Insure Your Overseas Home
Owning an overseas vacation property can be a great way to
save money on yearly vacations, as you don't have to book any rooms at expensive
hotels or inconvenience your other family members. But it can also mean that
you're not there when things go wrong.
The
Caretaker
The good news is that you can actually put your ad in on
forums and sites like Caretaker Jobs to find couples willing to care for your
property. This represents a win-win situation for many overseas property owners,
as they can rest assured that a competent individual or couple are keeping on
eye on things. For the caretaker or caretakers, it's an opportunity to live in a
rent-free situation, and in an environment that offers a refreshing change from
what they may be used to.
Caretakers can do just about
anything, from cutting the grass to tending the gardens and checking for items
which may need your immediate attention, such as leaks in your roof. The main
advantage of the caretaker is that they will usually live in your home, which
may reduce the risk of your overseas property being robbed or vandalized.
DIY
Even if you do have a caretaker,
you can do some preventive maintenance yourself before you leave your vacation
home for an extended period of time. And the completion of just two tasks can
save you hundreds of thousands of dollars:
- Keeping your
furnace filters clean
- Ensuring your roof is sealed off from leaks
Changing The Furnace Filter
Before you
do anything, you need to make sure your furnace is turned off. You may find the
switch on the furnace cabinet itself. Once that's completed:
1. Open the blower doors, which will either swing open
or lift up, and then remove the air filter, which will usually
slide out.
2. Check the state of the filter by holding it
up to a light source. If there is visible dust buildup or you can't see light
through it, it's time to clean it.
3. There may also be
dirt inside the furnace's door. This can be swept up or vacuumed before you
replace the filter.
4. If your filters are permanent, they
can be washed with cool water or vacuumed. When washing, ensure all dirt is
removed, shake the filter to get rid of excess water, and then set out to dry
for at least an hour before you replace it. Fiberglass filters will need
complete replacement, and you may need your furnace's model number and size to
purchase a new one. This filter type will need to be placed with its indicating
arrow toward the furnace's blower.
Choosing a
Roofing Company
Roof work is serious business. And if you want the
best roofing job for your vacation home, then you will need a quality company to
do the work. Check with the local chamber of commerce, trade associations,
yellow pages and your neighbors for advice about roofing companies. Then, it's
time to carefully interview each one.
Maintaining Your Vacation Home