damaged, and mold had already begun to develop. What started as a simple power outage turned into a major repair project.
Fortunately, a little preparation goes a long way.
Let a trusted neighbor know you’ll be gone
Technology has made it easier than ever to monitor your home remotely, but there is still no substitute for a trusted neighbor.
A good neighbor knows what your home normally looks like and can quickly recognize when something seems out of place. Ask someone you trust to keep an eye on the property, bring in packages if needed, and check the house after severe weather.
If your trash day falls while you’re away, having someone return the trash cans to their normal location can also help your home appear occupied.
Be careful what you post on social media
This advice is even more important today than it was a few years ago.
Posting vacation photos in real time may seem harmless, but it also tells the world that nobody is home. Consider waiting until you return to share those beach sunsets and family photos. Your friends will still enjoy them a few days later.
Make your home look lived in
If you normally leave blinds open during the day, leave them that way. If you typically have lights on in the evening, use timers or smart home technology to mimic your normal routine.
The goal is not to make your home look occupied around the clock. The goal is to make it look normal.
Don’t forget about the garage
Most homeowners think about locking the front door, but the garage often gets overlooked.
Before leaving, make sure the garage door is closed and secure. If you’ll be gone for an extended period, it’s worth taking a few extra minutes to verify everything is working properly before you leave.
Keep the air conditioner running
It may be tempting to shut off the air conditioning while you’re away to save money, but that can create other problems. Excessive heat and humidity can be hard on a home, especially during a Kansas City summer.
Instead, consider raising the thermostat a few degrees or using your system’s vacation setting if it has one.
Don’t overlook your sump pump
Many homeowners never think about their sump pump until they need it. Before leaving town, take a few minutes to make sure it is functioning properly.
If your home relies on a sump pump, consider installing a battery backup system as well. Summer storms often bring two things at the same time: heavy rainfall and power outages. Unfortunately, those are the exact conditions under which a sump pump is needed most.
A battery backup may never be used, but if it prevents even one flooded basement, it will likely pay for itself many times over.
Protect against water damage
While you’re thinking about water, take a quick look at visible supply lines around washing machines, refrigerators, sinks, and water heaters.
If you’ll be gone for an extended period, consider shutting off the water supply to the washing machine. Some homeowners even choose to shut off the main water supply before leaving town.
Prepare for summer storms
Kansas City weather has a way of changing quickly.
Before you leave, secure patio furniture, umbrellas, and other outdoor items that could become projectiles during high winds. A quick walk around the property can help identify potential issues before they become problems.
Enjoy the vacation you’ve worked hard for
Most homeowners spend far more time planning their trip than preparing the home they’re leaving behind. Fortunately, a few simple precautions can dramatically reduce the chances of coming home to an unpleasant surprise.
The best souvenir from any vacation should be great memories with family and friends, not a repair bill waiting for you when you get home.
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