Protect your seasonal home away from home
A seasonal home can bring you the excitement to get away from the ordinary and the deep-breath relaxation you need to recharge.
Putting in the effort to transition your seasonal home in and out of regular usage will help keep it in excellent condition each year.
You’ll want to plan ahead a couple weeks in advance of opening or closing your seasonal home. Inspect your property for any foundation cracks and consider any winterizing options right for your property. Once completed, pay attention to these key action items:
|
Home |
Closing |
Two weeks prior to your return… |
|---|---|---|
|
Gutters |
Clean to make sure all the rain and snowmelt can run away from the base of your home. |
Inspect them and plan any repairs as soon as possible. |
|
Roof |
Carefully, look for any raised shingles or signs of wear and make repairs accordingly. |
Carefully, inspect for any damage sustained during the previous months. |
|
Water |
Drain all pipes and outdoor hoses. Once drained, turn off the water at the house’s main supply and turn all faucets open. |
Turn supply back on and inspect all pipes and hoses for leaks. Flush toilets to make sure they are in working condition. |
|
Power |
Shut off and unplug all appliances. Switch off power at main source except for necessary equipment, such as an alarm system. |
Turn on all switches to make sure everything works. If all set, perform dry run with appliances to check for any issues. |
|
Gas/heating/utilities |
If your seasonal home's heat runs on gas, talk with your utility provider about the best approach. You will want to set your home's temperature to 55 degrees Fahrenheit while you are away. Arrange with your utility to have services such as TV and internet suspended for the months you will not be using the house. |
Call your utilities to reinstate these services and have any systems not working fixed or updated. If you have a septic system, you'll want that inspected now as well. |
| Home security | Consider installing a monitored security system with cameras. Many of these have apps that allow you to access the video of these systems in real time. Ensure the system is installed and your app is working properly while you are still there. Secure your windows and doors. Also, change the batteries on your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors. | Check to see if your windows or doors were damaged and update them accordingly. Replace your smoke and carbon monoxide detector batteries. |
|
Food |
Clean out pantries, refrigerators and anywhere else you regularly store food to prevent creating a buffet for unwanted wildlife or ants. |
Clean those areas that will be used for storage, plug your refrigerator back in and restock for the summer. |
If you have additional high-value equipment, such as boats, jet skis, snowmobiles, skiing equipment, extra vehicles, make sure they are properly insured, especially if they will be stored for the winter months.
Take a look at your regular home's coverage and see if the same protection makes sense for your seasonal home.
Talk to an independent insurance agent about the value you can get from high-value home coverage with Hanover Prestige for coverage issues such as water backup, guaranteed replacement cost plus and service line coverage for up to $20,000 for repairs to utility lines.
Sources
LC 2021-497
Protect your seasonal home away from home
A seasonal home can bring you the excitement to get away from the ordinary and the deep-breath relaxation you need to recharge.
Putting in the effort to transition your seasonal home in and out of regular usage will help keep it in excellent condition each year.
You’ll want to plan ahead a couple weeks in advance of opening or closing your seasonal home. Inspect your property for any foundation cracks and consider any winterizing options right for your property. Once completed, pay attention to these key action items:
|
Home |
Closing |
Two weeks prior to your return… |
|---|---|---|
|
Gutters |
Clean to make sure all the rain and snowmelt can run away from the base of your home. |
Inspect them and plan any repairs as soon as possible. |
|
Roof |
Carefully, look for any raised shingles or signs of wear and make repairs accordingly. |
Carefully, inspect for any damage sustained during the previous months. |
|
Water |
Drain all pipes and outdoor hoses. Once drained, turn off the water at the house’s main supply and turn all faucets open. |
Turn supply back on and inspect all pipes and hoses for leaks. Flush toilets to make sure they are in working condition. |
|
Power |
Shut off and unplug all appliances. Switch off power at main source except for necessary equipment, such as an alarm system. |
Turn on all switches to make sure everything works. If all set, perform dry run with appliances to check for any issues. |
|
Gas/heating/utilities |
If your seasonal home's heat runs on gas, talk with your utility provider about the best approach. You will want to set your home's temperature to 55 degrees Fahrenheit while you are away. Arrange with your utility to have services such as TV and internet suspended for the months you will not be using the house. |
Call your utilities to reinstate these services and have any systems not working fixed or updated. If you have a septic system, you'll want that inspected now as well. |
| Home security | Consider installing a monitored security system with cameras. Many of these have apps that allow you to access the video of these systems in real time. Ensure the system is installed and your app is working properly while you are still there. Secure your windows and doors. Also, change the batteries on your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors. | Check to see if your windows or doors were damaged and update them accordingly. Replace your smoke and carbon monoxide detector batteries. |
|
Food |
Clean out pantries, refrigerators and anywhere else you regularly store food to prevent creating a buffet for unwanted wildlife or ants. |
Clean those areas that will be used for storage, plug your refrigerator back in and restock for the summer. |
If you have additional high-value equipment, such as boats, jet skis, snowmobiles, skiing equipment, extra vehicles, make sure they are properly insured, especially if they will be stored for the winter months.
Take a look at your regular home's coverage and see if the same protection makes sense for your seasonal home.
Talk to an independent insurance agent about the value you can get from high-value home coverage with Hanover Prestige for coverage issues such as water backup, guaranteed replacement cost plus and service line coverage for up to $20,000 for repairs to utility lines.
