4 Areas of Your Home You Should Get Checked Before You Go on Vacation This Summer
Getting ready for a summer vacation is such a fun time that it may be easy to overlook some important tasks before you go.
One thing you definitely want to do before departure is to check out some key aspects of your home to make sure the essentials are in good working order.
That will help to prevent problems from developing while you are gone and also give you a baseline from which to determine if problems develop during your absence.
Water Lines
An undiscovered leak could cause major water damage to your home while you’re away. Inspect the sinks, toilets, tubs, showers, dishwashers, ice maker, and laundry areas for signs of drips or leakage.
Also check your basement and the home’s plumbing to ensure the pipes are not rusted, leaking, or dripping. Look for signs of mold and notice any mildew odors. Contact a plumber to inspect any suspicious areas.
Heating and Cooling
Some homeowners leave the air conditioner running at a low temperature while they are gone so that heat and humidity don’t build up and possibly create problems in the house.
It may be a good idea to contact an HVAC services professional to assess your heating and cooling system and make sure they are working correctly.
When you get home from your getaway on a warm day, you don’t want to discover that the AC is not working just when you need it.
Electric
Make sure that the electricity in your home is in good working condition. Unplug all non-essential appliances, leaving night lights or the AC connected if these will be used when you are on summer vacation.
This may be a good time to have an outdoor motion detector installed to help deter curious wildlife or robbers.
If you have any concerns about an outlet in your house that has been sparking when used or other types of electrical uncertainties, have the electric box and circuits checked by a licensed electrician to ensure everything will be safe until you return.
Roof
Take a look at your roof for signs of pest invasions like wasp or hornet nests as well as bats in the chimney or raccoons and squirrels under the eaves of the house.
Note any loose, broken, or missing shingles. If damaging winds or heavy storms occur while you are gone, you will need to be able to attribute roof damage to the weather if you plan to file an insurance claim.
Evaluating these key parts of your home before leaving on summer vacation can help you enjoy time away with peace of mind. Have any questionable areas checked by professionals to address problems before your departure.
Category: Family Finances
