Opening a vacation home

When it’s time to visit your vacation home for the first time, or start renting it out for the season, you’ll need to get it ready. A ski chalet might require you to shovel snow and chop firewood, while a summer retreat by the shore might call for cleaning patio furniture and staining the deck.

Much depends on how well the house is maintained throughout the year. Opening your vacation home could be as easy as stocking the pantry, or if the house was neglected in the offseason, you could have multiple repairs on your hands.

A well-maintained vacation home shouldn’t take more than a day to get in shape for the season, assuming no major repairs are needed. Here are some typical opening chores:

  • Turn on utilities
  • Clean and stock kitchen and bathrooms
  • Look for evidence of plumbing and roof leaks
  • Cut lawn and trim shrubs/trees
  • Clear walkways and driveway
  • Set up outdoor furniture
  • Change lightbulbs and smoke detector batteries
  • Replace furnace filters
  • Check for signs of pest infestation

Closing a vacation home

Closing a vacation home also takes about a day to complete. The emphasis should be on safeguarding your home against the elements as well as fire risks. Here are some common closing tasks:

  • Turn off nonessential utilities
  • Secure all windows and doors
  • Turn on alarm system
  • Close storm shutters
  • Dispose of trash and perishable foods
  • Adjust furnace settings for climate
  • Bring in outdoor furniture
  • Unplug appliances and electronics
  • Drain water lines to prevent freezing (in cold climates)
  • Request mail-forwarding service

To deter vandalism and theft, consider installing a home security system. You can also put in automatic indoor lights that turn on at dusk or outside flood lights that are motion-activated.

If the house is only going to be vacant for a couple of months, call your utility providers to see if discounted “vacation rates” are available. It might be cheaper than turning off services and paying a reconnection fee a few weeks later.

Property manager vs. caretaker

It’s costly to hire a property management company to maintain your vacation home, including opening it and closing it. If you plan to rent out your vacation home, a property manager typically gets 20% to 60% of the rental income, according to Christine Karpinski of HomeAway, a vacation rental website.

A less expensive alternative is hiring a local housecleaner or handyman to open and close your vacation home, and keep an eye on the property during the offseason. A good rule of thumb for calculating cleaning fees is to budget $20 for each bedroom and bathroom, so a 3-bed/2-bath home would cost $100 to clean.

If you live far from your vacation home, you may have little choice but to hire local help. Ask owners of nearby vacation homes for referrals. Look for a property manager or caretaker with good references who has been in business locally for an extended period of time. And no matter who you end up hiring, be sure that anyone coming onto your property to do work is bonded and insured.