• Home
• About us
• Loans
• How it works
• FAQs
• Contact us

Buttoning up a second home for the winter months

By Melissa Wirkus

Buying and keeping up a second home or vacation property can be a lot of work, especially when winter time rolls around. And if you are one of the many Californians who has a vacation home in one of the many states that actually has a winter; things can be especially difficult.

There are many things that second-homeowners must do in the fall to prepare for the cold, stormy winter months ahead.

If you prepare your home in advance of the long winter, you will actually save yourself a lot of stress, time and money in the long run.

An October 11, 2006 article by Amy Gunderson of The New York Times, “Closed for winter,” discusses some things that homeowners can do to make sure their homes are protected during the winter when they are not there.

“Closing up a vacation home for the colder months is an autumn rite for second-home owners in the Northeast and Midwest. And taking steps in the fall to protect the house from harsh winter weather is the best way to insure a stress-free return in the spring.”

Taking care of the plumbing and pipes should undoubtedly be at the top of your list when it comes to securing your house for the harsh winter weather.

Disaster could strike in the spring if you do not take the proper “pipe” precautions before you leave your house for the winter.

“Preparing the pipes for winter is the most critical step in closing a house. The danger of not turning off the water and draining pipes is simple: disaster in spring. ‘I’ve seen houses with running water out the door in April. There is always one that makes it into the newspaper,’ said Brad Pratt, a broker with the Island Group on Martha’s Vineyard.”

Even if you have someone checking on the house regularly, whether it is a property manager or a neighbor, surprise leaks can still occur. Ice holds water in the pipes, and when it thaws, big floods can occur, or it can break the pipes before it thaws.

“Begin with turning off the main water valve to the house and then open the faucets to drain out the water. Some homes are designed so that all the pipes sit at sharp angles and rely on the force of gravity to drain water. While some management companies might stress that this design means there is no need to blow out the lines with an air compressor, Mr. Del Grande said that assumption is a big risk.”

If you can afford to, it is ideal to leave the heat at 60 degrees, since it is the best way to dehumidify the house, which protects against mold, peeled wallpaper and warped doors.

Don’t forget to bring any outdoor furniture such as chairs and umbrellas indoors as well.

And last but not least, do not forget about any critters that may try to make your home their winter hang out spot.

“Keeping the critters out of a vacant house is a constant and often losing battle for homeowners. Insuring that there is no food left out and putting wire mesh screens over the chimney and any outside vents can help keep the animals away, but they still might use your house as a winter retreat.”