Top 5 Perils of an Unoccupied Home
It comes as no surprise that an empty home poses a greater risk for loss or damage than an occupied home. Yet, when you travel to a second residence during the winter months or take an extended vacation, you run the risk of exposing your home and property to a series of unwanted perils.
Risks For Unoccupied Homes
Vandalism - Vandalism to the exterior of your home, property, detached garages or sheds can not only result in costly repairs or insurance claims, but can also signal that your home continues to remain vacant if the damage is not fixed in a timely manner.
Theft - Break-ins, and the damage or loss that come with it, leave your home exposed and your property and belongings threatened while you are out of town.
Maintenance-Related Issues - Unexpected issues can arise at any time. But, a leaky or burst pipe, gas leak, or other seemingly minor home maintenance issues can quickly turn into costly repairs or renovations and even leave your home with irreparable damage if left unnoticed and unattended.
Fire - What may start as a small spark can quickly turn into a total loss when no one is around to mitigate the damage.
Weather-Related Incidents - Storms have the potential to create a host of problems from flooding to downed trees, leaky roofs to broken windows. When you are away from your home, the a severe storm forecast can bring about stress and the need to mobilize local support to protect and repair your home from damage.
While it is not be uncommon for residents who travel to warmer clients in the winter - snow birds - to have a friend, relative or neighbor drop by their home on occasion to check-in, it may not be enough. Similarly, when vacationing for a week - or longer - just having someone pick up the mail or water your plants may not prevent any of the common perils that afflict unoccupied homes.
This is where partnering with a home watch service, like Rest A Shore, can help. Our experienced professionals are trained to survey your home and property for any sign of damage, vandalism, break-in, or incidents that can either cause damage or signal a vacancy.