Owning seasonal real estate in Palm Beach is part of the American dream. The accompanying unoccupied vacation home problems are a reality check for most property owners.
When you own a vacation home, the challenge is balancing your time between the two homes. For many owners, that means trying to manage both properties as little time as possible and making them both profitable.
Dealing with Damage Your Property Might Sustain
If you’re fortunate enough to own a vacation home, you’ll know that there is always the potential for damage to occur while it stands unoccupied. Whether it is severe weather conditions or simply wear and tear, it is important to be prepared for the worst.
Leaks and Water Damage
Whether it is your primary residence or seasonal home, water damage from unoccupied homes can be an expensive problem. When you leave your home for extended periods of time, you increase the risk of water leaks inside walls or underneath floorboards. This type of damage is not detectable until it’s too late, which is why taking precautionary measures against water can make a huge difference when managing your properties.
Theft and Vandalism
When a home is standing empty, there is an increased risk of theft and vandalism. Depending on the type of home and the neighborhood it’s in, the risks will vary. In any case, the precautions you take can make a big difference.
A vacant house is an easy target for criminals – especially if it is obvious no one lives there anymore. There are plenty of things that could be stolen or destroyed inside an unoccupied home, including appliances, copper wiring and plumbing fixtures, lighting fixtures and heating system components. What’s more, criminals can break in without fear of disturbing any neighbors – making it much easier to stay anonymous after breaking into the property.
Preventative Maintenance Planned Ahead
Successful property managers appreciate that it is important to keep up with a regular maintenance schedule for your vacant vacation home. By being proactive and taking care of small issues before they become major problems, you will save yourself time and maintenance costs in the long run.
Make sure to inspect your property regularly, both inside and out. Look for any signs of wear and tear, such as cracks in the walls or ceiling, loose tiles, peeling paint, etc. If you spot any problems, don’t hesitate to call in a professional to take care of them.
In addition to regular inspections, there are some other preventative maintenance tasks you should do on a regular basis, such as:
- Cleaning gutters and downpipes
- Checking for leaks
- Pest control practices
- Mowing the lawn and trimming hedges.
Pool Maintenance and Cleaning | Landscaping and Garden Maintenance
Maintaining a pool and garden at a vacation home can be a daunting task. Fortunately, estate management services can take care of these worries for you. These services can include regular cleaning and maintenance of your pool and garden
They can also provide emergency services if necessary, so you can rest assured that your property is always in good hands.
How to Mitigate the Risk of an Unoccupied Vacation Home
There are a few things you can do to minimize the risk of damage to your unoccupied vacation property. First, make sure you have a comprehensive personal liability and property insurance policy in place.
Second, keep an eye on the weather forecast and be prepared to act if there is a risk of severe weather. Have someone prepare and check your dwelling regularly to make sure everything is okay.
Finally, don’t forget to enjoy your vacation! Worrying about your seasonal residence can ruin the experience, so make sure you take some time out to relax and enjoy yourself.
If you’re looking for peace of mind when it comes to handling maintenance issues at your Palm Beach vacation home, using a property management company is the way to go. Contact Florida Estate Management Services today to get started.
