10 Things Vancouver Homeowners Should Do Before Going on Vacation
Planning a vacation is exciting, whether for a road trip through British Columbia or a warm beach getaway. However, Vancouver homeowners often overlook an important detail: preparing their home before leaving. Taking a few simple steps can help keep your home safe and provide peace of mind while you're away.
Here are the essential steps every Vancouver homeowner should take before vacationing. These tips help balance home care with travel enjoyment, allowing you to explore without worries.
1. Secure Your Heating and Cooling System
Before vacation, check your HVAC systems. Set the thermostat to 15°C-17°C in winter to prevent frozen pipes. Adjust the AC in summer for comfort. Regular maintenance helps avoid issues while you’re away.
2. Inspect Plumbing and Prevent Frozen Pipes
Plumbing is often the first to suffer during heating issues. Frozen pipes can burst, causing damage to floors and furniture. Book a quick inspection of furnace repair in Vancouver to maintain your system while you're away, preventing costly damage and stress upon your return.
However, Vancouver homeowners should drain outdoor hoses, insulate exposed pipes, and let indoor faucets drip slightly in cold weather before traveling.
When on extended vacation, ask a trusted neighbor or friend to run the water occasionally to prevent plumbing issues, which can escalate if left unattended.
3. Inform a Trusted Friend or Neighbor
Whenever you travel, whether by ferry, cruise, or flight, let someone you trust know your plans. Ask them to collect your mail, water your plants, and keep an eye on your property.
A lived-in home is less likely to attract unwanted attention. Having someone check in can catch small issues, such as leaks or tripped breakers, before they become major problems.
4. Lock Windows, Doors, and Entry Points
Before leaving, check all doors, windows, and entry points. Vancouver is generally safe, but empty homes can be vulnerable to break-ins. Use deadbolts, reinforce sliding doors, and ensure all locks work. Consider installing smart locks or doorbell cameras to remotely monitor your property while you're away on your trip.
5. Modify Lighting for Security
A dark house can attract intruders. Use timers or smart home systems to remotely control your lights, especially when traveling. Outdoor motion-sensor lighting also enhances security by making your home less appealing to burglars.
6. Wind Up Things Before You Leave
Returning home after vacation should be enjoyable, not filled with unpleasant smells or extra chores. Before you leave, take out the trash, run the dishwasher, and remove perishables from the fridge to prevent odors and deter pests. A clean home also makes your arrival feel more welcoming.
7. Secure Your Electronic Appliances
Unplug non-essential electronics like TVs, microwaves, and computers during storms, as power fluctuations can damage them. Use surge protectors for appliances. For long trips, turn off and drain your water heater to save energy and reduce leak risks.
8. Check Out For Emergency Contacts
Before traveling, check your home insurance policy, as many require regular check-ins for vacant homes. Not following those requirements could result in denied claims.
Ensure your emergency contacts are aware of your travel details. Thus, they can act quickly on your behalf in the event of storms or emergencies in Vancouver.
9. Pay Attention To Outdoor Areas
Before you leave, secure your outdoor space by storing patio furniture, bikes, and tools in a shed or garage to prevent theft and damage. During Vancouver’s rainy season, loose items can cause damage to windows or siding. Ensure fences and gates are secure, and clear gutters and drains to avoid water backups.
10. Check Everything Before The Trip
After securing your home, focus on travel: pack essentials, check flights, confirm hotels, and create an itinerary. With everything in order, you can enjoy your adventures whether in Paris, the Rockies, or Hawaii.
Essential Tips for Longer Trips
Hire a House-Sitter:
Consider employing a trusted house-sitter to maintain security and care for your home while you're away. This ensures your property remains occupied and can help with watering plants or receiving packages.
Set Up Auto-Pay for Bills and Subscriptions:
To avoid missed payments during your absence, set up your bills and subscriptions for automatic payment. This includes utilities, mortgage or rent, and any recurring memberships, which help maintain your credit score and prevent service interruptions.
Shut Off the Water Supply:
If you're traveling to regions with freezing temperatures, take precautionary measures by completely shutting off the water supply to your home. Drain the pipes to prevent freezing and bursting, which could lead to costly repairs upon your return.
Forward Your Mail:
To prevent a buildup of mail that could signal that you are away, set up mail forwarding through your postal service. Choose a temporary address or have your mail held for the duration of your trip to ensure that important correspondence is managed efficiently.
Unlocking Peace of Mind Through Vacation Prep
Vacations should recharge you.
Whether you're skiing in Whistler, exploring Stanley Park with relatives, or flying abroad, ensuring your home is secure makes it stress-free.
Taking a little time and spending some money to prepare your home can help you avoid costly surprises when you return.
Vancouver homeowners should prioritize furnace and plumbing care before traveling.
Schedule inspections or tune-ups to keep your home safe and functional while you're away.
Combine this with security measures and neighbor support to fully enjoy your trip.
Conclusion
Traveling is exciting, but it can be spoiled by coming home to a flooded basement, frozen pipes, or a break-in. Vancouver homeowners can prevent these problems by following a checklist before they leave.
Secure your heating system and plumbing, set up lights, and notify neighbors. Don’t forget to check your furnace. Schedule maintenance or repairs ahead of time to keep your home warm, protect your pipes, and manage energy bills while you’re away.
By following the above-mentioned 10 steps, you can travel with confidence. You can be assured that your Vancouver home will be secure and well-maintained when you return.