Preparation of Unoccupied House?

Question

We're moving overseas so our house will be left unoccupied. Will return in the summers for 5-6 weeks. We live in a northern midwest state. Trying to get a property manager, but not having much luck. Need some advice as to what to do to prepare the house for unoccupancy.

Answer 1

I know this drill. Your two biggest challenges will be to prevent water damage (pipes leaking or burst, roof leaks, etc)  and to provide security.

Definitely make sure someone gets in the house every week, and more often during severe weather. Yes, 5 minutes after the person leaves a pipe might burst and not be discovered for a week, but it definitely improves the chances of catching problems. The property mgr checking my vacation house spotted a roof dam forming on the roof during a particularly snowy period and made arrangements to have it removed before it caused a roof leak. My insurance will not honor a damage claim unless I have someone checking on the place regularly--my property mgr keeps a log of visits.

As for other water leaks, here's what This Old House plumber Richard Trethewey has to say:

http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/asktoh/q...

FYI That business about the ice-cube maker? Take it seriously. It happened to our place a couple years before we bought it and all the flooring downstairs (some tile, some carpet) had to be replaced.

Regarding security, the prop mgr will help but you might also notify local police. And your neighbors may notice if anything doesn't seem right. Have the yard maintained, too.

Answer 2

just be sure the locks are good, call and stop the paper, have a friend water the inside and outside plants.  Arrrange for some one to mow the lawn, stop the mail, pay the water and electric bills, and tell the cops you are going out of town,so they wii check things out.

Answer 3

just to add to what jay had said.  I would recomend shuting your water off at the meter to prevent a waterline from breaking espesially if you have an older house.   Also buy a thermostate called the watch dog i believe.  It will turn a light on if your heat quites to signal the nieghbors to call you.  to prevent waterlines from freezing.  You may want to consider allowing a relitive or friend to move in just to maintain your property

Answer 4

One problem is with sewer gas.  Sewer gas is prevented from backing up into your house by traps.  The traps (U-shaped bends in drain pipe) work by trapping a small quantity of water so it blocks the gas from passing back to your home.  The problem is, if no one uses the drains, the water evaporates and allows sewer gas into your home.  

I would close all the drains as well.  

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