If you have left your home unoccupied for a period of time, and are now looking to move back in, then there are a number of checks you need to do to make sure your home is habitable.
In this blog we outline all the checks required to make sure you can move back into your property seamlessly.
Turn the electricity and power back on
If you’ve been living away from your property, you may have decided to turn the power off before your leave of absence. Upon returning, this is one of the first things you need to do to ensure that everything is still in working order.
Leaving your home unoccupied in the winter can lead to your home being freezing when you move back in, so turning the heating on as soon as possible is a terrific place to start. Check for any signs of damp, as dampness can accumulate, especially on outside walls. If you find any, using a dehumidifier is the best way to help dry out the wall.
Check the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide monitors and the bulbs in your security lights and any lights inside your home. Replace any that are not working.
Check your water pipes
Similar to turning the electricity back on, you will want to do the same with your water. You may find some taps will be a bit stiff after not being used for a prolonged period of time, and that the water may be a little bit dirty when you first turn it on. It’s best to let the water run for a few minutes before you drink any.
If you have a cold water tank in the loft, make sure it’s drained and refilled as the water could be stale. It’s also worth taking a peak to make sure there are no dead animals such as insects in there too.
If you have a radiator or a tap that is dripping, turn them off and either fix them yourself or get a qualified plumber to do so.
Depending on the time of year you have left your property unoccupied, check to see if your drainpipes and gutters are clogged with leaves. You may also find moss on your roof if you live in a rural area.
Ensure the house is well ventilated
Mould can develop in an unoccupied house if there is any dampness. The best way to prevent that is to fit suitable air bricks and window vents. Depending on your level of DIY skills you may need a builder or glazer to do this for you. You can also open the windows in your property for 15 minutes every day to ensure regular ventilation going onwards.
It’s also worth noting that any work carried out may require you to have home renovation insurance
If you do not have accidental damage included on your buildings insurance, you’re unlikely to be covered for any DIY mishaps either.
Switch your policy when the property is occupied again
Once your property is occupied again, you mustn’t forget to switch your policy back to standard cover. Having the wrong insurance means you will not be able to make a claim, should anything go wrong and will leave you having to pay for any damages to your home.
Check for any pests
An unoccupied home can be an inviting environment for rats and mice, especially if you have left any food lying around.
Have a good look around to see if there are any holes where rodents may have snuck in. Mice are found in buildings more often than rats because they are smaller and able to squeeze through a crack or hole one-fourth of an inch or larger – that’s about the width of a pencil. If you do find signs of mice, you can purchase humane traps or contact local pest control.
You may also come across a moth infestation which can be common for homes left unoccupied for a few months. There are an array of moth repellents you can purchase to combat this.
Inspect your boundaries
Britain’s wild weather means that a gale can blow up any time of the year so check your boundary fences and walls for damage. Loose panels should be repaired or replaced, as should crumbling brickwork, mortar on walls and any loose roof tiles.
Check your locks and latches are still in working order
Check the integrity of all locks and window latches and ensure they are working. Don’t forget the garage, shed and any outbuildings you may have. Repair or replace any that are not working properly.
Home insurance you can trust
If you’re looking for home insurance, there’s the specialist home insurance providers at Adrian Flux. We can protect you financially against incidents that can occur at your home or whilst building work is underway, including fire, theft, injury and accidental damage.
We can also cover your property if it remains unoccupied during renovations.
For our best rates, call 0800 369 8590 or book a callback at a time that works for you.
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