After distinguishing between vacant and unoccupied homes and understanding their unique risks and requirements, it’s essential for homeowners to implement effective follow-up plans. These plans ensure that whether your home is vacant or simply unoccupied, it remains secure, well-maintained, and protected against potential issues. Here are comprehensive follow-up strategies tailored to both vacant and unoccupied homes:

1. Establish a Regular Home Watch Schedule

Why It’s Important: Regular home watch monitoring helps identify and address problems early, preventing minor issues from escalating into significant damages.

How to Implement:

• Routine Visits: Schedule periodic visits to your property. For vacant homes, consider more frequent visits (e.g., weekly or bi-weekly), whereas unoccupied homes might require less frequent checks (e.g., bi-weekly).
• Professional Services: Hire a reputable Home Watch service to perform these visits, ensuring impartiality and thoroughness.
• Check Key Areas: During visits, focus on critical areas such as plumbing, electrical systems, HVAC units, and potential entry points for security breaches.

2. Enhance Security Measures

Why It’s Important: Increased security reduces the risk of break-ins, vandalism, and other unauthorized activities, especially in vacant homes.

How to Implement:

• Install Security Systems: Equip your home with advanced security systems, including alarms, motion detectors, and surveillance cameras. Ensure they are monitored remotely.
• Use Smart Home Technology: Implement smart locks, doorbell cameras, and window sensors that can alert you to any suspicious activity.
• Secure Entry Points: Reinforce doors and windows with sturdy locks, security bars, or reinforced glass to deter intruders.
• Visible Deterrents: Display security signs and install motion-activated lighting to discourage potential trespassers.

3. Maintain Utilities and Systems

Why It’s Important: Proper maintenance of utilities prevents issues like frozen pipes, mold growth, and system failures, which can be costly and damaging.

How to Implement:

• Monitor Utility Usage: Ensure essential utilities (water, electricity, heating/cooling) are maintained at safe levels. For instance, set the thermostat to a moderate temperature to prevent extreme conditions.
• Regular Maintenance: Schedule routine maintenance for HVAC systems, plumbing, and electrical systems to keep them functioning optimally.
• Utility Shut-Offs: If the home will be vacant for an extended period, consider turning off non-essential utilities to prevent leaks and reduce energy consumption, while keeping necessary systems active.

4. Implement Preventative Maintenance

Why It’s Important: Preventative maintenance helps avoid unexpected breakdowns and prolongs the lifespan of home systems and structures.

How to Implement:

• Seasonal Checks: Perform seasonal maintenance tasks such as gutter cleaning, roof inspections, and landscaping to prevent water damage and pest infestations.
• Pest Control: Regularly inspect for signs of pests and take proactive measures like sealing entry points and setting traps if necessary.
• Mold and Mildew Prevention: Use dehumidifiers in humid climates to prevent mold growth, and ensure proper ventilation in areas prone to moisture buildup.

5. Update and Review Insurance Coverage

Why It’s Important: Proper insurance coverage protects your property against potential risks, ensuring you’re not left vulnerable in case of damage or loss.

How to Implement:

• Review Policies: Examine your homeowner’s insurance policy to understand coverage limitations for vacant or unoccupied homes.
• Obtain Additional Coverage: Consider purchasing separate vacant home insurance or endorsements that cover risks specific to vacant properties, such as vandalism and undetected damage.
• Notify Insurance Provider: Inform your insurance company about the status of your home to ensure your coverage remains appropriate and avoid potential claim issues.

6. Communicate with Neighbors and Local Authorities

Why It’s Important: Having a network of informed neighbors and local authorities can provide an additional layer of security and oversight for your property.

How to Implement:

• Inform Neighbors: Let trusted neighbors know that your home will be vacant or unoccupied. They can keep an eye out for any unusual activity and notify you or authorities if needed.
• Emergency Contacts: Provide neighbors or friends with your contact information and instructions on what to do in case of emergencies.
• Local Police: In some cases, you might inform the local police about your property status, especially if it will be vacant for an extended period, to receive regular patrols or checks.

7. Manage Mail and Deliveries

Why It’s Important: Accumulated mail or unattended packages can indicate that no one is home, attracting unwanted attention and potential security risks.

How to Implement:

• Mail Hold Service: Arrange for the postal service to hold your mail while you’re away or have a trusted person collect it regularly.
• Package Management: Use package delivery lockers, have deliveries sent to a secure location, or instruct couriers to leave packages with neighbors or a designated contact person.

8. Implement Smart Home Monitoring

Why It’s Important: Smart home devices provide real-time monitoring and alerts, allowing you to keep tabs on your property remotely.

How to Implement:

• Smart Cameras: Install cameras that can be accessed remotely to monitor your home’s exterior and interior.
• Environmental Sensors: Use sensors to detect water leaks, smoke, carbon monoxide, and temperature fluctuations, sending alerts to your phone if issues arise.
• Automated Systems: Implement smart lighting, thermostats, and locks that can be controlled and monitored remotely, enhancing both security and energy efficiency.

9. Plan for Regular Maintenance Tasks

Why It’s Important: Consistent maintenance ensures that all aspects of your home remain in good condition, preventing long-term damage and costly repairs.

How to Implement:

• Create a Maintenance Checklist: Develop a checklist of regular maintenance tasks tailored to your home’s specific needs, such as checking HVAC filters, inspecting plumbing, and cleaning gutters.
• Hire Professionals: Engage professional services for specialized maintenance tasks, such as HVAC servicing, roof inspections, and pest control.
• Track Maintenance Activities: Keep a log of all maintenance activities performed, noting dates, tasks completed, and any issues addressed.

10. Prepare for Emergencies

Why It’s Important: Having a plan in place for emergencies ensures that any issues can be addressed promptly, minimizing potential damage and ensuring the safety of your property.

How to Implement:

• Emergency Contacts: Compile a list of emergency contacts, including local plumbers, electricians, security services, and your Home Watch provider.
• Create an Emergency Plan: Develop a plan outlining steps to take in case of various emergencies, such as floods, fires, or break-ins. Share this plan with trusted contacts who may assist in your absence.
• Install Safety Devices: Equip your home with smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers, ensuring they are functional and regularly tested.

Conclusion

Effective follow-up plans are essential for managing vacant and unoccupied homes, ensuring they remain secure, well-maintained, and protected against potential risks. By implementing these strategies, homeowners can safeguard their properties, maintain their value, and enjoy peace of mind knowing their homes are in good hands, even in their absence. Whether through regular inspections, enhanced security measures, or professional Home Watch services, proactive management is key to preserving the integrity and safety of your home.