How to Winterize Your Vacation Home for the Off-Season

When the weather changes, your address may change, too. Now that the summer is over, you may be getting ready to prepare your vacation home for when temperatures drop to freezing. Doing so can ensure that you won’t come back to any headaches in the spring. If you are fortunate enough to have a second residence, here are some tips for first-year property owners to ensure that your home is adequately prepared for winter.

Mind the Thermostat

If you are going to spend months away from your vacation home, you might consider investing in a smart thermostat that you can control remotely with your smartphone or tablet. By setting your thermostat to a low temperature that is warm enough to keep the pipes in your vacation home from freezing but not high enough to run up your utility bills, you can avoid unnecessary costs without worrying about returning to burst pipes. If your vacation property is located in a damp or warm climate, you might also consider choosing a smart system that has a humidity indicator. 

Check Your Windows and Doors

Before leaving for the season, make sure there are no gaps in your windows or doors that could let in cold air while you are gone. Filling any existing gaps with a sealing material not only helps to winterize your home but also prevents drafts from occurring, and hot air from leaking out. While performing any maintenance to your doors and windows, you can also double-check to ensure that all entry points are secure and locked.

If You Have a Pool, Don't Forget to Treat It

Keeping your swimming pool clean and safe throughout the off-season is vital if you want to enjoy it when the summer comes back around. When you winterize your home, make sure that your pool is chemically treated and properly closed. Preparing your pool can be one of the hardest parts of closing your vacation home, so if you want to save time and not fret over this task, you might consider hiring a local pool service to do this for you.

Keep Up with Your Landscaping

Vacant summer homes can be appealing to burglars and vandals during the off-season. Many vacation property owners hire a landscaper to continue cutting the grass and picking up leaves during the fall. A landscaper can also cover up any plants you may have that are intolerant to frost. Not only will this deter potential thieves, but the town your vacation home is located in might issue fines if you do not keep up with your landscaping.

Reroute All Mail Back to Your Primary Residence

Nothing is more annoying for vacation property owners than receiving mail at their vacant second home when it’s meant to go to their primary residence. Before packing up for the winter, be sure to notify the local post office and provide them with your primary address so that they can redirect any postage there. 

Store Any Valuables You're Keeping at Your Vacation Home

As mentioned earlier, vacant vacation properties are at risk of break-ins during the off-season. Thieves could very well be looking for high-priced valuables that are left behind. If you have anything you want to protect and cannot bring it to your primary residence, such as artwork or electronics, lock it away in a room that can't be easily seen at street level. Drawing the blinds and curtains in all rooms can also keep your valuables out of sight.

Build Your Own Custom Vacation Home for Next Summer

Taking the proper steps to winterize your home can reduce the chances of burst pipes and other costly repairs. Plus, you can enjoy the winter with peace of mind knowing that you’ll have a fully functional space when you return to your vacation property. Best of all, closing your home for the season can easily take place on the weekend, which means you can get it out the way quickly and easily without having to take any time off work.

Don’t have a vacation property yet? No need to worry - at Bay to Beach Builders, our Land Specialist can assist you in finding the perfect lot for your new home. We partner with local Amish craftsmen to create enduring, fully custom homes for people in Delaware and Maryland. To learn more, view our catalog of models or visit one of our design studios.