Preparing Your Vacation Home for the Off-Season - Part 2
Every homeowner at the Lake of the Ozarks is going to handle this time of year a bit differently (though, we’re sure it involves tears for all!). Some will completely winterize their luxury home at the Lake of the Ozarks and come back in the spring to enjoy it, others are only going to partially winterize it because they will still visit throughout the winter, or have someone who cares for it through the off-season. No matter what your solution, here are a few ideas to consider as you prepare your million dollar home at the Lake of the Ozarks for the upcoming off-season.
We covered part 1 a few months back, if you haven’t seen it yet, you can read it here: Preparing Your Vacation Home for The Off-Season - Part 1.
You will also want to have your home thoroughly cleaned before it’s locked up for the winter. This means that all food will need to be removed (other than canned goods), and you can store your bedding and mattresses in plastic.
It may be the best time of year to consider hiring someone to care for your vacation home if you don’t have someone already. This could include someone who keeps the landscaping looking beautiful as well as making your home look occupied. Or it could involve a security company keeping an eye on things while you aren’t there.
Chances are that your luxury home already has a security system installed, but if it doesn’t, this is the perfect time to hire someone to install a high-quality system. These types of systems can be hooked up to your wi-fi as well so that you can view them from your smartphone. The motion-sensitive exterior lights and even programmable interior lights can help keep your property safe as well.
While talking about your car, you will also want to make plans for your watercraft. Many companies around the Lake will come and pick up your watercraft, winterize it, and then store it until the summer season comes back around. Reach out to these businesses and make sure that you have a plan for your boat and jet skis.
If you don’t own a lakefront home at the Lake of the Ozarks, now is a wonderful time to make your dream purchase. There are some exceptional homes on the market right now, and this is a financially great time to make vacation home purchases. Have questions about owning a luxury home at the Lake of the Ozarks? We would be honored to speak with you about the advantages and show you a few homes. Labor Day weekend would be a great time to take some tours!
MATTHEW SCHRIMPF
Direct Phone : (573) 365-7333
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We covered part 1 a few months back, if you haven’t seen it yet, you can read it here: Preparing Your Vacation Home for The Off-Season - Part 1.
Pest Control
We talked about the value of keeping your house a set temperature to protect the pipes, but there is one disadvantage: pest. A warm home can be the perfect place for pests such as squirrels or rodents making their home during the winter. Be sure that you keep up with the scheduled spray schedule for bugs like ants or termites. This will help eliminate the easy entrances for the larger pests. You will also want to have someone inspect the exterior of the house for any cracks or holes in the foundation, siding, or windows, as this can be a prime place for those rodents to invade. Having someone remove overhanging limbs can also help guard your home so that raccoons, rats, and squirrels aren’t given easy access to the attic insulation causing damage to your rafters and ceilings.You will also want to have your home thoroughly cleaned before it’s locked up for the winter. This means that all food will need to be removed (other than canned goods), and you can store your bedding and mattresses in plastic.
Preparing for Severe Weather
The Midwest doesn’t tend to experience high levels of snow through the winter, but we get enough to make preparation necessary. Some of the biggest things to consider are outside, like your pool and dock. If you have an ingrained pool, you will want to hire professionals to come in and make sure that your pool is prepped for the winter season. Your dock will also need to be cared for through the winter, as it’s not uncommon for the Lake to freeze. Hiring someone to come to check on your pool and dock through the winter can be invaluable.
Vacation Home Services
It may be the best time of year to consider hiring someone to care for your vacation home if you don’t have someone already. This could include someone who keeps the landscaping looking beautiful as well as making your home look occupied. Or it could involve a security company keeping an eye on things while you aren’t there. Home Security
Did you know that 72% of all residential burglaries occur when the home is unoccupied? While many of these break-ins occur when the owners are only out for a few hours, leaving your home empty for an entire season could leave it more vulnerable. Keeping the outside of your home looking cared for can make a huge impact in warding off unwanted activity. You will also want to make sure that you put a hold on your newspaper and mail service, as well as lock every window and door, with the dead-bolts in place.Chances are that your luxury home already has a security system installed, but if it doesn’t, this is the perfect time to hire someone to install a high-quality system. These types of systems can be hooked up to your wi-fi as well so that you can view them from your smartphone. The motion-sensitive exterior lights and even programmable interior lights can help keep your property safe as well.
Will You Leave a Car?
Finally, if you are leaving a car at your vacation home, remember to keep it covered. Better yet, store your vehicle in the garage so that it is protected from any ice, hail, or snow. You can also review your car insurance coverage. If your car isn’t going to be driven while you’re away, you can suspend your collision coverage. Just be sure you keep the comprehensive coverage in case of unexpected damage, theft, hail, or dents from fallen branches.While talking about your car, you will also want to make plans for your watercraft. Many companies around the Lake will come and pick up your watercraft, winterize it, and then store it until the summer season comes back around. Reach out to these businesses and make sure that you have a plan for your boat and jet skis.
If you don’t own a lakefront home at the Lake of the Ozarks, now is a wonderful time to make your dream purchase. There are some exceptional homes on the market right now, and this is a financially great time to make vacation home purchases. Have questions about owning a luxury home at the Lake of the Ozarks? We would be honored to speak with you about the advantages and show you a few homes. Labor Day weekend would be a great time to take some tours!
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