Annual Vacation Home Maintenance Checklist

Vacation home maintenance is the toll you must pay for the privilege of having a luxurious sanctuary in the Sunshine State.

The blend of personal and financial benefits that come with owning a second residence is difficult to achieve through rental properties or hotel stays:

• You enjoy the privacy and space to cook your own meals, lounge in your own living room, and enjoy your outdoor space.
• You can also offset some of the costs by renting out your seasonal property when you’re not using it.
• Decorating and equipping your vacation home to suit your individual style and taste creates a more personalized and welcoming environment.
• Owning a property helps to build relationships with the local community.
• A vacation home is an investment opportunity that has the potential to increase in value over time and become a valuable asset that you can pass on to your family.

The Importance of Regular Vacation Home Maintenance

In exchange for a refuge from the daily grind and cold climate, you take on the responsibility of maintaining the property to keep it in tip-top condition.

Regular checks and upkeep of your Florida vacation home are essential to ensure that it continues to provide the luxury escape you desire, without any unexpected surprises:

• Protect the value of your property.
• Prevent costly repairs, for example, catching a leak in the roof early will save you from having to replace the entire roof.
• Save money on utility bills by keeping systems and appliances running optimally, which helps to reduce energy consumption and increase efficiency.
• Ensure the safety of you and your family by finding and fixing potential safety hazards in your home, such as electrical problems or gas leaks.
• Increase the comfort of your home – properly working air conditioning system and hot water etc. – thereby providing a relaxing and enjoyable experience for you and your guests.

So now that you have been convinced of just how important it is to keep your vacation home functioning at its best, we’ve put together a seasonal vacation home maintenance checklist for your convenience.

Spring and Summer Home Maintenance

As we hurtle into the second quarter of 2023, now is the perfect time to tackle tasks to prepare your property for the summer months. Being the driest month means you can work outdoors in March worrying about inclement weather. (This is provided you can drag yourself away from the festive atmosphere of Palm Beach County’s International Boat Show and Film Festival!)

The end of the season is the perfect time to give your vacation home a new lease on life by cleaning and maintaining your home to be ready for your next winter visit. Here are some of the areas to be checked for maintenance in spring or summer.

Check the Exterior of the Home for the Following:

• Inspect the roof for any signs of damage, such as missing or cracked tiles, or leaks.
• Clean gutters and downspouts of any leaves, debris, or blockages to ensure proper drainage when the rainy season arrives. Check if they need any repairs.
• Examine your windows and doors for damaged or rotted wood and reseal or replace, reapply exterior caulk if the gap around the door or window is wider than a nickel.
• Spring clean the exterior of elements of your property by pressure washing the siding, windows, walls, paving, and deck to remove any dirt, mold, or stains that may have accumulated over the winter.
• Inspect the deck and patio for any signs of damage or decay, such as rot or cracks. Look for any signs of cracks or movement in concrete.
• Clean the pool, check the filtration system, and inspect the structure for damage or leaking.
• Check for any paint chips or holes that needs patching. If necessary, paint or stain the exterior of the building to freshen up its appearance and protect it from the elements.

Enjoy the Good Weather as You Catch Up on Garden Maintenance:

• Check the irrigation system, repairing any leaks or broken sprinkler heads and adjusting the timing and coverage as needed.
• Spread mulch around the base of shrubs and trees to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Check the lawn for potential drainage problems. Fertilize the lawn, aerate it if necessary, and remove any dead grass or debris.
• Prune any trees and shrubs that need shaping, removing any dead or damaged branches. Ensure plants close to the house do not touch the roof or walls.
• Plant any new shrubs, trees, or flowers to take advantage of the mild weather in March and get a head start on the growing season.

March Is an Important Time for Pest Control in Florida Vacation Homes as Warm Temperatures and Humidity Increase:

• Conduct a thorough inspection of the home, both inside and out, to identify any signs of pest activity, such as droppings, nests, or damage to wood or other materials.
• Check your property for possible mosquito breeding areas and clear them.
• Seal any cracks or gaps in the foundation, walls, or windows that could provide entry points for pests.
• Store food in airtight containers, keep the kitchen and dining areas clean, and take out the garbage regularly to reduce the attraction of pests to the home.
• Install screens on windows and doors to prevent pests from entering the home, and make sure they are in good repair.
• Apply appropriate pesticides to areas where pests are active or where they are likely to enter the home.

Move Into the Interior of Your Home:

• Check all plumbing fixtures and all electrical outlets, switches, and fixtures. Make any necessary repairs or upgrades.
• Thoroughly clean the interior of your residence home – dust, vacuum, and wipe down surfaces to remove grime that accumulated during winter.
• Service the air conditioning system.

Winter and Fall Home Maintenance

• Check for any cracks in your vacation home’s foundation and repair them before the spring with caulk or silicone. Clear dead plants and shrubs around the foundation of your home to avoid damage to the structure.
• Keep the water pressure strong in the shower by removing the showerheads and cleaning out all the mineral deposits.
• Change air filters.
• Replace batteries in smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.
• Clean the garbage disposal.
• Weatherproof your windows. Check the heating system if you have one for those couple of days of cold weather.

How Gardens Home Management Services Can Help

When it comes to vacation home maintenance, there’s a lot to do. While we don’t question your ability to do all these tasks, are they really the best use of your time?

Instead of DIY or ages trying to find a reliable contractor and then supervising them, many homeowners opt to enlist the expertise of the experts to do it all for them!

For information on vacation home maintenance services you can trust, contact Gardens Home Management Services today.