As the temperatures begin to climb and the allure of cooler climates beckons, many residents of Southwest Florida prepare to embark on their seasonal migration. Whether you're a part-time dweller, a winter homeowner, or a seasonal resident, ensuring your property is adequately prepared before your departure is paramount. Not only does proper preparation provide peace of mind while you're away, but it can also have significant implications for your homeowners insurance coverage. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the essential steps you should take before leaving your Southwest Florida home for the season, along with the potential benefits to your insurance policy.
Secure Your Property:
Before bidding farewell to your Southwest Florida abode, it imperative to ensure your home is secure from potential threats. This entails thoroughly checking and securing all points of entry, including doors, windows and garage doors.
Consider investing in a comprehensive security system equipped with cameras, motion sensors, and remote monitoring capabilities to deter intruders and provide surveillance in real time.
Make sure vegetation is trimmed back and ensure outdoor lighting is in good working order. Again, consider installing motion-activated lights to enhance visibility and deter trespassers. We’ll cover more reasons to trim your trees and bushes later.
Conduct a Comprehensive Home Check:
Prior to your departure, schedule a thorough home check with a reputable home watch professional like Blanx Home Watch Services. Their experienced professionals will conduct a systematic, comprehensive check of your home looking for any irregularities12w or security concerns that require attention prior to your departure. Blanx Home Watch Services will then make regularly scheduled visits to keep an eye on things while your home is unoccupied.
During the check, our professionals will focus on vital areas such as any wet zones (bathrooms, kitchen, etc.), water heater and the HVAC system.
Our dedicated team will proactively address any issues in order to mitigate the risk of costly repairs or damage while you are away. Keep an eye out for Blanx Home Watch’s free pre-departure check list in an upcoming blog.
Prepare for Hurricane Season:
Owning property in Southwest Florida necessitates preparedness for the possibility of hurricanes and tropical storms. Before embarking on your seasonal hiatus, take proactive measures to fortify your home against potential storm damage.
Secure outdoor furniture, patio décor, and any loose objects that could become projectiles during high winds. Trim trees, shrubs and, if you have coconut or other large fruit bearing trees, have them harvested prior to hurricane season in order to prevent them causing property damage from becoming projectiles.
If your home is equipped with a generator, have a technician perform a check and any necessary preventative maintenance to ensure your system will work properly during a power outage.
Blanx Home Watch also offers storm and hurricane services to better prepare your property for a potential storm.
Notify Service Providers:
Before your departure, notify relevant service providers and suspend service during your absence. Make sure to arrange for mail forwarding and/or have packages delivered to an alternate address to prevent accumulation and deter burglars.
Suspending your cable service, if applicable, is a good idea since it won’t be needed in your absence.
Review Your Insurance Coverage:
Take the time to review your homeowners insurance policy with your insurance provider before embarking on your seasonal journey. Discuss your plans to utilize a home watch service and inquire about any potential discounts or benefits available for proactive property protection.
Ensure your insurance policy provides adequate coverage for potential risks such as storm damage, theft, vandalism, and liability during periods of extended vacancy. Consider purchasing additional coverage or endorsements if necessary to safeguard your investment.
Conclusion
Preparing your Southwest Florida home for seasonal absence is a multifaceted endeavor that requires careful planning and attention to detail. By following the guidelines listed above and enlisting the services of a trusted Home Watch Professional like Blanx Home Watch Services, you can depart with confidence knowing that your property is being looked after until you return. Additionally, taking proactive steps to safeguard your home may result in potential benefits to your homeowner’s insurance coverage, underscoring the importance of thorough preparation.
To experience the peace of mind Blanx Home Watch offers while you're away, book your free consultation below.
Comments