Sources
LC 2021-497
Protect your seasonal home away from home
A seasonal home can bring you the excitement to get away from the ordinary and the deep-breath relaxation you need to recharge.
Putting in the effort to transition your seasonal home in and out of regular usage will help keep it in excellent condition each year.
You’ll want to plan ahead a couple weeks in advance of opening or closing your seasonal home. Inspect your property for any foundation cracks and consider any winterizing options right for your property. Once completed, pay attention to these key action items:
|
Home |
Closing |
Two weeks prior to your return… |
|---|---|---|
|
Gutters |
Clean to make sure all the rain and snowmelt can run away from the base of your home. |
Inspect them and plan any repairs as soon as possible. |
|
Roof |
Carefully, look for any raised shingles or signs of wear and make repairs accordingly. |
Carefully, inspect for any damage sustained during the previous months. |
|
Water |
Drain all pipes and outdoor hoses. Once drained, turn off the water at the house’s main supply and turn all faucets open. |
Turn supply back on and inspect all pipes and hoses for leaks. Flush toilets to make sure they are in working condition. |
|
Power |
Shut off and unplug all appliances. Switch off power at main source except for necessary equipment, such as an alarm system. |
Turn on all switches to make sure everything works. If all set, perform dry run with appliances to check for any issues. |
|
Gas/heating/utilities |
If your seasonal home's heat runs on gas, talk with your utility provider about the best approach. You will want to set your home's temperature to 55 degrees Fahrenheit while you are away. Arrange with your utility to have services such as TV and internet suspended for the months you will not be using the house. |
Call your utilities to reinstate these services and have any systems not working fixed or updated. If you have a septic system, you'll want that inspected now as well. |
| Home security | Consider installing a monitored security system with cameras. Many of these have apps that allow you to access the video of these systems in real time. Ensure the system is installed and your app is working properly while you are still there. Secure your windows and doors. Also, change the batteries on your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors. | Check to see if your windows or doors were damaged and update them accordingly. Replace your smoke and carbon monoxide detector batteries. |
|
Food |
Clean out pantries, refrigerators and anywhere else you regularly store food to prevent creating a buffet for unwanted wildlife or ants. |
Clean those areas that will be used for storage, plug your refrigerator back in and restock for the summer. |
If you have additional high-value equipment, such as boats, jet skis, snowmobiles, skiing equipment, extra vehicles, make sure they are properly insured, especially if they will be stored for the winter months.
Take a look at your regular home's coverage and see if the same protection makes sense for your seasonal home.
Talk to an independent insurance agent about the value you can get from high-value home coverage with Hanover Prestige for coverage issues such as water backup, guaranteed replacement cost plus and service line coverage for up to $20,000 for repairs to utility lines.
Sources
LC 2021-497
Protect your seasonal home away from home
A seasonal home can bring you the excitement to get away from the ordinary and the deep-breath relaxation you need to recharge.
Putting in the effort to transition your seasonal home in and out of regular usage will help keep it in excellent condition each year.
You’ll want to plan ahead a couple weeks in advance of opening or closing your seasonal home. Inspect your property for any foundation cracks and consider any winterizing options right for your property. Once completed, pay attention to these key action items:
|
Home |
Closing |
Two weeks prior to your return… |
|---|---|---|
|
Gutters |
Clean to make sure all the rain and snowmelt can run away from the base of your home. |
Inspect them and plan any repairs as soon as possible. |
|
Roof |
Carefully, look for any raised shingles or signs of wear and make repairs accordingly. |
Carefully, inspect for any damage sustained during the previous months. |
|
Water |
Drain all pipes and outdoor hoses. Once drained, turn off the water at the house’s main supply and turn all faucets open. |
Turn supply back on and inspect all pipes and hoses for leaks. Flush toilets to make sure they are in working condition. |
|
Power |
Shut off and unplug all appliances. Switch off power at main source except for necessary equipment, such as an alarm system. |
Turn on all switches to make sure everything works. If all set, perform dry run with appliances to check for any issues. |
|
Gas/heating/utilities |
If your seasonal home's heat runs on gas, talk with your utility provider about the best approach. You will want to set your home's temperature to 55 degrees Fahrenheit while you are away. Arrange with your utility to have services such as TV and internet suspended for the months you will not be using the house. |
Call your utilities to reinstate these services and have any systems not working fixed or updated. If you have a septic system, you'll want that inspected now as well. |
| Home security | Consider installing a monitored security system with cameras. Many of these have apps that allow you to access the video of these systems in real time. Ensure the system is installed and your app is working properly while you are still there. Secure your windows and doors. Also, change the batteries on your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors. | Check to see if your windows or doors were damaged and update them accordingly. Replace your smoke and carbon monoxide detector batteries. |
|
Food |
Clean out pantries, refrigerators and anywhere else you regularly store food to prevent creating a buffet for unwanted wildlife or ants. |
Clean those areas that will be used for storage, plug your refrigerator back in and restock for the summer. |
If you have additional high-value equipment, such as boats, jet skis, snowmobiles, skiing equipment, extra vehicles, make sure they are properly insured, especially if they will be stored for the winter months.
Take a look at your regular home's coverage and see if the same protection makes sense for your seasonal home.
Talk to an independent insurance agent about the value you can get from high-value home coverage with Hanover Prestige for coverage issues such as water backup, guaranteed replacement cost plus and service line coverage for up to $20,000 for repairs to utility lines.
Sources
LC 2021-497