Owning a vacation property comes with some of the same responsibilities as a primary residence, but because it is a seasonal dwelling in a different location, there are some unique considerations.
The same maintenance and safety tasks apply, but you should know your vacation house well so you can deal with problems. If your vacation home is a remote area you may need to deal with critical issues personally if emergency services can’t get to your property quickly.
Here are some quick tips to maintain your vacation property.
What emergency equipment do I need at my vacation property?
It’s very important to have working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors installed on every level in your property and placed just outside of sleeping areas. Test the batteries once a month and replace them once or twice a year. If you use smoke and monoxide detectors that plug into wall outlets, be sure that they have a battery-powered backup.
A fire extinguisher is another necessary piece of equipment you should have on every floor. If your property is particularly large, you can have two on each level. The best locations to store them are in or near the kitchen, by a wood-burning fireplace or stove, near other sources of heat, and near bedrooms.
What routine maintenance should I perform at my vacation property?
If you live far away from your vacation property or can’t be on-site very much, consider hiring someone local to check on the property. This person could be a handyman or groundskeeper or simply someone you can trust to make sure everything is in order. Besides inspecting the property for any problems, this person could also cut the grass, remove snow, bring in mail, or do anything else so the property looks its best.
Maintain a list of local repair companies for when pipes burst or electrical issues arise and keep it in an easy-to-find spot.
If you have a septic tank, arrange for a licenced contractor to inspect the system every two years and pump out the solids whenever necessary.
If you have a well, take a water sample from a tap and send it to a qualified testing lab. Check with your local health unit regarding the type and frequency of testing specific to your area.
Every spring and fall, these are some general maintenance tasks that will keep your property in good shape:
- Trim tree branches to keep them at least two feet away from the house
- Inspect the condition of the roof
- Remove leaves and debris from eavestroughs and downspouts
- Pressure-wash siding (if recommended) to prevent mould, etc.
- Check window and door sills for leaks and caulk where necessary
- Check the foundation for cracks
- Clean furnace ducts and replace filters
- Check the attic and basement for signs of moisture
- Inspect the entire house for any signs of pests
What are some smart investments for my vacation property?
Secure windows and doors are a good choice to keep the elements out and safeguard your belongings. At the same time, keep your valuables out of sight and when the property is empty, close the blinds and curtains so people can’t see inside.
A remote access home monitoring system is another great asset. A keyless entry system will make access easier in the case of an emergency or for anyone using the property. Many of these “smart” locks allow you to create multiple pin codes, emergency overrides, and use other options.
