7 things to do before opening your second home this summer
As the weather warms up, you may be anxious to start relaxing at your secondary home. To make the most of your time there this summer, be sure to take a few steps now to open your property efficiently, ensure that it’s in good shape, and that you and your family will be protected during your stay.
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Turn your utilities on.
Call your utility providers and check all your accounts are still active and that no services have expired. If you have a pool, call in the relevant professionals to service and clean it prior to use.
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Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and test them out to make sure they’re working correctly.
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Check for frayed or chewed electrical cords or wires.
Rodents are often attracted to electrical cords and wires and can cause a lot of damage by chewing them. Replace any electrical cables that are frayed or damaged in any way.
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Check your boiler and have it serviced.
One of the best ways to ensure a problem-free stay is to ensure your boiler is working correctly, especially after a period of inactivity. Once a year, have the boiler inspected by a professional.
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Turn on the water and check for leaks.
Even if you turned off your water over the winter, now is a good time to check your water-using appliances, pipes, and taps for cracks, damage, or leaks, and repair anything that isn’t in good condition.
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Look for damage to the roof and outside of the home from weather, tree limbs, etc.
Nothing spoils summer fun like a leaking roof or mice in the house. Inspect the roof and outside of the house for any damage it sustained from weather or falling tree limbs over the months you were away, and make any repairs needed.
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Get a run-down from your property manager, if you have one.
If you hire a property manager to look out for your secondary home while you’re not there, have him or her bring you up to speed on any happenings over the autumn, winter or early spring.
All content in this material is for general information purposes only. It does not constitute personal advice or a recommendation to any individual or business of any product or service. Please refer to the policy documentation issued for full terms and conditions of coverage.
Chubb European Group SE trading as Chubb, Chubb Bermuda International and Combined Insurance, is authorised by the Autorité de contrôle prudentiel et de résolution (ACPR) in France and is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland for conduct of business rules.
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Chubb European Group SE is an undertaking governed by the provisions of the French insurance code with registration number 450 327 374 RCS Nanterre and the following registered office: La Tour Carpe Diem, 31 Place des Corolles, Esplanade Nord, 92400 Courbevoie, France. Chubb European Group SE has fully paid share capital of €896,176,662.
